SLMA looks ahead while celebrating SOth

flncrc rN 1962, framing lumber markets were impacted -LDUy western softwoods shipped into the South and East as a result of discriminatory rail freight rates. Lumber used in federally insured housing was required by the government to be grademarked by an approved grading agency. Hardwood stumpage was inexpensive and plentiful. Yet the southeastern lumber industry lacked formal representation to protect itself against such challenges.

Mobilized by the recognized need for organization, education and cohesiveness, a small group of lumbermen called a meeting in October 1961 to discuss the lack of organized representation of the southeastern lumber manufacturer with regards to marketing and promotion, discriminatory rail rates from competing regions, grademarking irregularities, and building code problems. A total of 46 lumber manufacturers attended from Alabama, Florida,