By Mike Botta
Sorry for the bad play on words… Couldn’t help it!
Actually, it’s a thrill to be part of the woodworking community and to once again have the opportunity to keep you up to date on the latest ideas, trends, equipment and issues of interest to the industry.
Welcome to the new Modern Woodworking. The magazine that has been dedicated to the woodworking industry for so many years has a new owner, TCC Media, and some pretty big plans in the months ahead.
It’s no accident that Modern Woodworking has chosen the occasion of the big IWF 2010 show in Atlanta to re-launch with a new look and brand new content. After all, even during perhaps the toughest economic environment ever to hit woodworking, the tremendous response by exhibitors and attendees to this year’s show demonstrates the drive and will of the industry to rebuild its strength in the American marketplace.
In this issue you’ll find a complete IWF 2010 show guide, including exhibitor names and booth numbers, hot products on display at the show and details of the many conferences and symposiums scheduled to take place.
Under TCC Media’s leadership, continue to look for valuable industry perspective in the popular print edition of Modern Woodworking magazine, along with a wealth of new electronic services, including a brand new, redesigned and frequently updated website.
Also on tap are many of the same expert contributors that you have come to rely on over the years for market intelligence, including Steve Ehle, former editor of Wood Digest; Howard Grivna, sanding guru; Phil Stevenson finishing master and Ken Rolfes, expert business consultant.
Modern Woodworking recently introduced “MW Woodworkings,” a new electronic service designed to bring you a regular helping of opinion, comment, news and information of, for and about your business. Drop a line to editorial@tccmedia.com if you’d like to receive the new service. Be sure to include your email address.
Let’s face it. The last 10 years has seen the entire face of woodworking in the United States change. Lots of manufacturing moving offshore, the growth of imports, consolidations and all sorts of economic chaos. Pretty much the same scenario seen in many industrial sectors during the same period.
The real positive as the industry charges headfirst into the 20-Teens is that you survived and are still very active in the business. You made it through the chaos and economic turmoil that brought the banking industry, the auto industry – and nearly the entire country – to its knees.
Now, the challenge will be to position yourself and your company to take advantage of the opportunities ahead as the economic picture brightens.
Have you diversified your business into new areas, or are you planning to stay the current course and hope for the best?
Are you planning to reacquaint yourself with the industry by traveling more to trade shows and customer visits, or planning to shutter yourself in and hope people still find you relevant?
Experts say this is the perfect time to get back to business basics so you will be well positioned when the economic picture brightens in the months and years ahead.
The decision-making is up to you. Modern Woodworking’s mission is to do its best to get you the information you need to help you make those all-important decisions.
Welcome aboard the new Modern Woodworking.
