Read More Articles by Karen Koenig
Karen
Koenig
Editor
Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]
TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. - Upholstered furniture manufacturer Craftmaster Furniture announced it will resume production on May 4. The company's four manufacturing operations have been shut down since March 30 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Art for Everyday begins reopening process
TORONTO, Ont. - Wood components manufacturer Art For Everyday Inc. announced it will reopen its manufacturing in stages with the lifting of the mandated COVID-19 closure by Ontario. The Toronto-based company temporarily shut down its operation on March 24 to combat the spread of COVID-19. Operations began reopening April 27, with plans to resume full production by mid-May.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 28, 2020 | 10:03 am CDT
Morrill to resign as CPA president in September
The Composite Panel Association announced that Jackson Morrill has tendered his resignation as president of the organization, effective in September.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 17, 2020 | 5:17 pm CDT
Furniture importers pay $5.2 million for evading customs duties
Residential furniture importer Blue Furniture Solutions LLC, its successor XMillenium LLC, and two former executives have agreed to pay more than $5.2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by evading customs duties and fees on wood bedroom furniture imported from China.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 16, 2020 | 3:53 pm CDT
Spring High Point Market cancelled
HIGH POINT, N.C.— Citing the ongoing impacts, government restrictions, and economic difficulties stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the High Point Market Authority has cancelled the spring High Point Market.
The next High Point Market is scheduled for Oct. 17–21.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 16, 2020 | 9:19 am CDT
Joybird recalls Blythe dressers: possible tip-over hazard
COMMERCE, Calif. - Residential furniture supplier Joybird has recalled 100 Blythe dressers that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said pose tip-over and entrapment hazards to children if not anchored properly to the wall. The imported dressers were sold online at Joybird.com from October 2017 through July 2019 for about $1,700.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 9, 2020 | 10:49 am CDT
Home furnishings groups petition for COVID-19 'essential' status for furniture
The AHFA, HFA and IHFRA point out that big box stores and certain online retailers largely remain open for business because some products they sell are deemed to be essential items. However, these same retailers are also selling and shipping home furnishings nationwide, while thousands of home furnishings stores face mandatory closures.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 6, 2020 | 6:18 pm CDT
Longtime furniture exec Fred Starr dies from coronavirus
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Fred Starr, former president and CEO of Thomasville Furniture Industries and Natuzzi Americas, passed away April 1 from complications from the coronavirus, according to his obituary. Starr was 87.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 6, 2020 | 5:38 pm CDT
New residential furniture orders show rise in January, pre-COVID-19
HIGH POINT, N.C. - New furniture orders rose 2% in January compared to the same period a year ago, continuing the upward trend from last month, said Smith Leonard in the latest Furniture Insights survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
March 31, 2020 | 3:52 pm CDT
Woodworking Industry 40 Under 40
Wood Industry 40 Under 40: Search is on
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The search is on for Woodworking Network’s 5th annual 40 Under 40, celebrating the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
March 9, 2020 | 4:42 pm CDT