The Society of Wood Manufacturing, or “SWM”, is an AWFS® chapter focused on supporting high school woodshop programs in the United States. SWM is open to individuals working in wood product manufacturing and related industries. The primary goal is to support woodworking programs through fundraising activities and events. Members benefit from this program by gaining opportunities to learn the many facets of the industry via networking, leadership development, tours and educational programs.
Members of SWM are industry-related business owners, educators, and professionals, who are focused on keeping woodworking relevant and exciting for students. The first SWM chapter is located in Southern California, with members from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. Monthly meetings are hosted at a different members’ facility or the AWFS® office in Anaheim. Members look forward to these meetings where board members share upcoming local events that all can attend or participate in.
SWM Board Members are committed to providing dedicated efforts by planning, promoting and organizing these highly successful events.
“We look forward to making a positive impact with local educational woodworking programs,” says SWM founding President Saúl Martín. “We are busy planning and coordinating activities and projects to connect industry with education and provide resources for teachers and students.
Since launching in the spring of 2017, the Southern California Chapter of SWM has provided scholarships to SkillsUSA California Cabinetmaking contest winners to help pay travel expenses for them to compete in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. At the AWFS®Fair, SWM has hosted the “Make & Take” booth, where attendees could build a small wood souvenir using a drill press with material and supplies donated by exhibitors. Through this activity, attendees learned about the SWM organization and had the opportunity to sign up as members through SWM’s complimentary membership show special.
Learn more about SWM and how to get involved: https://www.awfs.org/education/swm/ or Contact Adam Kessler at adam@awfs.org or (323) 215-0312.