CITY OF COMMERCE, CA – Responding to feedback from 2009 AWFS®Fair attendees, AWFS has created a new educational track for the 2011 College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK) education program, “Small Shops Ten & Under.” Topics in this track will be specific to the needs of the shops with 10 or less employees.

AWFS conducted a survey of all 2009 show attendees who self-identified as coming from shops with 10 or fewer employees to identify what topics they most wanted to see in this category. The survey results showed that over 86% wanted such a track anda vast range of potential ideas were submitted. Subjects chosen for 2011 will be based on survey suggestions.

The development of the CWWK program is led by an industry-wide advisory committee, which met for an all-day planning meeting in Chicago in June. Chaired by Philip Martin of Hafele America Company, the committee is comprised of representatives from machinery and related tooling, software, millwork, hardware, wood products, independent furniture makers and the trade press. Associations represented included the Architectural Woodwork Institute, Cabinet Makers Association, Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association and The Furniture Society (TFS).

The College of Woodworking Knowledge includes eight educational tracks in total, including Business Management, Cabinet & Millwork, Software & Technology, Techniques & Applications, Handcrafted Furniture, Safety & Environment, Teacher Track and the new Small Shops Ten & Under.

Classes at AWFS®Fair will begin on July 19, the pre-show day, and continue throughout the four days of the show. The 2011 roster will include the very popular SMART program (Special Machinery and Relevant Technology), which are the more technical sessions conducted at machines on the exhibit floor before the show opens.

About AWFS:
The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS), founded in 1911, is a non-profit organization that wholly owns and produces the biennial AWFS®Fair. The largest trade association serving the entire home and commercial furnishings industry, AWFS has more than 400 members, including manufacturers and distributors of machinery, hardware, software, tooling, lumber, components, wood products and supplies for the woodworking industry including cabinet, furniture, millwork and custom woodworking products.

SOURCE: Assn. of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers