LANCASTER, Pa.  – Gene Wengert, aka the Wood Dr., will deliver the keynote speech to open day two of Wood Pro Expo. Wengert’s presentation, free to all WPE attendees and exhibitors, is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 18.

Wengert said he will present the latest business impacts of  many of the topics he covers in his practical and popular FDMC advice column, including wood economic conditions and employee issues. He also plans to reserve time to field questions from the audience on technical challenges they encounter with their lumber and panel resources

“Wood does not seem to be the same quality as in the past,” Wengert said. “It seems we do not get the quality we need unless we get the higher, more expensive grades. I will relate wood quality to costs so that attendees understand the tradeoffs so that they can make better informed purchasing decisions.”

Wengert said questions submitted by readers about moisture content, gluing and machining defects, and low material yields have long been staples of his column. “Recently I am seeing more management issues involving cost and profits, especially from managers that are new in the industry, so I’ll come prepared to discuss strategies for growing the bottom line.”

Wengert closely monitors North American woodworking industry trends and wonders aloud where things are headed. “Will the smaller woodworker end up like the small family farm ... an entity that makes little money? What can we do to avoid this? Can we learn something from IKEA, Eggland’s Best, or strawberry growers?

“The future can ‘just happen’ or we can plan and direct our future,” he added. “Planning and directing successfully implies that we ‘know which way the wind is blowing. I will give perspectives on future trends and events so that attendees will have knowledge about some of the complex factors influencing our industry's future.” 

About Wood Pro Expo
Wood Pro Expo is a regional event for woodworking businesses that brings together suppliers and experts for a localized presentation of equipment and supply solutions. WPE includes a strong educational program on best practices for shop production - including CNC basics, employee recruitment, finishing, lean manufacturing, business management, software, and shop safety - and an expo floor with equipment and supplies geared to small and medium-size shops. 

The Fall 2019 Wood Pro Expo takes place Oct. 17-18 at the Spooky Nook Sports Center in Manheim, Pa., near Lancaster. For information visit woodproexpolancaster.com.

For exhibitor information contact Lewis Goldman at [email protected] or phone 800-969-2212.