Dealers get more tools to sell southern cypress

f, s naone wooo product suppliers are finding out, .CLcypress building products provide beauty and durability on homes and offices across the country. From salty coastal regions to snowy mountain locations, builders and architects are using cypress as a competitively priced alternative to cedar, redwood, pressure treated pine, and manufactured composites. When it comes to recommending a product based on its versatility, durability, and good looks, cypress is hard to beat.

To provide a better information source and capitalize on the increased interest in cypress siding, decking, and other mation on a product, they turn to the Internet," says SCMA v.p. Shepard Haggerty, Williams Lumber Co. of North Carolina, Rocky Mount, N.C. "With the recent updates, our website is more informative, more attractive, and easier to use than ever before."

Under the Outdoor Applications and Interior Uses tab, visitors can find information on using cypress to beautify their homes for almost every type of application, from siding and decking to paneling, flooring, roof shingles, and everything in between. There also are other helpful resources, including do-it-yourself articles, installation guides, and application videos, as well as recommendations for finishing cypress with sealer, stain, or paint.

"I answer calls on a daily basis from homeowners who want to learn about cleaning or refinishing their decks, and architects looking for recommendations on cypress siding," notes SCMA president Chuck Harris, Wholesale Wood Products, Dothan, Al., "With the new website at cypressinfo.org, these answers are easier to find."

There's also a new Media Center tab, and it isn't just for reporters. Homeowners, architects and retailers can review a growing online catalog of extraordinary homes and buildings that showcase the natural beauty, durability, and versatility of cypress. They will find interviews with noted architects who explain why they chose cypress and how it has helped add performance and distinction to projects from New England to Wyoming and throughout the Southeast. Visitors also can access dozens of photos that demonstrate cypress' natural beauty and versatility.

SOUTHERN CYPRESS products, the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association recently launched a remodeled website at www.cypressinfo.org. The SCMA's home on the web provides new resources and tools, an updated photo gallery, and intuitive navigation.

Association's revamoed website is more attractive, easier to use, and packed with more information than ever before.

"When homeowners, retailers and architects want infor-

For eco-conscious browsers, the Sustainability tab details the positive affects cypress products have on the environment throughout their life cycles - through growth, manufacture, useful life, reuse, and disposal-when they are sourced from healthy, managed forests. Readers also can discover why continuing to harvest and manufacture cypress is increasingly important as the built environment moves towards more energy- and resource-efficient designs.

Finally, builders and architects have easy access to critical sourcing and specification information at the site's Installation & Specifications tab, which includes details about different grades of cypress, span tables, working characteristics, strength and mechanical specifications, and more.

To take a tour, please visit the SCMA website at www.cypressinfo.org.

Ace Launches New Mini Format

Ace Hardware Corp., Oak Brook, Il., has launched an "Express" customized merchandising format designed for stores with 5,000 sq. ft. or less, which will allow the company to grow in markets that can't accommodate additional full-size retail locations.

"At this time, there are nearly 400 successful Ace Hardware retail locations operating with less than 5,000 sq. ft., and the consistent high performance of these stores proved we had an incredible opportunity to create a specialized, smaller-format Ace retail model," said Mike Berschauer, director of retail development. "Essentially, we're providing the same top-notch brands and exceptional customer service, but just in a smaller space."

Ace says that the new format is ideal for the following retail situations:

Store within a store: integrating a grocery or paint store with Ace Hardware merchandise and services and operating seamlessly as one retail location

Annex locations: A current Ace retailer opens a smaller branch store near a main retail location to increase profitability and provide helpful service to more consumers.

Rural markets: The owner of a farm or ranch supply store adds a smaller format store to fulfill the home improvement needs of the area.

Urban markets: A retailer in a metro area opens a smaller unit that optimizes available space and provides a convenient shopping experience for urban consumers.

Hollywood Comes to Carolina Yard

McGee Lumber, Charlotte, N.C., got a taste of Hollywood in late June, when the yard was used as a set for a new Cinemax TV show.

"We knew this was going to be a major inconvenience, but this is something you don't see every day," said John Davis, owner of McGee Lumber. "This is sort of fun."

Banshee follows a mysterious ex-con with expert martial arts skills who poses as a sheriff in Amish Pennsylvania. McGee was chosen for its old, weathered wood buildings.

"I've never seen anything like it," said co-owner Paul Davis, who was impressed with the filming. He said that the compensation was worth it, even though the business had to shut down for the day.

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