Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario

08/27/2026

AI is being built for manufacturing — and WMCO members have a chance to help shape it.

WMCO is developing an AI Accounting Agent with participating manufacturers, using real-world workflows and industry needs to build something practical.

Join our September 15 Information Session to discover how your company can:
• Help shape the AI tool
• Incorporate your real business workflows
• Learn how the AI cohort works
• Get an early look at WMCO’s future AI services

September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via Zoom

No commitment required. Come learn what’s possible and ask your questions.

Register: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session

08/23/2026

New U.S. tariffs are here. What are Ontario manufacturers seeing?

WMCO is hosting a free Facilitated Networking Forum tomorrow, Monday, August 24 at 1:00 PM EDT to bring manufacturers and industry partners together to compare experiences and discuss what comes next.

New 50% U.S. tariffs now affect a broad range of Canadian exports, including wood and building products, machinery, manufacturing inputs and other goods.

This is a working discussion, not a presentation.

We want to hear:

How is your business being affected?
What are customers telling you?
What strategies are you considering?
Where can manufacturers work together?
What should WMCO be doing to support the industry?

Monday, August 24 | 1:00 PM EDT | Virtual | Free

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/8/24/wmco-facilitated-forum-u-s-tariffs-industry-response

Members and industry guests are welcome.

WMCO Facilitated Forum: U.S. Tariffs & Industry Response at Zoom on Mon Aug 24 2026, 1:00pm EDT: New U.S. tariffs affecting a broad range of Canadian...

08/21/2026

AI for our industry is being built now — and our members can help shape it.

WMCO is bringing members together to develop an AI Accounting Agent based on real manufacturing workflows, company data, and valuable industry use cases.

Join our September 15 information session to learn how the cohort works, what you'll gain from participating, and how you can help influence the future of AI in wood manufacturing.

September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via Zoom

No commitment required to attend.

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session

08/02/2026

Celebrate the next generation of skilled cabinetmakers!

Join Georgian College for the Student Cabinetmaking Exhibit 2026 and explore outstanding student projects that showcase creativity, craftsmanship, and technical skill.

Where: Barrie Campus
Dates: Aug. 5 & 6, 2026

07/31/2026

WMCO's popular Spray Finishing Training has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Join industry expert David Blackler at Conestoga College for a full day of hands-on learning designed to improve finishing quality, reduce defects, and build confidence through practical spray finishing and simulator training.

💲 WMCO Members: $599 + HST
💲 Non-Members: $1599 + HST

Take advantage of exclusive WMCO member pricing.
Half the spots are already taken — secure your seat before registration closes!

Thursday, August 20, 2026
📍 Conestoga College – Woodworking Centre, Kitchener

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/7/8/wmco-apos-s-hands-on-finishing-training-skills-for-quality-efficiency-conestoga-college

Deadline: August 12th at 12pm.

07/29/2026

Is your business running at its full potential?

When was the last time you audited your company’s most important “vitals”?

Join Andrew Wall from Sandler Milton for a full-day, in-person workshop focused on strengthening your leadership, operations, financial performance, and growth strategy.

Learn practical tools to help you:
✓ Build a stronger accountability culture
✓ Improve business processes & SOPs
✓ Strengthen your revenue engine
✓ Create a more effective, well-run company

September 4, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sandler Milton (In-Person)
2800 High Point Drive, Suite 209, Milton

WMCO Members: $195 + HST
Non-Members: $995 + HST

Limited spots available — reserve your seat today!

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/4/sandler-wmco-practical-business-development-for-manufacturers

07/16/2026

New Date Confirmed!

Our popular Spray Finishing Training has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Join David Blackler, Finishing Technologist and Professor at Conestoga College, for a full day of hands-on training designed to improve finishing quality, reduce costly defects, and build confidence through practical instruction and advanced spray finishing simulators.

💲 WMCO Members: $599 + HST
💲 Non-Members: $1,599 + HST

Take advantage of exclusive WMCO member pricing and reserve your spot today!

📍 Conestoga College – Woodworking Centre, Kitchener
Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/7/8/wmco-apos-s-hands-on-finishing-training-skills-for-quality-efficiency-conestoga-college

07/14/2026

🌎 Thinking about exporting your products?

The CanExport SMEs program application deadline has been extended to August 31, 2026, giving eligible Canadian businesses more time to access funding for international market expansion—including participation in trade shows like IBS 2027 in Las Vegas.

If you're considering exhibiting at the International Builders' Show 2027, now is the time to explore this funding opportunity.

Check your inbox for yesterday's WMCO e-blast for full details.

Questions about exhibiting at the Canadian Pavilion? Contact Dan Rittwage directly:
📧 [email protected]
📞 343-333-4327

07/10/2026

💡 Take advantage of grant funding for leadership development.

The Ontario Job Grant is now available, but applications are currently taking 6–8 weeks to process.

WMCO's LMI Canada Leadership Development Program begins September 10, so if you're planning to apply for funding, now is the time to get your application started.

Don't wait until the deadline — contact Barry today and be funding-ready for September.

(905) 745-0657 or Email [email protected]
Registration link: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/5/7/wmco-apos-s-lmi-leadership-series

07/09/2026

Last week, on Canada Day, our CEO, Mike Baker, joined CBC Radio's The Current to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Canada's wood manufacturing industry.

The conversation covered tariffs, economic pressures, and the resilience of Canadian manufacturers, while highlighting the vital role our industry plays in supporting jobs, innovation, and the economy.

We're proud to see wood manufacturing represented in national discussions on issues that matter to our members.

🎧 Missed the interview? Listen here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/16223762-should-cusma-renewed-reworked