GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —The National Woods Board (NWB) announced receiving renewed support from Richelieu North America and the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA), as well as generous initial funding from the Wood Industry Association.

Richelieu and NBMDA join a growing list of repeat donors including Burke Architectural Millwork, Woodworking Network, Concepts in Millwork, and JB Cutting. Additional key supporters are Next Step of West Michigan, Safety Speed Manufacturing, and Timeless Closet & Cabinetry.

In total, industry partners have contributed over $65,000to the NWB, a not-for-profit dedicated to solving the woodworking industry's workforce challenges. This funding directly supports the NWB's efforts to develop and implement a national, scalable solution for workforce training, education, and job placement. This includes creating industry-approved curriculum aligned with the Woodwork Career Alliance's certification program, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled workers.

"Sustained investment from industry leaders is the bedrock upon which we build a future for the woodworking workforce," said John LeTorneau, president of the NWB. "Their commitment ensures our training and education meet real-world industry demands, securing a skilled pipeline for generations."

Meet with the NWB at the AWFS Fair
The National Woods Board will exhibit at the AWFS Fair, July 22-25 in Las Vegas. Stop by booth #1171 to learn more about the NWB, its mission and how to get involved. In addition, NWB Board representatives John LeTorneau and Dean Mattson, founder of the renowned MiLL in Colorado Springs, will be available for NWB-focused meetings during the show. To schedule an appointment with LeTorneau and Mattson, please contact Amanda Conger, NWB Executive Director, at [email protected].

About the National Woods Board
The National Woods Board (NWB) was inspired by the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which teaches woodworking students everything from fundamentals to advanced production using high-tech machinery. Ultimately, the vision of the NWB is to bridge the gap between education and the trades by creating advanced career opportunities that fulfill the industry’s massive workforce needs. Learn more about the NWB’s program and how to get involved with supporting its vital mission at NationalWoodsBoard.org.