AWFS® Makes Strategic Plans for Growth

Commerce, CA: At a recent strategic planning meeting of the board of directors, the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) created plans for short and long term growth in the coming years.

Buoyed by the record-breaking success of the AWFS®Fair in Las Vegas, including the excitement and positive industry feedback related to the show's relocation to that international destination, the AWFS® Board took actions to continue moving forward towards achieving their long-term goals of providing the most value-filled trade fair within the industry and of strengthening education opportunities for the industry.

Dale Silverman, serving as executive director of the association since 1994, was named executive vice president. Angelo Gangone was named vice president, trade shows and a new position of vice president, operations, to be filled in early 2006, was approved.

"Dale Silverman shared with the Board her intention to retire in the latter part of 2007. Given the solid growth of the trade show and of the educational services the association is developing, the board felt it imperative that during the next two years we invest in strengthening the infrastructure necessary to enable the association to continue its forward momentum," said Skip Hem of Royal Plywood, 2006-07 president-elect of the AWFS® Board of Directors. "Dale has done a remarkable job in shepherding the association through some challenging developmental phases, including the internalization of the trade show's management and the growth of our education efforts. As a result, we have become a strong, internationally recognized trade association that is making a measurable difference for our members and the industry as a whole. We felt it important to recognize her continued professional leadership role by changing her title to one more in keeping with the growing stature of the association."

At a board meeting held in conjunction with the strategic planning meeting, the board also elected its 2006-2007 officers:

President: Skip Hem, Royal Plywood
Vice President/President Elect: Joan Kemp, CP Adhesives
Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Oliverson, Koch Ltd. Machinery & Systems

Steve Byers, Louis & Company, was elected as the 2006-2007 Trade Show Chair. These four individuals, along with Barry Howerton, Leggett & Platt, serving as Immediate Past President, will constitute the AWFS® Executive Committee for the 2006-2007 cycle.

Vacant positions on the 2006 Board of Directors will be elected by the membership in December with the new officers and board members scheduled to be installed on January 28th at a gala dinner event to be held at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena.