Biesse America and Biesse Canada have issued a press release saying they will not attend the 2010 the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) show in Atlanta. Citing a responsibility to the needs of both customers and employees, Biesse says they are focusing on cost-effective, tangible and measurable marketing actions. A portion of the trade show savings will be used to increase complementary travel opportunities for customers to one of Biesse’s North America Showrooms in Charlotte, N.C, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

SCM Group North America, Delmac Machinery Group, Stiles Machinery and Weinig have made similar announcements.

In a press release, Peter Lohmeyer, vice president of Sales for Michael Weinig Inc. explained the company’s decision. “Weinig has enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with IWF for many years and we continue to wish the exhibitors a successful event.  But we see every day the impact that the economy has on our market.  Our woodworking industry customers need and deserve all the support we can provide during the recovery from this unprecedented economic recession,” he said. “By redirecting the resources typically allocated to a show event of this magnitude, we will offer beneficial and timely support in helping our customers find solutions to their production challenges.  We want to ensure our customers’ long-term survival by assisting them in finding ways to thrive, even in today’s economy.”

Currently, 700 exhibitors are scheduled to show at IWF. In a recent press release, Riccardo Azzoni, IWF 2010 chairman, acknowledged the ongoing economic challenges. “It’s difficult out there and we understand the challenges everyone is facing as the whole industry looks for ways to move from treading water to heading upstream. The fact is we have 700 companies that are making a strong statement by deciding to invest their marketing dollars in IWF 2010 to reach their potential buyers and we will do everything we can to ensure they do.”

In the same release Patrick LaFramboise, president and CEO of IWF, echoed that sentiment. “We have a commitment to the industry to showcase the best the industry has to offer in machinery, supplies and services and we will continue to do what we have always done which is to bring buyers and exhibitors together at IWF.”