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

Think Lightweight returns to IWF 2026 with bigger booth, new products

The countdown to IWF 2026 has begun and Think Lightweight said it plans to make a bold statement at North America’s largest woodworking event. From August 25–28, 2026, visitors attending the International Woodworking Fair 2026 in Atlanta will have the opportunity to explore smarter lightweight solutions, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and two brand-new product launches.
June 19, 2026 | 11:38 am CDT

Woodworking Industry News

JCHS: High costs, slumping demand squeeze housing as affordable units in short supply

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Persistent affordability challenges and rising economic uncertainty are squeezing housing conditions, with weakening labor markets and plummeting immigration dampening household growth, according to a new report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. The State of the Nation’s Housing 2026 report also finds that construction activity has softened, cost burdens for both renters and homeowners continue to climb, and federal assistance is profoundly underfunded.
By Larry Adams, June 18, 2026 | 1:07 pm CDT

Canadian News

Canadian Wood Council appoints Derek Nighbor as president, CEO

The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) announces that Rick Jeffery will retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the CWC effective June 30, 2026, following a distinguished career of leadership and service to Canada’s wood products industry. The CWC Board of Directors has appointed Derek Nighbor as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026.
By Dakota Smith, June 18, 2026 | 11:37 am CDT

Woodworking Industry News

AWI Chicago 2026 Annual Golf Outing connects woodworking industry leaders

For more than three decades, the outing has served as a key relationship-building event for the regional architectural woodwork community. More than 175 attendees are expected to participate, representing companies and professionals involved in custom millwork, casework, finishing, coatings, hardware, materials, distribution, specification, design, installation, and project delivery.
By Dakota Smith, June 18, 2026 | 11:11 am CDT

Woodworking Industry News

The New Candlelight Cabinetry is weeks away from reaching full production

Nearly 20 employees have begun working at Candlelight Curated, and hiring continues at the new company formed after the former Candlelight Cabinetry was purchased, according to Lockport Union-Sun & Journal. Jon Ebel, chief operating officer of Candlelight Curated Inc., told the newspaper that the company expects to operate at full production in several weeks.
By Larry Adams, June 18, 2026 | 12:06 am CDT

Woodworking Industry News

Second firefighter dies from injuries at lumber mill fire and explosion

SEARSMONT, Maine — Hundreds of firefighters, first responders and community members lined the streets of Searsmont, Maine, to honor Searsmont firefighter who died following injuries sustained in the Robbins Lumber explosion on May 15.Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, of the Searsmont Fire Department, died Sunday morning, June 14, from injuries suffered in the May 15 explosion at Robbins Lumber. He had been receiving treatment at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
By Larry Adams, June 17, 2026 | 9:32 am CDT