Success and destruction ruled the fight for reader's attention in December.

Wood Market Leaders, a compilation of articles profiling nine woodworking industry movers and shakers, was the best read and a related profile of Jennifer Quinn Williams, owner and CEO of St. Louis Closet, ranked No. 8. A close No. 2 was a video report of the fire that destroyed a former Ethan Allen furniture plant.

Speaking of fights, Furniture War Is Hell, an editorial about former Henredon President Michael Dugan's book, "The Furniture Wars," grabbed seventh place.

The holiday spirit wasn't totally forgotten, as a video of Xmas Tree Rocketry placed sixth.

Here's WWN's Top 10 for December in order.

1. Market Leaders: Wood Industry Movers & Shakers
Profiles of the movers and shakers at some of the industry's best forward-thinking companies and their impact on shaping the needs of the woodworking industry. (Posted 12-2-10)

2. Video: Fire destroys former Ethan Allen plant
Firefighters from more than 20 departments battled a blaze on Dec. 3 that destroyed a former Ethan Allen furniture factory in Union City, PA. (Posted 12-12-10)

3. Fortune-MasterBrands Cabinets to spin-off
Fortune Brands says it will spin off its $3 billion Home & Security unit, including MasterBrand Cabinets. (Posted 12-8-10)


4. Video: Weinig Texturizing Moulder at Great Lake Woods
Great Lake Woods of Holland, MI, working with Scarlett Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI, was the first North American manufacturer to install a Weinig Powermat moulder that incorporates a special oscillating top head dedicated to adding texture to wood. (Posted 12-14-10)

5. Industry Rallies Around Green Conference
The two-day seminar program set for March 17-18 in Indianapolis includes a networking reception and tabletop displays. (Posted 12-8-10) 


6. Video: Xmas Tree Rocket - How High Does It Fly?
Look out Santa, you might not know until too late if the Christmas tree hurtling toward you is friend or foe. Watch what happens when rocket engines are applied to a Christmas tree, all in the spirit of holiday science fun. (Posted 12-17-10)

7. Furniture War Is Hell
For those who want to get a better handle on what became of the once illustrious U.S. furniture industry, I strongly recommend reading, "The Furniture Wars: How America Lost a Fifty Billion Dollar Industry." In it, author Michael Dugan, former president and CEO of Henredon Industries, serves up an insider's account of one failed attempt after another by "outsiders" to rule the roost. (Posted 12-7-10)

8. Wood Market Leader: Jennifer Quinn Williams
Sometimes it’s the small steps that reap big rewards. For Jennifer Quinn Williams, owner and president of St. Louis Closets, it was a part-time job that led to a life-changing experience. (Posted 12-2-10)

9. Thermoplastics Help Doors Weather the Storm
North Carolina-based DAC Products is gaining sales in this niche door market. (Posted 12-7-10)


10. Furniture Designed to Bowl You Over
New York musician turned custom furniture maker reclaims bowling alley wood to spare trees. (Posted 12-28-10)