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Rich Christianson
President/Owner/C-Level

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.

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Canadian News

Durham Furniture commemorates 120th anniversary

DURHAM, Ontario – Durham Furniture, a manufacturer of solid wood bedroom and occasional furniture, is celebrating 120 years in business, with a renewed commitment to product development and growth. “This significant milestone provides a platform for us to pause and celebrate the dedication of our employees who have always been an integral part of our history,” said Luke Simpson. president and CEO. “It also inspires us to build a foundation for many more years of success, which starts with targeting the next generation of consumers.
By Rich Christianson, July 27, 2019 | 5:10 pm CDT
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WMS Products

Planit Canada invites woodworkers to be ‘awesome’ at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Planit Canada specializes in software to drive every aspect of the design to manufacture process and improve the efficiency of woodworking operations. At the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Planit says it will demonstrate software products that “can make your business more awesome,” including solutions for ramping up production, automating processes, saving time and making more money.
By Rich Christianson, July 27, 2019 | 10:02 am CDT
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Wood Pro Expo Lancaster

WCMA: The Source for Wood Components

LANCASTER, Pa. - The Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA) represents manufacturers of dimension and wood component products who can supply any component needed for cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, closets, flooring, staircases, building materials, and decorative/specialty wood products made from hardwoods, softwoods, and a variety of engineered wood materials. WCMA member companies are located throughout the United States and Canada.
By Rich Christianson, July 26, 2019 | 2:35 pm CDT
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WMS Products

TAWI to demo labor-saving vacuum lifts at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, ON - TAWI Canada, a provider of lifting solutions for the wood industry, will conduct hands-on demonstrations of its vacuum lifters at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo, Oct. 31- Nov. 2 in Mississauga, Ontario. TAWI says its vacuum lifters can be customized and adapted into every step of the wood processing workflow to support business needs. The Richmond Hill, Ontario-based company’s labor-saving and production-enhancing solutions include:
By Rich Christianson, July 26, 2019 | 11:23 am CDT
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WMS Products

Richelieu to present 50 years of innovation at WMS

MISSISSAGUA, Ontario - Richelieu, a leading supplier for more than 50 years, will showcase its comprehensive lines of specialty hardware and complementary products to cabinetmakers and woodworkers at the 2019 Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the International Centre. 
By Rich Christianson, July 25, 2019 | 6:31 pm CDT
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Wood Pro Expo Lancaster

Jet, Powermatic and Extrema among Blue Ball Machine's offerings

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Blue Ball Machine Company Inc. will continue the year-long celebration of its 135th anniversary at Wood Pro Expo, Oct. 17-18 at the Spooky Nook Sports Center in Lancaster, Pa. The family-owned business distributes woodworking equipment and supplies. Included are the full lines of Jet, Powermatic and Extrema equipment, plus an extensive lineup of router bits, bandsaw blades, sandpaper, and accessories needed by woodworking professionals or hobbyists. 
By Rich Christianson, July 23, 2019 | 11:47 am CDT
New Housing Construction

Canadian News

Canadian housing starts surge

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Housing starts in Canada reached 245,657 units in June, up 26 percent from 196,809 units in May, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The spike in seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts for all of Canada was led a 31 percent increase of multi-dwelling urban home starts to 185,804. Meanwhile, single-detached urban starts increased 8 percent to 48,434 units, CMHC reported.
By Rich Christianson, July 22, 2019 | 1:33 pm CDT