MEMPHIS, TN -- Hardwood flooring shipments for June 2006 are reported at 42,856,000 square feet, a slight decrease from the shipments reported in May, according to NOFMA: The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Assn. Shipments for June 2006 were almost 5% below the shipment levels from the same month in 2005. Despite the drop in June's figures, overall shipments for the year remain on pace to surpass 2005 overall shipment levels by about 2%, NOFMA said.

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA -- The Woodwork Institute, an architectural millwork organization serving Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona, selected 13 winners as part of its

DES PLAINES, IL -- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) granted approval to the recently revised Window

  RESTON, VA -- Cabinet sales for August 2006 increased 8.2% over August 2005, according to members participating in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn.’s monthly Trends of Business Survey. Stock cabinet sales increased 3.7%, semi-custom sales increased 15.1% and custom sales increased 10.4%. The year-to-date sales show an increase of 10.4%, with stock sales up 9.6%, semi-custom sales up 12.1% and custom sales up 6.7%.

MORRISTOWN, TN -- Berkline/BenchCraft announced plans to close its upholstery plant in Baldwyn, MI, by the end of August, according to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. The decision will put 400 people out of work.

  LAS VEGAS -- Officials of the World Market Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the third building of the home furnishings showroom complex. The 16-story, 2.1 million-square-foot building is being constructed at an estimated cost of $550 million. It is larger than the first two World Market Center buildings. When completed, the complex is to comprise eight buildings totaling 12 million square feet.

CHICAGO – According to Reuters, U.S. office furniture orders grew again in September, following months of erratic growth that analysts described as a further sign the market is slowing.

HOLLYWOOD, FL – Members of the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers elected new officers and five new directors to the association’s board of directors at its annual meeting, held November 3 in Bonita Springs, FL. Officers serve two-year terms, while board members serve three-year terms. The officers are as follows:  

RESTON, VA -- Cabinet sales for May 2006 increased 11.1% over May 2005, according to participating members in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. monthly Trend of Business Survey. Stock cabinet sales grew 10.8%, semi-custom sales grew 11.8% and custom sales grew 8.7%. Year-to-date sales show an increase of 12.6%, with stock sales up 12.4%, semi-custom sales up 13.0% and custom sales up 11.4%.

PORTLAND, OR -- Columbia Forest Products announced it will begin producing a formaldehyde-free particleboard in the first quarter of 2007. It will be marketed under the PureBond name and complement the company’s line of PureBond no-formaldehyde-added hardwood plywood products. PureBond uses a patented soy-based resin developed by Columbia, Oregon State University and Hercules Inc.