Gibson Guitar CEO Henry Juszkiewicz will be one of the speakers at the IWPA Convention, March 28-30 at the Miramonte in Indian Wells, CA. Topics will include the economy and international trade policy plus a half-day workshop regarding Lacey Act compliance.

NASHVILLE, TN -- Gibson Guitar has been granted more time to prepare for its federal court hearing concerning imported wood confiscated by federal agents at its plants.

2011 proved to be another economically challenging year for most North American wood products companies, but boring it was not.

Speaking out against proposed changes to the Lacy Act, and calling the current rule “good for American business,” a coalition of wood industry and environmental representatives voiced their continued support for the environmental legislation in a teleconference call held Wednesday.

A group of seven wood-related associations signed a joint letter to Rep. Jim Cooper supporting his RELIEF Act amendment to the Lacey Act.

What started out as a battle pitting the U.S. Government vs. Gibson Guitar has rapidly spiraled into a multi-front, war over what if anything should be done to change the Lacey Act.

NAMM announced its Import Export Task Force will be meeting with Congress to discuss the Lacey Act and other issues, Nov. 2-3.

The National Association of Music Merchants announced it has joined the Lacey Act Defense National Consensus Committee, a newly-formed group made up of companies, associations and organizations impacted by the Lacey Act.

The recent raid resulted in much greater support for the National Consensus Lacey Defense to Liability Standard, which can provide the needed certainty for all sellers of wood globally in the supply chain, while greatly increasing Lacey Act compliance.

Responding to the recent controversy over the Lacey Act and actions taken against Gibson Guitar for alleged violations, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), voiced his continued support for the illegal logging rule.