TRANSFORMING TEAMS

Diversity, equality and inclusion: LGBTQ+ employees

Fsome instances state and local law protects several groups of people in the workplace based on their sexual or gender identity. Given the newness of these protections, as well as the diversity of characteristics and people within this group, some employers are finding it di cult to know how to react to and accommodate the needs of this group.

Definitions

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer with the “+” representing the numerous other sexualities and gender identities covered by this broad term. While employers are not required to know all of the terms, they are required to be accepting, treat an employee equally, and protect them from discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

DEI is a term encapsulating the goals companies should have when creating policies, procedures and practices with respect to employees in any protected group (including race, national origin, age and/or LGBT ). While descriptions vary slightly from source-to-source, common definitions include (as found at DEI Expert Hub):

Diversity Having different types of people from a wide range of identities with different perspectives, experiences, etc.

Inclusion – Putting diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect and connection – where the richness of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are harnessed to create value.

Q. We are reopening the office and have some employees who are vaccinated while others are not. Do we have to implement any different procedures or policies?

A. Our best recommendation is to follow the current guidelines established by the CDC, OSHA and other health & safety experts. Right now, their guidance includes maintaining most of the safety procedures implemented last year: social distancing (possibly with barriers), wearing masks when walking through the workplace or within 6 ft. of others, limited use of common areas, hand washing/sanitizing, and regular disinfecting of the workplace. This guidance is the same for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, so you do not need to implement different policies based on an employee’s vaccination status or philosophy.

In situations where CDC guidance differs for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, such as the need to quarantine after travel or exposure to someone with COVID-19, you can implement different procedures as long as you are not targeting or discriminating against a particular group.

Equity – Removing the predictability of success or failure that currently correlates with any social or cultural factor, examining biases, and creating inclusive environments.

The Basics – Legal Protection

On une 15, 2020, the .S. Supreme Court issued a landmark 6-3 decision that includes sexual orientation, including LGBT employees, as protected under Title VII. This means that terminating or taking other negative employment actions against an LGTB employee based on their sexual or gender identity constitutes sex discrimination and therefore is against the law. While several states, counties, and cities had these protections prior to the ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision makes it the law for every employer who falls under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (which applies to most employers).

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, the minimum action all employers should take is to: Review and revise their non-discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and non-retaliation policies to include protections for LGBT groups relating to sexual orientation, gender expression, and transitioning status. Update other policies that may be impacted (directly or indirectly) by sex and gender stereotypes, such as dress code, benefit coverage, job requirements, and leave entitlement. Ensure all policies and procedures are applied equally to both sexes without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, or transgender status. Train all managers and employees that any and all discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation violates the law and therefore company policy, including the newly-protected groups. Enforce all policies fairly and discipline any employee, manager, client, or vendor who discriminates, intentionally or unintentionally, against an employee in a group protected under Title VII or any other law such as ADA, ADEA, USERRA, and IRCA.

Ace Offers Extra Mile Guarantee Ace Hardware is rolling out its Extra Mile Promise, a guarantee that Ace has the expert advice and supplies needed to help consumers successfully tackle any paint project with just one trip to the store. Available at participating stores nationwide, the vow was created to address and relieve the frustration consumers deal with when faced with the proposition of yet another trip to the store as a result of forgotten items or not enough paint. Ace is so confident in its one-trip guarantee that it will provide free delivery to consumers who may be in need of additional paint supplies. “While it hurt our pride to learn this, the truth is that while consumers trust Ace as the Helpful Place, far too many of them believed that our speedy sized stores didn’t have enough product to complete their paint project,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO. “We know this isn’t the case, so to assuage these misperceptions, we decided to stand behind our large paint assortment with the Extra Mile Promise. Our objective is simple: to be known as the #1, best, most convenient, most helpful and most credible store for paint in the neighborhood.” Housewraps, Weather Barriers rending in Residential arket Housewrap preferences are gradually evolving, according to a recent presentation at the Housewrap 2019 TO MARK Hayward Lumber’s centennial, CEO Bill Hayward sliced the birthday cake Hayward style—with a chain saw—during a Sept. 7 celebration in San Luis Obispo, Ca., that was attended by nearly 1,000. Beyond legalities, we encourage our clients to go further than simply “following the law” to experience added benefits. According to research, fostering DEI within the workplace has been found to increase company cash flow by 2.3 times, revenue by 19%, and team performance by 30%. Additional research shows that employees in an inclusive organization have higher job satisfaction, lower turnover, higher productivity, higher employee morale, improved creativity and innovation, improved problem solving, increased organizational flexibility, and all-around better quality of work life. By hiring, training, and promoting employees so they are active participants in policy and decision-making, employers have ready access to various perspectives, ideas, and experiences to strengthen their business practices. Examine your policies, practices and procedures for places of improvement in preparation for an employee asking for accommodation. Some accommodations may include: se the name they prefer, even if different than what is on their documentation. se their preferred pronouns which could be he/him/ his,” “she/her/hers,” “they/them/theirs,” or none at all. Offer assistance when a person is transitioning into the gender they identify with from the one of their birth. This product is present in the basements of about 2,200 houses in various stages of construction in limited markets. Most of the houses are not yet occupied. Weyerhaeuser will cover the cost to either remediate or replace affected joists. It has halted production, sales and shipments of the product, and is collecting unused product from customers. Approximately $9 million of the product has been sold since December 2016. Weyerhaeuser expects to spend $50$60 million resolving the issue. Traditional mechanically-attached housewraps still make up more than two-thirds of all housewrap and WRB materials installed, but alternatives are making inroads. Combination WRB and structural sheathing panels, such as Huber’s ZIP System and Georgia-Pacific’s ForceField, now make up about 10% of this market among new homes. Self-adhered membranes are now approaching 10% of the market, as well. Fluid-applied membranes now constitute about 3% of new home housewrap/WRB installations. Alternatives to traditional housewrap are found more extensively on higher-end homes and multifamily buildings. Weyco Recalls Coated I-Joists Weyerhaeuser is recalling a batch of TJI Joists with Flak Jacket Protection, after linking an odor in certain newly constructed homes to a recent formula change in the coating that included formaldehyde-based resin. The issue is isolated to Flak Jacket product made after Dec. 1, 2016, and does not affect any of the company’s other products. Flak Jacket Protection is a coating applied to I-joists to enhance fire resistance, and it is not widely in use. The conference on builder and consumer practices by Ed Hudson, Home Innovation Research Labs. Hudson shared that about 60% of all housewrap and weather-resistant barrier (WRB) material is installed on new homes; the remainder is installed primarily on homes being re-sided. DuPont’s Tyvek continues to dominate with nearly half the housewrap and WRB installations in new homes. DuPont established leadership in technology and education early and have maintained that leadership for decades. Ace Offers Extra Mile Guarantee Merchant 8-17 Layout.qxp_D SigNov03-1-8,41-48 7/25/17 1:18 PM Page 20 may be offering a private bathroom or updating their email address. Allow flexibility in your dress code to allow individuals to wear clothing according to their preference rather than their gender identity or gender of their birth. Extend that flexibility to your personal appearance policy with regards to hair styles, makeup, behavior, voice or body characteristics. You should be understanding and respectful, asking for their guidance and help along the way. Your goal should be product is present in the basements of about 2,200 houses Traditional mechanically-attached housewraps still

Wholesale Industrial Lumber Ace Hardware is rolling out its Extra Mile Promise, a guarantee that Ace has the expert advice and supplies needed to help consumers successfully tackle any paint project with just one trip to the store. Available at participating stores nationwide, the vow was created to address and relieve the frustration consumers deal with when faced with the proposition of yet another trip to the store as a result of forgotten items or not enough paint. Ace is so confident in its one-trip guarantee that it will provide free delivery to consumers who may be in various stages of construction in limited markets. Most of the houses are not yet occupied. Weyerhaeuser will cover the cost to either remediate or replace affected joists. It has halted production, sales and shipments of the product, and is collecting unused product from customers. Approximately $9 million of the product has been sold since December 2016. Weyerhaeuser expects to spend $50$60 million resolving the issue. make up more than two-thirds of all housewrap and WRB materials installed, but alternatives are making inroads. Combination WRB and structural sheathing panels, such as Huber’s ZIP System and Georgia-Pacific’s ForceField, now make up about 10% of this market among new homes. Self-adhered membranes are now approaching 10% of the market, as well. Fluid-applied membranes now constitute about 3% of new home housewrap/WRB installations. Alternatives to traditional housewrap are found more extensively on higher-end homes and multifamily buildings. in need of additional paint supplies. “While it hurt our pride to learn this, the truth is that while consumers trust Ace as the Helpful Place, far too many of them believed that our speedy sized stores didn’t TO MARK Hayward Lumber’s centennial, CEO Bill Hayward sliced the have enough product to complete their paint project,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO. “We know this isn’t birthday cake Hayward style—with a chain saw—during a Sept. 7 celebration in San Luis Obispo, Ca., that was attended by nearly 1,000. the case, so to assuage these misperceptions, we decided to stand behind our large paint assortment with the Extra Mile Housewraps, Weather Barriers Promise. Our objective is simple: to be known as the #1, best, most convenient, most helpful and most credible store for paint in the neighborhood.” rending in Residential arket Housewrap preferences are gradually evolving, according to a recent presentation at the Housewrap 2019

REEL 1321 N. Kraemer Blvd. (Box 879), Anaheim, Ca. 92806 Fax 714-630-3190 (714) 632-1988 • (800) 675-REEL 3518 Chicago Ave., Riverside, Ca. 92507 (951) 781-0564 www.reellumber.com LUMBER SERVICEWeyco Recalls Coated I-Joists Weyerhaeuser is recalling a batch of TJI Joists with Flak Jacket Protection, after linking an odor in certain newly constructed homes to a recent formula change in the coating that included formaldehyde-based resin. The issue is isolated to Flak Jacket product made after Dec. 1, 2016, and does not affect any of the company’s other products. Flak Jacket Protection is a coating applied to I-joists to enhance fire resistance, and it is not widely in use. The conference on builder and consumer practices by Ed Hudson, Home Innovation Research Labs. Hudson shared that about 60% of all housewrap and weather-resistant barrier (WRB) material is installed on new homes; the remainder is installed primarily on homes being re-sided. DuPont’s Tyvek continues to dominate with nearly half the housewrap and WRB installations in new homes. DuPont established leadership in technology and education early and have maintained that leadership for decades. to learn to make a better workplace for them and everyone else. Remember, it is not the responsibility of the LGBT community to teach you—it is your responsibility to learn. Some critical don’ts include: Do not assume anything and do not treat all LGBT employees the same. Let each LGBT employee ask and explain, then come up with a plan together. Do not allow other employees to gossip or treat LGBT employees differently or exclude them from workplace interactions. Do not allow managers to overlook LGBT employees when it comes to advancement, training and salary increases. Performance should be evaluated fairly and consistently based on essential job-based aspects, not preferences or stereotypes. Do not allow third-parties such as clients and vendors to harass or discriminate against your LGBT employees. As with other protected groups, you are responsible to protect employees from harassment, discrimination, or sexual harassment from anyone, even non-employees. By actively creating more opportunities and fostering a productive environment for LGBT employees, you will reap tangible benefits. Being open to the possibilities will allow you to discover new ways to grow your business and keep your best employees. Paige McAllister, SPHR A nity HR Group contact a nityhrgroup.com Windows & Doors Keep Growing Residential window shipments increased 5.7% in 2016, amounting to more than 43.2 million units shipped across the nation. Looking forward, national growth is expected to increase another 5.6% in 2017 before trailing off somewhat in 2019 to 4.6% growth, according to a new Window & Door Manufacturers Association study. In 2016, shipments of side-hinged entry doors increased by 6.1% to 9.7 million units on the national level, alleviating any concerns over the decrease in units shipped between 2014 and 2015. Based on the analysis of the data, annual growth is forecasted to climb to 5.9% in 2017 before declining to a modest 5.2% growth in 2019. Architectural interior flush doors recovered from a decline the previous year by growing 4.5% in 2016 with nearly 2.9 million units shipped, while stile and rail doors continued its upward trend with a 6.6% increase with nearly 0.44 million units shipped. Annual growth of flush doors is forecast to be 4% in 2017 before declining to 1% in 2019. Stile and rail doors are also predicted to grow 4% in 2017 and decline to 1% by 2019. Ace Rebranding andyman Division Ace Hardware Corp. has completed the acquisition of Handyman Matters, franchisor of home repair, maintenance and improvement services based in Denver, Co. Early next year, Handyman Matters will be rebranded as Ace Handyman Services and operate as a new stand-alone, subsidiary of Ace Hardware. Handyman Matters is a franchise organization comprised of locally owned and operated and company-owned locations that offer professional and multi-skilled craftsmen, trained to handle a homeowner’s to-do list in addition to larger projects. On-site services to consumers and small businesses include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting and flooring. It currently has 57 franchisees who collectively employ about 250 handymen and women in 121 territories across 23 states. Andy Bell, the founder and CEO of Handyman Matters, will continue to lead the day-to-day business operations for Ace Handyman Services from its headquarters in Denver. Integration and re-branding initiatives are currently underway with a target completion in first quarter 2020.

At Reel Lumber Service, we supply

domestic and foreign hardwoods. Our products and services include: • Hardwood Lumber & Pine • Hardwood Plywood & Veneers

• Melamine Plywood • Hardwood Moulding (alder, cherry, mahogany, MDF, maple, red oak, paint grade, pecan hickory, white oak, walnut, beech) • Milling (moulding profiles, S2S, SLR1E, SLR2E, & resawn lumber) • Woodworking Accessories (appliques, ornaments, butcher blocks, corbels, etc.) • Woodworking Supplies (deft finishes, color putty, adhesives, etc.) Our products are widely used in interior finish carpentry, furniture, cabinetry and hundreds of industrial and manufacturing applications. We stock a complete line of complementary products to complete virtually any woodworking or millwork project. Windows & Doors Keep Growing Residential window shipments increased 5.7% in 2016, amounting to more than 43.2 million units shipped across the nation. Looking forward, national growth is expected to increase another 5.6% in 2017 before trailing off somewhat in 2019 to 4.6% growth, according to a new Window & Door Manufacturers Association study. In 2016, shipments of side-hinged entry doors increased by 6.1% to 9.7 million units on the national level, alleviating any concerns over the decrease in units shipped between 2014 and 2015. Based on the analysis of the data, annual growth is forecasted to climb to 5.9% in 2017 before declining to a modest 5.2% growth in 2019. Architectural interior flush doors recovered from a decline the previous year by growing 4.5% in 2016 with nearly 2.9 million units shipped, while stile and rail doors continued its upward trend with a 6.6% increase with nearly 0.44 million units shipped. Annual growth of flush doors is forecast to be 4% in 2017 before declining to 1% in 2019. Stile and rail doors are also predicted to grow 4% in 2017 and decline to 1% by 2019. Ace Rebranding andyman Division Ace Hardware Corp. has completed the acquisition of Handyman Matters, franchisor of home repair, maintenance and improvement services based in Denver, Co. Early next year, Handyman Matters will be rebranded as Ace Handyman Services and operate as a new stand-alone, subsidiary of Ace Hardware. Handyman Matters is a franchise organization comprised of locally owned and operated and company-owned locations that offer professional and multi-skilled craftsmen, trained to handle a homeowner’s to-do list in addition to larger projects. On-site services to consumers and small businesses include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting and flooring. It currently has 57 franchisees who collectively employ about 250 handymen and women in 121 territories across 23 states. Andy Bell, the founder and CEO of Handyman Matters, will continue to lead the day-to-day business operations for Ace Handyman Services from its headquarters in Denver. Integration and re-branding initiatives are currently underway with a target completion in first quarter 2020.

US LBM has reached an agreement to acquire American Construction Source, Springfi eld, Mo. Adding ACS’s 70 locations will increase S LBM’s holdings to nearly 00 facilities nationwide.

Nine of ACS’s 12 brands operate in the West, including Meek’s, Homewood, Weaver Lumber, Breckenridge Building Center, Custom Choice Door, Evergreen Lumber, Eagle Creek Siding, Edwards Building Center, and The Door Mill. Overall, it has operations in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin.

“With the addition of the ACS portfolio, US LBM will strengthen our position in the Midwest and California, and expand our reach to Colorado and Washington, two quickly growing construction markets,” said US LBM president and CEO L.T. Gibson. We look forward to working with the ACS team and their local operators to continue leveraging their strong relationships, experience and teams to grow in their respective markets.”

“ACS joining US LBM is a perfect outcome based on the alignment of our shared strategy to preserve longstanding local lumberyard brands and operations while delivering a great customer experience, said ames Drexinger, CEO of ACS. “We are grateful to our customers, suppliers, leadership team, salespeople and associates for their support. Together we have built a signifi cant industry platform while simultaneously honoring the 100-plus year heritage of the local brands and family legacies we have acquired.”

ACS was founded in 201 by Angeles Equity Partners and Clearlake Capital.

Parr Co., Hillsboro, Or., has acquired Evergreen Truss & Supply, Deer Park, Wa., from Dean Morse, who will stay on as truss plant manager.

Portola Valley Hardware owners Stig Nybo and Richard Crevelt will open a 10,000-sq. ft. Ace Hardware in Los Altos, Ca., in September.

Paul’s Ace Hardware, Fountain Hills, Az., is expanding by 4,000 sq. ft. to over 30,000 sq. ft.

Southport Lumber Co., Coos Bay, Or., has taken over full responsibility for selling its own lumber production, per Random Lengths. Chris Killgore was named VP of sales & marketing, Cindy Garvin sales account manager, and Seth Mauch is new as director of transportation.

L&W Supply added a new branch in Palm Springs, Ca.

Cornerstone Building Products, Cary, N.C., acquired vinyl window/door manufacturer Prime Window Systems, Denver, Co.

PrimeSource Building Products, Irving, Tx., has agreed to purchase Nationwide Industries, Tampa, Fl., parent company of Ultra-Tec and RailFX.

MiTek Inc. rebranded SidePlate Connection Designs, Ultra-Span Floor & Roof Trusses, and Benson Glass and Curtain Walls under the MiTek name.

Primed for great performance.

UFP-Edge sets the bar high for primed trim and fascia. High quality factory-applied machine coat PPG primer covers all six sides of the board to ensure protection and long-term performance in virtually any weather condition.

For more information, visit ufpEDGE.com or contact your regional UFP representative.

UFP Chandler, LLC Chandler, AZ 480.961.0833

UFP Riverside, LLC Riverside, CA 951.826.3000 UFP Thornton, LLC Thornton, CA 209.794.8750

UFP Saginaw, LLC Saginaw, TX 817.232.2233

©2021 UFP Retail Solutions. All rights reserved.

UFP-Edge is a trademark of UFP Industries, Inc.

UFP-Edge Primed SPF

•SPF wood is kiln dried, stable and ready for paint •Economical choice for exterior fascia and trim

UFP-Edge Premium Primed

•Clear, knot-free radiata pine provides long-term performance •Finger-jointed and edge-glued for superior stability

UFP-Edge True

• Knot-free Japanese cedar naturally resists decay and termites • Finger-jointed and edge-glued for superior stability

Builders FirstSource, Dallas, Tx., has entered into a defi nitive agreement to acquire Alliance Lumber parent Cornerstone Building Alliance SW, LLC, the largest independently operated supplier of building materials in Arizona.

Based in Glendale, Az., the company operates Alliance Lumber, Alliance Truss, Alliance EWP, and Alliance Hardware.

Combined, the company had sales exceeding 330 million over the prior 12 months.

The deal, worth 00 million, is expected to close near the end of the second quarter.

“This acquisition is aligned with our strategy of investing organically and through M&A, to shift our portfolio toward high-value and faster-growth categories,” said Dave Flitman, president and CEO of Builders FirstSource. “Alliance’s service area represents the third largest single-family market and includes the fastest growing county, Maricopa, in the country. Alliance’s geographic footprint represents an excellent strategic fi t, with a limited overlap of our existing geographic coverage that enables us to expand our product lines across various end markets.”

True Carr, managing partner of Alliance, will continue with BFS.

BFS currently operates 550 locations in 0 states.

TAL Expanding to Idaho, Montana with Acquisition

Eleven-unit TAL Holdings LLC, Vancouver, Wa., has agreed to acquire Badger Building Center, with yards in Post Falls, Sagle, and Bonners Ferry, Id., and alispell, Mt.

Badger Building Center was scheduled to begin operating as part of TAL eff ective une 7.

Badger Building Center was founded in 19 3 in Sandpoint, Id., by Mike and Sandy Badger. They expanded into Post Falls in 1991 and alispell in 1996. The Sandpoint yard moved to Sagle in 2003, and Bonners Ferry was added in 2013.

Today, Badger Building Center is owned and operated by Mike and Sandy’s son Lee and his wife, im.

Lee Badger and his team will be joining the TAL organization in the day-to-day management and operation of the Badger locations.

TAL also operates 12 locations in Oregon and Washington under six brand names, including Tum-A-Lum and Marson & Marson Lumber.

JH Baxter Selling Plant

H Baxter Company of San Mateo, Ca., has agreed to sell its Eugene, Or., treating plant to ATR Services, Inc., Veneta, Or.

The 2-acre site features fi ve pressure treating cylinders, three dry kilns, and several incisors.

According to CEO Georgia Baxter, “ATR is a locally owned business that will be able to preserve jobs in the area, while improving its operations, which we believe is in the best interest of the community.”

The deal could close as early as the third quarter.

Roy O Believed in

Roy O Martin was not a chef, yet he passed down his homemade “recipe” for producing the highest-quality wood products to four generations and counting.

Just like a prized family meal that’s been painstakingly prepared for generations, Roy O’s family continues to work hard to serve our customers only the absolute best. Like Grandpa Roy, we can’t stand squandering good ingredients, which is why we offer our Tuffstrand panels in extended lengths of 9’, 10’, and 12’ to cut down on material waste and valuable labor time.