THtr SOUTHLAINE

hearted and generous people who make it up.

I MISSED the column for the I month of December due to hospitalization. It is great to be back among the living and the doctors all say that the scar will be as unnoticeable as a mole on the end of one3 nose.

To all the many wonderful people in the industry who wished me a speedy recovery, I say "Thank you." Each of you were very kind and it is a great feeling to know that in a way we are considered a part of a great industry, made so by the many warm-

Since it is January, each firm should have already made plans as to what it will accomplish in 1976. But in case you haven't, or in the event you can use some fill ins, why not start thinking about association programs and what they can offer you.

For example, our bulletins have recently carried information about the Federal Truth in Lending Requirements.

Educational seminars are being planned for the various levels of management. A continuing program on education is available to train new employees in product knowledge. An "Under 35" age group is being set up to allow younger people a forum for their ideas, an exchange of information.

The association's committees on wood promotion, education and legislation have started active programs on behalf of the industry in each category mentioned. If you have a strong feeling towards working on a committee and realize the value it can be to you as well as the worth of your contribution to the industry, volunteer; your assistance can be used.

As regulations increase, your work load increases. As business declines, in periods of slow building activity, your work load increases. You need a source of outside help for insurance buying, legislation, training employees and the myriad of other challenges that present themselves each business day.

Distributor Elections

Roger Hancock of Arizona Millworlg Phoenix, has been elected president of the National Building Material Distributors Assn. at their recent 24th annual convention, held in Washington, D.C. He succeeds another Westerner, Richard Freeman of Sotal Commercial, Los Angeles.

Other prominent Westerners in the organization include new 3-year director Richard Lundgren, Palmer G. Lewis Co., Auburn, Wa.; and continuing 2-year director Fred S. Thomson, Inland Lumber Co., Colton, Ca.

In addition to'special honors for outgoing president Freeman, others recognized were retiring directors Clark Gittings, Gittings Lumber Co., Denver, and Peter J. Hall, Lumber Products, Portland, Or.

25th CONFERENCE

Gontinued, finm page zs ) who enumerated a list of built-in costs in direct mill wholesaling. He warned that accounts receivable costs can quickly hike a company's other costs, and cut profits.

The delightful humor of Carl Poynor of the Al Peirce Co.. brightened his message that profits are essential for the wholesaler to take the risk he does and that a strong wholesaler is a very effective business instrument for the dealer. Gordon Beach, Rygel Lumber Sales, told of their system of braking out sales into dollars and percentages in various administrative areas to give them better control.

The ebullient Frank Quattrocchi, American Forest Products Corp., in stressing the need for effective in-

The Melchant Magazine ventory management, said he felt strongly that everything in a wholesaler's inventory must be profitable; "each item must carry its own weight."

The Friday morning panel, November 21, was co<haired by E.L. Newkirk, Chandler Lumber, and Frank Higgins of National Building Centers. Don Brown, Terry Building Centers, kicked off the talks by discussing selling costs, employee reimbursements and compensation and related overhead.

Huff Lumber Company's Jerry Huff spoke from his experience in the milling business calling downfall the biggest problem in milling. He noted the difficulty of finding qualified men to operate their machines and the continuing grief of repairs. In some instances, they have had to manufacture their own parts to keep their Sante Fe Springs operation working efficiently.

Panelist kon Lauderbach, Orange Coast Lumber, said their numero uno goal was the best return on investment and described administration as being like management in that too much could be as bad as too little. Paul Orban, Jr. said that using common carriers can sometimes be cheaper to use when deadheading is involved in a shipment to a customer. He questioned whether all firms knew their real loading and unloading costs.

Packaging for cost control was one of the largest problems in truss manufacturing, stated Bob Marriott. Boyd Lumber, adding that field repairs are a continuing cost problem. He emphasized the necessity of cost control in a truss producing operation.

Wrapping up the formal portion of the convention program was the Silver Anniversary luncheon. A large crowd heard Carl Ramstrom honored for his years with the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau. Homer Burnaby, Sun Lumber Co., was named president emeritus for his many years of contributions to the lumber industry. In his absence, the plaque was accepted for him by Frank Higgins.

Executive vp. Wayne Gardner was applauded for the speedy recovery he has made following open heart surgery. Immediate past president Seth Potter was recognized for the fine job he performed while president.

Next year's convention will again be at the Spa Hotel in Palm Springs, Nov. 10-13,1976.

Wholesalers' regional meetings

HE North American Wholesale Lumber Association regional meeting pictured here was one of more than two score held during the past few months in the U.S. and Canada.

Meeting host Denny Gilchrist welcomed the gathering of 60 Los Angeles area lumbermen and recognized two (of the three living) past presidents of NAWLA: Bob Wells, who forecast better days ahead, and Bill Baugh, who stressed the importance of intraindustry dialogue.

Western regional NAWLA mgr. Pete Neibling spoke briefly, forecasting a better though not a boom year in 1976; no disintermediation

Story at a Glance

One of a series of NAWLA regional get-togethers, this one featured open discussion by those present of current problems and opportunities assn. sees no outflow of money from s&ls until '77 . annual meet is set for Colorado.

of deposit money from savings and loans until 1977; a Japanese market potential still some years down the road; and a slow, but erratic recovery from the current recession.

He expressed doubt eral government could stimulate housing even tried.

that the fedappreciablyif it really

An open floor discussion of some length concluded the meeting with the lumbermen discussing a wide range of subjects that affect the movement of lumber and other wood products within the marketplace.