ST. PETERSBURG, Fl. -- These awards celebrate remarkable accomplishments and outstanding success, driven by the machinery and software provided by WMIA-member companies.

WMIA members are given the honor of nominating their customers for these awards, which are bestowed in five categories: Educator of the Year, Commitment to Excellence Through Technology, Eco-Alternative Wood Product of the Year, Executive of the Year, and Outstanding Woman in Woodworking.

The nominator for each winning entry will have the opportunity to personally present the award to their nominee at the awards ceremony, and WMIA will pay the WIC registration fee and travel expenses for the nominators of the winning entries.

WMIA announced its 2023 Wooden Globe Awards, presented at the 2023 Woodworking Industry Conference. The recipients were:

•    Commitment to Excellence Through Technology: Craig Bryden of Harbor City Kitchens, nominated by Tommy Gagnon from Automatech Robotik

•    Woman in Woodworking: Samantha Gurrola of Parenti & Reffaelli, Ltd., nominated by former WMIA Scholarship recipient, Moriah Jones

•    Educator of the Year: Jesse Mullet of NuCamp RV, nominated by Arvid Estep of SCM Group

 Apply for the 2024 WMIA scholarships

 The 2024 WMIA scholarship application is now open. 

WMIA is offering scholarships to college students who are eager to explore the world of wood technology, machinery, and related areas. The WMIA Education Foundation has awarded over $525,000 in scholarships to support 280 deserving students in their educational pursuits.

Academic success, interest, special abilities, and other factors are considered by judges to select their choice of scholarship recipients. Judges will give special consideration to candidates who plan careers in wood technology and related fields. The Board of Trustees for the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association Educational Foundation, Inc. judges all candidates.

Application information 

The attachments which must accompany the completed form are:

•    A transcript of grades and credits through the most recent grading period (high school applicants) or transcripts covering a minimum of the previous two scholastic years.
•    A letter of recommendation from an employer or other professional with whom you have worked.
•    A letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or other educational professional.

Please reach out to Jacob Slonim, at [email protected], with any questions