MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Hiring productive workers and keeping them has been a perennial challenge for the Canadian woodworking industry.

Potential solutions to these vexing problems will be addressed during a free session during the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo. 

Join Richard Lipman, president of the Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC), and Vera Palmeri, senior account executive of HR Covered Inc., as they take to the WMS Live stage to present “Recruit – Retain: Assessing the Right Tools.” The stimulating discussion, scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, will be moderated by Sandra Wood, executive director of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association.

Lipman will lead off the session by sharing ideas for recruiting qualified candidates. As president of the WMC, Lipman has worked with high school and postsecondary woodworking programs throughout Canada, as well as companies involved in the manufacture of cabinets, furniture, millwork, and other wood products. He is well versed in the WMC’s mission to plan, develop and implement human resource strategies that support the long-term growth and competitiveness of Canada’s advanced wood products manufacturing industry. 

Sandra Wood	Richard Lipman	Vera Palmeri

The WMC’s involvement in workforce development includes developing information and products to address key issues such as the shortage of skilled workers and the need for national standards for worker competencies. For example, the Wood Employee Readiness Curriculum program provides career opportunities for new Canadians and workers with basic skills seeking to enter the wood products industry.

As too many wood products companies know all too well, the challenge of finding and hiring qualified production woodworkers extends to retaining them. That’s where Palmeri will step in. She will discuss the importance of having the right employee contract in place to ensure that the employer/employee relationship is clearly articulated.  

Palmeri is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in the field of Human Resources. As a skilled HR Solutionist, Palmeri provides valuable guidance on employment contracts, compliance issues, and employee engagement. 

In her role with the CKCA, Wood brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the ongoing workforce development issues faced by small, medium and large cabinet makers that belong to the association. 

This session will help owners and managers of woodworking companies gain new insights into how they can more effectively build a stronger and more productive shop floor.

Recruit – Retain: Assessing the Right Tools, is one of 11 free interactive sessions that will be held at the WMS Live stage during the three-day show, Nov. 2-4 at the International Centre.

See the complete WMS Live schedule.

About the Wood Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS)
WMS is world-renowned as Canada’s preeminent industrial woodworking event. For more than four decades, WMS has connected Canada’s woodworking professionals with the world’s most prominent machinery manufacturers and suppliers. Last held four years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic, WMS 2019 attracted attendees from nine Canadian provinces and two territories.

In addition, WMS 2019 featured 75,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 175 exhibitors. 

For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, contact Gavin McAuliffe of Corcoran Expositions at 312-265-9649 or  [email protected][email protected].

For general inquiries, contact Harry Urban, show manager at [email protected]. 

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