The first half 2013 was not easy for the woodworking technology and wood-based materials industry.

WOODCHUCKcase; the Minneapolis-based artisans and entrepreneurs behind a rapidly-expanding portfolio of high-quality and sustainable, 100-percent American-made, real wood covers for smartphones, tablets, laptops and other lifestyle devices including Beats™ by Dre headphones, announced the market-wide availability of the WOODCHUCKcase Traveler Series, a new line of digital lifestyle accessories for laptops and tablets.

Live from Daryl’s House, Daryl Hall’s critically acclaimed, award-winning performance series has renewed its agreement with Viacom Media Networks’ high-definition music channel Palladia, and will immediately commence producing new episodes, adding to the more than 60 already in the archives.

Gene Ponder, founder of Master WoodCraft Cabinetry, has been named a 2013 Wood Industry Market Leader, by Wood Products magazine.

Peter Kleinschmidt, president, CEO and chairman of Stiles Machinery, has been named a 2013 Wood Industry Market Leader, by Wood Products magazine.

Kent Gilchrist, president of Fremont Interiors, has been named a 2013 Wood Industry Market Leader, by Wood Products magazine.

Bastien Larouche, founder, president & CEO of Ro-Bois-Tic has been named a 2013 Wood Industry Market Leader, by Wood Products magazine.

Neil Balter, founder of Organizers Direct, has been named a 2013 Wood Industry Market Leader, by Wood Products magazine.

Jackson Furniture is investing $2 million to open two furniture plants in Mississippi, a move that will create 250 jobs over three years.