Education at AWFS

	posted: 04/12/2013
	http://awfsfair.org/

Make your plans now for the 2013 AWFS® Fair trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 24-27. All members of AWI will be eligible to receive a 10% discount on any of the College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK) educational seminars for which they register. (Discount applies to seminars only, not the show floor registration.)

To take advantage of the discount when registering online, members must fill in their association name and Code Number. Contact Katie Allen, kallen@awinet, for the AWI Member code.

To register online or for more information on the AWFS® Fair, go to www.awfsfair.org.

While at AWFS, visit AWI at booth 9754, AWI QCP at booth 9756 and WCA at booth 9757!

WoodLINKS USA/ WCA Announce Merger

	posted: 02/11/2013

WoodLINKS USA and The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) have combined forces to explore the prospect of merging these two organizations. This merger, subject to final approval by the Board of Directors for both organizations, will enable WoodLINKS USA members to become Education members of the Woodwork Career Alliance. The WCA has developed Industry recognized Skill Standards and a certification system for the Wood Industry. This agreement furthers the partnership created in 2010 between these two organizations.

The Woodwork Career Alliance's Credentialing program was established in 2011, and is rapidly being adapted by industry as THE standard for training and evaluating personnel in the Wood Industry. An educational arm of the WCA is being established to develop new recruits for our industry primarily at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Merging these two organizations will provide a stronger network to train and evaluate current and future woodworkers.

WoodLINKS USA has received significant industry support and developed a strong network of schools since it was first established in the U.S. in 1999. WoodLINKS USA members are active in 16 states around the country and work with thousands of students each day. Under the proposed merger, all current school members of WoodLINKS USA will become Education Members of the merged organization and will be provided with the same benefits afforded them under their membership terms with WoodLINKS USA.

"Overall, this merger will allow both organizations to expand their reach through shared resources", said Patrick Molzahn, President of WoodLINKS USA. A special credential for high school students, the Saw Blade certificate is being created to help students begin their credentialing journey and career path. An Education Committee has been created to help develop enhanced membership benefits and training materials for participating teachers. July, 2013 is the targeted date for completion of the merger.

Welcome AWI 2013 Sponsors

	posted: 01/05/2013

Sustaining Sponsors - Federated Insurance, Stiles Machinery, Inc.

Level 2 Sponsors - Chemcraft, M.Bohlke Veneer, M.L. Campbell

Level 3 Sponsors - Brooklyn Hardware, Eagle Mouldings, Inc., Monarch Metal Fabrication, Precision Veneer, Valspar Corporation

Level 4 Sponsors- adservco group sp. z o.o., ETemplate Systems, Flexible Materials, Gemini Coatings, Hafele, IMA / Schelling - American Alliance, Pollmeier, Roseburg Forest Products Company, SCM Group North America, Sherwin-Williams Company, Star Moulding & Trim Company, States Industries, Waco Composites, Ltd, White River Hardwoods

AWI welcomes Federated Insurance Companies

	posted: 01/05/2013
	http://www.federatedinsurance.com

As we kick off the 2013 year, AWI welcomes Federated Insurance Companies as our association’s official Insurance Partner and newest Sustaining Sponsor. Federated Insurance is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, a respected insurance rating authority.

AWI members will have the opportunity to obtain property and casualty insurance, worker’s compensation coverage and risk management resources, plus life and disability insurance from one of the country’s leading insurance companies – Federated Insurance. In business for over one hundred years, Federated specializes in creating tailored products and services for the custom woodwork business and many other sectors.

In addition to offering a wide range of insurance products at a competitive rate, you will also have access to personal service by a Federated representative, including a no-obligation Right Report, which is a tool your Federated representative will use to analyze your exposures and business needs. Part of this review also includes a discussion regarding business succession and when necessary, access to a network of independent specialized estate planning attorneys.

So, give Federated Insurance a call today for a complimentary no-obligation review of your current coverage and learn about the many benefits of a business relationship with Federated Insurance Companies. I am confident that once you give them a try, you will see that they are the right choice as your partner in risk management and protection for your business.

To Publish or Not To Publish

	posted: 08/24/2011
	http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sheridan/designsolutions_2011summer/#/8

Although the value of publicity might be difficult to measure precisely, there's little argument that publicity, sometimes even the negative kind, is valuable.

Want to Read More? Check out the full article in the summer 2011 Design Solutions Magazine

Did You Know...the Four Parts of Each Section in the AWS?

	posted: 08/24/2011
	http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/awieb/mptext/2011-03-03/9.html

Did You Know...the Four Parts of Each Section in the AWS? By Shows Leary, AWI Quality Certification Program Inspector

Familiarity with the AWI Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated (QSI) can no longer be relied on in woodwork project specifications where the Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS) introduced in August 2009 supercede the QSI. Don't assume the standards are the same.

Learn about the four parts of each section of the AWS. In sections 1 through 12 of the AWS you will notice that each of these sections is divided into four main categories: General, Product, Execution and Compliance. (Although all 4 sections are not used in every section) Is there any significance to this breakdown and which sections are required for compliance matters?

Check out the link above the read the entire article!