ATLANTA, GA, USA — IWF 2008 and the Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award® will showcase the best the industry has to offer in new technology. Ninety-three companies have entered a record one hundred and twenty-six entries to compete for the coveted Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award®, making the 2008 competition the largest ever for entries. “Throughout manufacturing history, innovation is the key ingredient to continued success in our business,” said Charles R. (Tommy) Tomkins, IWF 2008 Chairman and President of Cresent Fine Furniture Company, based in Gallatin, Tennessee.

“IWF exhibitors are answering the call to provide solutions that address the industry’s manufacturing challenges. The record number of entries from companies all over the globe is a great indicator of great things to come for our industry, now and in the future. Our IWF buyers will be looking for new ways to improve their businesses and they recognize that the products they see at IWF and the Challengers Award® entries are keys to their success.” added Tomkins.

"IWF exhibitors are investing in research and development and are responding to the needs of a global industry. With a record 126 entries for 2008, buyers are going to find products that will make an immediate and positive impact on their business,” commented Richard Campbell, 2008 Challengers Award® Committee Chairman.

The Challengers Award®, known throughout the world as the woodworking industry’s highest honor, recognizes innovative technology as well as significant contributions to environmental improvement; and focuses on companies who have distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services or techniques. It challenges IWF exhibiting companies to develop revolutionary, creative, forward-thinking technology, materials, services or safety devices that advance the industry.

A panel of 10 distinguished judges from a broad cross section of industries will now begin to review and analyze each entry. In early June, the top 20 entries will be announced as finalists, and the final judging will take place on the day before the opening of IWF 2008. Awards will be bestowed to the seven winning companies during a special ceremony on Wednesday August 20 at 1:30pm.

The judges for 2008 Challengers Award® are: Chairman Richard Campbell; Myron Carlson, Lund Boat Company; Paul Fetzer, Fetzer Architectural Woodwork.; Marlin Horst, Premier Custom Built; Michael Fredrigo, Nucraft Furniture Co.; Greg Krodel, Masterbrand Cabinets Inc.; Doug Mock, Mock Woodworking Company; Dennis Condra, Cresent Fine Furniture Company; Stephen Wellborn, Wellborn Cabinet Inc.; and Gary Daniels, Schnadig Corporation.

About IWF- International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair-U.S.A. ®

The largest woodworking technology trade show in the Western hemisphere is held every other year at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, and is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized around the world as the preeminent event for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment, supplies and innovative new technology, IWF attracts over 43,000 visitors from every level of the industry and over eighty countries. Over 1,200 exhibitors from all over the globe will be displaying the newest technology in machinery, supplies, and services during the four days of the exhibition.

IWF 2008 will take place Wednesday – Saturday, August 20-23, 2008 at the Georgia World Congress Center.  IWF is owned and sponsored by American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).

For more information about the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair-USA®, go online to www.iwfatlanta.com, or call 404-693-8333.