AWFS® Suppliers’ Edge Newsletter, Summer 2020
Dear AWFS® Members,
As I begin my term as President of AWFS, I am excited about what the future holds for our Industry. Even with all that is going on in our society with the COVID-19 virus, I am still very optimistic. I have been in contact with many of my friends from various manufacturers within our Industry and they all are reporting surprisingly strong business in spite of the restricted sales world we are working in. It is great to see how we have adapted our methods and tactics in order to still promote our products. Who would have thought only a few moths ago that a Zoom meeting was an effective sales tool, but today it is working quite well. We have all had to pivot from the normal comfort zone that we have worked in most of our lives to something different but yet effective.
Recently, I presided over my first official AWFS Board meeting. As we progressed through the agenda, I was reminded of how much more AWFS is as an organization, so much more than just host to a trade show every other year. We heard amazing reports from our Education committee, Membership, Public Policy and Society of Wood Manufacturers. The work that is being done is truly amazing and gives light to a very bright future for our Industry and highlights all that AWFS is doing to strengthen and enhance our segment of the Woodworking Industry. I can’t say enough good things about the staff that work fulltime for AWFS. They do more than seems humanly possible for the their size.
In case you were not aware, the Las Vegas Convention Center is building a brand new “West hall” in Las Vegas for our next show in 2021. This
is an unbelievable modern “state of the art” facility that is on schedule to be completed and host its first major trade show in January 2022. AWFS is excited to move into the new building for our event in July of 2021. There will be no other venue in in North America with the amenities this new hall in Las Vegas has to offer. It will be a great experience for exhibitors and all who attend.
In closing I would like to thank everyone for their interest and support of AWFS. Continued success to everyone and Stay Safe!
Dan Hershberger
AWFS Board President, 2020-2021