New online grading course Goming for southern pine

tTt"t SourHenN Pine InsPection

I Bureau is finalizing development of an online lumber grading course to supplement on-the-job experience, classroom training and accelerate education of lumber graders, lumber quality technicians, dealers, and others in the lumber and construction industries.

The course focuses on the imPortance of Defects Identification and how it is used to grade lumber. The SPIB online course will help specifiers understand the value as well as the limitations of lumber. SPIB consulted with former employee Charles

Miceli, who developed the first computer-assisted training tool for graders, to produce this course.

"I'm glad I'm able to aPPIY the experience I've gained through many years in the industry to this online course," said Miceli. "Partnering with SPIB is a great way to connect with the people who will most benefit from this training, whether they're new employees or experienced graders looking to brush up their skills."

Visually grading lumber requires the ability to inspect and grade boards applying over 700 grade rules for southem pine in a time frame of seconds. With the fielding of visual grading machines, the opportunity to develop grading skills on the production line has been reduced. In many mills today a quality technician who monitors machine accuracy must learn how to inspect lumber through other means. The SPIB course employs visual training techniques and in-depth rule memorization processes to improve accuracY and verify inspector proficiency.

SPIB president Steve Singleton sees the lumber grade course as an important tool to help the organization's partners in the softwoods lumber industry.

"We're excited to offer this course as a way to improve the grading process and the quality of the product," said Singleton. "We're here to support lumber manufacturers and promote a valuable, renewable resource. This course provides the tools and techniques for lumber graders to do their job better, which benefits everyone in the industry."

Because these courses were developed by lumber graders for lumber graders, the materials are meaningful and relevant to the learner's needs. Everything is explained in straightforward language that is delivered consistently, minimizing confusion, especially when attempting to explain difficult concepts.

This course includes additional content to enhance learning with videos, photos, and diagrams, and also features interactive activities that encourage learning. This supplemental content provides ways for students to keep learning with information that is different from the core content.

The course can also benefit retailers, lumber sales staff , architects, engineers, and foresters.

SPIB is the mles writing body for the southern pine lumber industry. The SPIB grademark represents quality assurance and reflects its commitment to lead the industry in exacting standards, thorough training, and innovativc application of advanced technologies to ensure the integrity of softwood lumber products.

INTRODUCTION TO 2,, DIMENSION LUMBER

Adam Hawf has been named v.p. of Robinson Lumber Co., New Orleans, La.

Carlos Kinsey has retired and closed his business of the last 25 years, Lumber Source, Daniels, W.V.

Tim Nevitt, ex-Great Southern Wood Preserving, has joined Everwood Treatment Co., Spanish Fort, Al., as director of training.

Jeremy Allen, ex-Stock Building Supply, is new to outside sales at Builders FirstSource, New Braunfels, Tx.

Matt Ramos has been named a regional mgr. for McCoy's Building Supply, overseeing 10 stores in the coastal bend of Texas.

Todd Chamberlain, ex-Lowe's, is new to outside sales at Parksite, Bolingbrook,Il.

Jason Cobb is new to outside sales with Great Southern Wood Preserving, Jesup, Ga.

Pete Manley, ex-ProBuild, has joined the sales team at Matheus Lumber, San Marcos, Tx.

Herb Engelhard has retired after 64 years in the industry, the last 49 with Metropolitan Lumber Co., Oakbrook,Il.

Aileen O'Hara, ex-Northeast Builders Supply, is now inventory control mgr. at HG Page Lumber Co., Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Andy Barber, ex-Builders FirstSource, has joined the sales force at Atlantic Building Components, Charleston, S.C.

Sean Snyder is new to outside sales at Atlantic Forest Products, Baltimore, Md.

Chad Mercer, ex-GBS Building Supply, has joined the sales team at Dixie Lumber, Easley, S.C.

Wesley Barker has joined BMC, Atlanta, Ga., as chief operating officer. Also new are Noah Gay, v.p./controller; Terry Arnold, v.p.-human resources; and Sherrie Ricker, director of tax.

Kent Oberlin, ex-Home Lumber of New Haven, is a new key account rep for ProBuild, Fort Wayne,In.

Ray Ortiz, ex-Richards Building Supply, is now operations mgr. for Roofer's Mart, St. Louis, Mo.

David Cornett, ex-Phillips Forest Products, is new to sales at Rugby Architectural Building Products, De Kalb, Tx.

Stephanie Cummings is now in outside sales with Water Mill Building Supply, Water Mill, N.Y.

Chuck Soeder, president, Cansto Coatings, Cleveland, Oh., has added the title of senior v.p. for sister company Keene Building Products, Mayfield Heights, Oh.

Charles Berger, ex-Allied Building Products, is now assistant mgr.inside sales for CC Supply, Akron, oh.

Margi Vagell, Lowe's, Mooresville, N.C., has been promoted to v.p.pricing & promotions. Derrick Powers is now store mgr. in Hammond, La.

Christina Schappell, ex-Home Depot, is now in home center sales with American Woodmark Corp., Winchester, Va.

Bob Harville has been promoted to Southeast regional sales mgr. and business development mgr. for Do it Best, Fort Wayne, In.

Rachel Gibbons is the new business director for the wholesale flooring distribution segment of H.B. Fuller Construction Products. Aurora, Il. Paul Henning is now business director for concrete repair & restoration.

Jery Y. Huntley has retired after 2O years as president and c.e.o. of the Vinyl Siding Institute, Washington, D.C. Kate Offringa is the new president.

Jim Logan, owner and president, Metriguard Inc., Pullman, Wa., was presented the Bronson J. Lewis Award for leadership and contributions to the industry during APA's recent annual meeting. Dr. BJ. Yeh, APA's director of technical services, was named chairman of the Canadian Standards Association A.369 technical committee on wood-based panels.

Roy W. Cummings Jr., Cummings Lumber, Troy, Pa., was inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall by the local School District Foundation.

David Parker, mgr., Cramer's Home Building Center, Pocono Summit, Pa., was elected to the state House of Representatives.

Brock Lee and Russell Sprout are to blame for the new healthy menu at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products' employee cafeteria, Climax, Nv., report owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

Correction

Last month's Competitive Intelligence profile ("Busy Beaver Back in the Swim," p.1617) contained several errors. Joe Kallen's age is 37. Marketing director is Steven Derr, not Stephen. Its new parking lot is not yet planted with greenery. Its remodeled store is in New Kensington, Pa. And its customer service pledge is called "w.E.c.A.R.E."