The Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) and the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) the national trade associations for those who make and distribute machinery, cutting tools and supplies for the woodworking industry, have announced the results of the silent auction held at the Woodworking Industry Conference (WIC). The auction, which this year will benefit the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America, raised $3,387.

Among the items donated for auction were exquisite hand-carved wooden memorabilia donated by member companies, as well as various gifts including food, wine and more. The WIC took place in Puerto Rico in late April.

The total amount raised in donations was nearly 100% higher than the $1,700 total from WIC 2013.

"The dealers and machinery reps were quite generous, especially when called out by name," noted John Park, WMIA President, who served as auctioneer. "We had a successful auction for a very good cause."

The non-profit Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA), the beneficiary of this year's auction, actively promotes a skilled workforce for the advanced wood manufacturing industry. Enrollment in the program allows woodworkers of all levels to demonstrate their competency to potential employers. WCA also offers trade schools the ability to qualify for shop materials and training aids.

"I am really pleased to see the industry come together to support such a worthy cause," noted Jamison Scott, WMMA's president. "The WCA is an integral part of the future of woodworking. The fact that members of our industry from both WMMA and WMIA supported this cause not just with their donations to the auction but with their bids, is very encouraging. We look forward to our next WIC and our next chance to benefit a cause that is essential to our industry."

The next WIC, a collaborative meeting between WMMA and WMIA, will be held April 21-25, 2015, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Preliminary information on that meeting can be found at the WMMA website, www.wmma.org.

WMMA is located at 2105 Laurel Bush Road, Suite 201, Bel Air, MD 21015. The phone number is 443-640-1052 443-640-1052 and the fax number is 443-640-1031. The website is www.wmma.org.

WMIA is located at 27 Main Street, Suite 1, New Milford, CT 06776. The phone number is 860-350-WMIA860-350-WMIA (9642) and the fax number is 860-354-0677. The website is www.wmia.org.

Source: WMMA