NEW YORK, NY -- BDO Seidman released the results of its monthly survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors through April 2006. New orders fell 13% from April 2005 and were down 26% from March. Shipments fell 6% in April compared to April 2005. Backlogs fell to 6% from March of this year and were 3% lower than April 2005. Receivables only fell 1% from last April, and inventories were up 1% from March levels.

WASHINGTON -- The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) declined for an eighth consecutive month to a level of 30 in September, the lowest level the index has reached since February of 1991. The HMI fell in three out of four regions in September, with the largest decline being registered in the Northeast, where a six-point drop brought the HMI to 28. The HMI fell five points to 38 in the West and fell three points to 38 in the South. The HMI held steady at 16 in the Midwest.

CHICAGO -- According to Reuters, U.S. office furniture growth slowed again in August, following months of erratic growth that analysts said was a sign that the market is moderating. Reportedly, the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Assn. said industry orders rose 3% to $945 million compared to August 2005. According to BIFMA data, July showed a 13% growth versus the same period last year, which followed a 2% growth in June and erratic growth going back to March.

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL -- Why have more than 750 woodworking professionals – and counting - signed up as Woodworking VIPs (Voices of Industry Professionals)? The reasons for volunteering to serve on the new online research panel for Wood & Wood Products and Custom Woodworking Business are multiple

  POTOMOC FALLS, VA – The Architectural Woodwork Institute Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Phil Duvic, former AWI director of marketing and communications, as executive vice president. Duvic, who spent 25 years in the architectural woodwork industry, joined the AWI staff in 2000. He succeeds Judy Durham, who resigned in July.

COMMERCE, CA -- Exhibitor enrollment is running at a record pace for the 50th anniversary edition of the AWFS Fair, July 18-21, 2007, in Las Vegas.

WINNIPEG, MB -- Palliser Furniture Ltd. announced plans to complete a major shift in its identity, ownership and management style over the coming months.

OAKVILLE, ON – Canadians are expected to spend a little more than $5 billion (Canadian) on office furniture this year, an increase of 5.8% over 2005, according to the Aktrin Furniture Information Center. Aktrin said its projection is based on retail prices and includes recycled furniture.   

BODEGA BAY, CA - The Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn. announced its Innovator, Educator and Commitment to Excellence Through Technology Awards on Sept. 26 at Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa at the association's 19th annual awards dinner honoring woodworking industry leaders.

  BIELEFELD, GERMANY – A budding battle of woodworking supply trade shows, pitting ZOW versus Interzum, "damages the industry" according to the spokesman for ZOW.