Woodworking Network Leadership Forum is a platform that brings together senior managers, business owners, and experienced leaders in wood products manufacturing for high-level, interactive programs throughout the year.

The Leadership Forum features speakers who are early adopters - innovators with experience and insight on processes and policies impacting wood processing manufacturing major industries: cabinetry, furniture, fixtures, millwork, closets, components, and more. Woodworking Network is introducing Leadership Forum as part of its mission as North America's #1 resource for product information, business news, and best practices in the wood industries.  The next Leadership Forum will be held August 21, 2018 at the Georgia World Congress Center, a day before the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) begins.  Click HERE for more information.

 

Woodworking Industry News

Builder sentiment remains weak, driven by high prices, land costs, mortgage rates

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 34 in July, down from an upwardly revised reading of 36 in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Sentiment has remained below 40 for 15 consecutive months, the longest such stretch since 2012.
By Dakota Smith, July 16, 2026 | 11:53 am CDT
Tariff caution tape graphic

Woodworking Industry News

Tariff refunds hit $86B paid, with $49B June surge

The U.S. government has officially refunded $86.3 billion in Trump administration tariffs following a landmark 6-3 Supreme Court ruling last February that struck down the sweeping import taxes as unconstitutional. Since the ruling, more than 330,000 businesses have submitted claims for more than $166 billion in duties collected. 
By Larry Adams, July 15, 2026 | 1:54 pm CDT
Josh Brown president and CEO Bliffert Lumber

Woodworking Industry News

Bliffert Lumber names Josh Brown CEO and president

STURTEVANT, Wis. — Josh Brown recently assumed the role of CEO and president for Bliffert Lumber.As part of a broader leadership transition at the 122-year-old company, Jay Walsh was promoted as chief operating officer. Longtime leader Eli Bliffert will transition from his role as CEO and president to serve as chairman of Bliffert Lumber’s Board of Directors.
By Rich Christianson, July 15, 2026 | 1:27 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

Carolina Structural Systems expansion expected to boost Virginia forestry, manufacturing jobs

The investment by Rural Development Partners via New Market Tax Credits will help construct a new 53,480 sq.ft. manufacturing facility, positioned to serve major markets spanning from Richmond, Virginia to Atlanta, Georgia. The expansion will solidify the footprint of regional forestry products while reinforcing their commitment to responsible growth across the Southeast sector of the nation.
By Dakota Smith, July 15, 2026 | 12:07 pm CDT