WIC participants succeed in the new normal

Woodworking equipment suppliers and distributors who took part in last week's annual Woodworking Industry Conference in Delray Beach, Fla., had one thing in common. They all survived the biggest downturn most of us will see. You heard again and again from people how they have slimmed down their business, done things in a lean manner, all with far fewer people. And that's not going to change.

We were part of a presentation with Chris Watson of Conestoga Wood Specialties, Henry Juszkiewicz of Gibson Guitar Corp. and Wyatt Bassett of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. They all had a lot of interesting things to say, especially about how they wanted to work closely with suppliers.

Any woodworking company should work closely with the experts in their supplier base. It's the best way to be part of the new normal.