It is an honor to serve as President of AWFS®, an organization that dates back to 1911. Today, this group has grown to an international membership that includes manufacturers and distributors of machinery, hardware, lumber and substrates, planning software, plastic components and other supplies to furniture and cabinet manufacturers. The Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Supply (AWFS®) is the largest national trade association in the U.S. representing the interests of the broad array of companies that supply the home and commercial furnishings industry. Its mission is to provide programs and services, which benefit members and promote a growing and financially sound woodworking and furnishings industry. That is why I became involved when I joined this Association as they represent the entire industry and provide quality programs, in which the industry can benefit. Being a board member since 2005, and to this day, AWFS® is fortunate to have dedicated professional staff members, as well as committee and board members who want to provide the best resources and programs for the industry. These committee and board members are dedicated to “giving back” to the industries in which they have built their careers.
I have enjoyed working within the Trade Show committee and serving as a past Trade Show Chairman. We have strengthened the bi-annual trade show, AWFS®Fair, by providing quality programs for the attendees and exhibitors. The College of Woodworking Knowledge®, (also a past Chair), is the most extensive and best-attended woodworking educational program in the country and is a highlight of the show every two years. Serving in the past on the Education committee, AWFS® has promoted this industry by supporting technical classes at high schools and colleges, as a leader in developing programs for student involvement, and by bringing awareness to jobs available in our industry. The Public Policy committee is able to advocate for legislative initiatives that help ensure our members are participating on a level playing field on both a state and federal level. The Membership committee provides valuable benefits to members with affiliated discounts and AWFS® Fair discounts. To run these committees takes dedicated members who want to make a difference and lead the industry into the next century. Therefore, if you have interest in joining a committee, please let us know by reaching out to an AWFS® board or staff member at any time. We are always looking for volunteers and individuals wishing to help lead our Association and give back to an industry that has provided so much for our members and their families.
For more information on Philip and other AWFS board members, click here.