14 October 2005

IWF 2006 Challengers Award® Call for Entries

The Call for Entries for the 2006 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards, competition is officially underway with the entry deadline set for May 1, 2006.  The Challengers Award, which will be presented during IWF 2006, is known throughout the world as the woodworking industry's highest honor, recognizing advancements in technology or significant contributions to environmental improvement; and focuses on companies that have distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques.  It challenges IWF exhibiting companies to develop revolutionary, creative, ingenious, forward-thinking technology, materials, services or safety devices that advance the industry. Presented every two years, The Challengers Award recognizes seven outstanding exhibiting companies.  At IWF 2004, the following companies were presented with the distinctive Challengers Award bronze sculpture: Vortex Tool Company – Diamondback Router Bit; Giardina Finishing Systems – Microwave Oven System; Blinks,DeVilbiss, Ransbury/ITW Industrial Finishing – Spray Gun; Wood Technology Inc. – Evolve Silent-Close Hinge; Mereen-Johnson Machine Company – “Camlock” System; Accu-Systems, Inc.– CNC Miter, Mortise, and Tenon Machine; and Fastcap, LLC– Flipbolt. A panel of distinguished judges will review and analyze each entry and decide on the top 20 entries just prior to the Fair.  The final judging will take place during IWF 2006 and the awards will be bestowed during a special ceremony on August 23, 2006, at 1:00pm. The International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair-USA, will take place August 23-26, 2006 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be the largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.  IWF 2006 will also include a Technical Conference Program, a New Product Showcase, and Design Emphasis competitions among other features.