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Read More Articles by Karen Koenig

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]

WMS News

WMS 2017: Scenes around Canada's national wood industry event

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - Thousands of woodworking professionals converged at WMS - the national event for Canada’s wood industry, for a look at new equipment, supplies and services for all segments of the industry. The biennial Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo took place Nov. 2-4 at the International Centre in Mississauga (Toronto), Ontario.

By Karen M. Koenig, November 4, 2017 | 9:07 am CDT

WMS News

WMS draws record crowd on opening day

WMS - the national event for Canada’s wood industry, opened Nov. 2 to a steady stream of woodworking professionals on hand to see new equipment and supplies. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the biennial event.

By Karen M. Koenig, November 2, 2017 | 1:16 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

Kimball Hospitality to acquire D'style furnishings

Kimball Hospitality announced plans to acquire furnishings supplier D’style Inc. and its subsidiary Allan Copley Designs for $20 million.

By Karen M. Koenig, November 2, 2017 | 10:09 am CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

5 Ideas to market your business: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Working with celebrity designers, giveaways and expanded showrooms are just some of the ways the 2017 WOOD 100 companies are spreading the word about their products and services. This year's class includes residential and office furniture producers, cabinet and casework manufacturers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 4:15 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

5 Ways to attract customers: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Online promotions as well as traditional marketing efforts are among the ways these WOOD 100 companies are keeping their name at the forefront of customers' minds. This year's class includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 4:10 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

23 Successful business strategies: WOOD 100

A corporate culture, product diversification, networking and acquisitions are just a few of the ways in which these WOOD 100 firms grew their profits. Also offering advanced training and empowering employees helps ensure a stable, and happy, workforce. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 4:00 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

22 Tips to improve woodworking productivity: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

These woodworking manufacturers are at the top when it comes to optimizing productivity. In addition to lean manufacturing, new technology and training methods, a successful strategy requires a commitment by all employees to the process. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 3:37 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

29 Ways woodworking technology helps grow business: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

New technology helps keep production rolling by reducing time, labor and improving quality – and essential factors in helping these WOOD 100 firms finish first in their field. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 3:07 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

10 Strategies for creating hot products: WOOD 100

Check out some of the strategies used by the 2017 WOOD 100 companies to develop innovative products. This year's class includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 2:45 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

6 Service strategies for obtaining & retaining customers: WOOD 100

Good customer service is a vital component to success. Today's wood products manufacturers must also work harder, smarter and faster than their competitors. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 2:29 pm CDT