ATLANTA, GA – The class F2 tornado that struck downtown Atlanta on Friday, March 14 will not affect the International Woodworking Fair. 

The storm caused damage to several buildings in the area, including the Georgia World Congress Center. The GWCC sustained extensive exterior glass damage, as well as structural and water damage. IWF staff visited the GWCC to view the facility.

GWCC officials told IWF they are committed to having the center operational and ready for IWF, which opens August 20. A damage assessment report and timetable for repairs are expected to be completed this week.

“We saw for ourselves that cleanup activities are already underway,” said Patrick LaFramboise, president and CEO of IWF. “We are proceeding with our plans for IWF 2008 and expect to have a great show this August.”