Happy Holidays-herets hoPing

Drnsr, AS wE ALL rrow, it has been a difficult year. But as rough as it has been, I would like to continue our tradition of helping others less fortunate than ourselves.

Personally, these past two years have been difficult for my family health-wise, with three immediate members learning that they had cancer within a two-week spell' Unfortunately, my sister-in-law succumbed recently after a great fight, and I have been touched by the many similar stories of people I speak to during the year. It seems there is not a family untouched by cancer of some type, and that is why I have chosen this year a very famous cancer survivor-Lance Armstrong-whose foundation focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, helping cancer patients deal with their emotional concerns, providing financial assistance, and giving answers and assistance on a one-on-one basis to deal with the difficult choices to be made. You can support the Lance Armstrong Foundation by running your business card in the January issue lsee page 36 for details). In past years, we have donated between $4O00 and $6,000 to a worthy cause. Your help this year will again be appreciated.

Now is it me, or has it seemed like a long year? Ijust re-read my last column and feel that in the spirit of the season I need to end the year with something more positive. So thinking... still thinking! well, let's try another approach. To recap, I suspect there are few companies that are happy with their results in 2009. Many feel fortunate to still have the lights on and the phones occasionally ringing. And this, I think, is the good news. If you have lasted this long, then it is likely you have already taken the right steps to keep operating through what might be a third tough winter.

The companies I have the most doubt about are those with deep credit lines that are coming up for renewal. One successful company told me of a stressful and accusatory visit they had recently with their banker-despite having never defaulted, being way below their maximum line of credit, and experiencing tremendous success over the last years. Having dealt in previous lives with fair-weather bankers, it is always interesting how those bankers who told you over free lunches how much they valued your business and the partnership, and how they were with you in good times and bad times, cannot get out of the relationship fast enough when the going gets tough! Shhh-don't mention the words "lumber and building materials." That sends them into a real tizzy !

Clearly there is no immediate sign on the horizon of a change in market conditions. Yet, most economists are sticking to mid to late 2010 for an uptick. In our industry, the general betting is on 2012 before we see new single-family starts hitting the one million mark again. Here at The Merchanl, wecan see the first signs of positioning for the upturn. It will be interesting to see the winners and losers over time.

For real improvement in the economy, we have to get corporate America hiring again, get people back to work, cut fofeclosures, and create greater confidence. We must also slash wasteful government spending. We are a ways from those goals today.

Yet, I am grateful that I work in this industry. I enjoy meeting thousands of youour readers-during the year. I am thankful that we have the support to have been able to bring our publications to you for over 87 years in the West and 27 ycars in the East. I cannot say thank you enough to our advertisers and our estimated 60000+ readers, for your loyalty and the thousands of friendships gained. We will continue to support the industry, providing the industrv's most up-to-date news. as well as stories found nowhere else to help you find ways to bounce back with new products and new ideas.

From our family and all of us at The Merchant, we wish you and your families the very best of the season. Here's hoping for a better 2010. KeeP strong. Cheers!

Alan Oakes Publisher ajoakes@aol.com

"'If,[RcllAllT",o,o, www.building-products.com

A publication of Cutler Publishing 4500Campus Dr., Ste.480,Newporl Beach, CA 92660

PublisherAlanOakes ajoakes@aol.com

Publisher Emeritus David Cutler

Editor David Koenig dkoenig@building-products.com

Associate Editor Karen Debats kdebais@building-products.com

Contributing Editors Dwight Cunan, Carla Waldemar, James Olsen, JayTompt

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The Merchant Magazine (USPS 796-560) is published monthly at 4500 Campus Dr., Ste. 480, Newport Beach,Ca. 92660-1872 byCutler Publishing, Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Newport Beach,Ca., and additional post offices. lt is an independently-owned publication for the retail, wholesale and distribution levelsof the lumber and building products markets in 13 western states. Copyright@2009 by Cutler Publishing, Inc. Cover and entire contents are fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without written permission. All Rights Reserved. lt reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter, and assumes no liability for materials furnished to it.

By Sean Ryan