Meet the loest in the West

qEEKING a more friendly environLfment than that found in current markets, western lumber producers will gather in Arizona this spring for the Western Wood Products Association annual meeting.

This traditional gathering of the top lumber companies in the West is scheduled for March 7-10 at the DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale. The three-day meeting offers a full agenda of business meetings, social events, and plenty of time to network with others in the industry.

One of the key events at the 2009 session is the update of the association's semi-annual lumber supply and demand forecast, presented on Tuesday, March 10. WWPA economists will provide an update on current lumber markets and the outlook for when producers can expect recovery to take hold. The WWPA forecast is one of the industry's most recognized outlooks on the lumber market.

The meeting kicks off on Sunday, March 7 with a golf tournament. Later that evening, attendees will join for the welcoming reception.

Monday, March 8, features business meetings for the association's standing committees. The industry luncheon will recognize those mills earning awards for safety as well as the 2009 class of Master Lumbermen, one of the most prestigious honors for mill employees working in grading and quality control. Association members will also honor WWPA Quality Services director Tom Hanneman, who will retire in early 2009.

The chairman's reception and exchange show are slated for Monday evening. The Exchange Show provides offers a valuable opportunity for suppliers and others to reach key western mill decision makers, where exhibitors can have tabletop displays where attendees can review their products and services.

Attendees can find registration details, register for the meeting, make hotel reservations and download other meeting materials at www.wwpa.org.