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A look at wood in computer design
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E N AT I O N A L H A R D W O O D L U M B E R A S S O C I AT I O N S T R O N G R O O T S . G L O B A L R E A C H . | W W W. N H L A . C O M
Unsurpassed Quality, Broad Product Line & Prompt Service Our Building Blocks for Over 110 Years
Pike Brand Hardwoods
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P.O. Box 247 Akron, Indiana 46910 Sales@PikeLumber.com www.PikeLumber.com
(800) 356-4554 (574) 893-4511 (574) 893-7400 fax
DEPARTMENTS
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7 8 14 15 16
Memorial Foundation Focus Insurance Corner Legislative Log Rules Corner
READER SERVICES 4 6 18 19
President’s Message E xecutive Director’s Message Calendar Job Board
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LOOK AT WOOD IN COMPUTER A DESIGN AS APPLE’S MACINTOSH TURNS 30 by Matt Schumake
CONTENTS W W W. N H L A .CO M
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April 2014 ▪ Issue 144 National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 ▪ Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 ▪ 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com ▪ www.nhla.com
H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S T H E VO I C E O F T H E H A R DWO O D I N D U ST RY
THE MISSION OF NH LA To serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order, structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood marketplace; providing unique member services; promoting North American hardwood lumber and advocating the interest of the hardwood community
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MISSION LEADERS
Scott Heidler Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co. President
Skip Holmes Thomas & Proetz Lumber Co. Unique Services
Pem Jenkins Turn Bull Lumber Co. Vice President
Charlie Netterville Fred Netterville Lumber Co. Industry Advocacy & Promotion
Dave Redmond Highland Hardwood Sales, Inc. Past President 2010–2012
Greg Patenaude Péladeau Lumber, Inc. Membership & Marketing
Mark A. Barford, CAE Executive Director
Brent Stief Huron Forest Products Structure
NHLA STAFF
Gary Swaner Swaner Hardwood Co. Rules
Mark A. Barford, CAE Executive Director m.barford@nhla.com
in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.
David George Creative Director d.george@nhla.com Renee Hornsby Director of Communications/Editor r.hornsby@nhla.com
About the Cover: This is the next generation of lifestyle accessories. The WOODCHUCK™ real wood tablet sleeve is handmade in Minneapolis, MN with 100% USA made materials. The WOODCHUCK Traveler Series is the most unique tablet sleeve on the market – combining two of the most natural and authentic materials on the planet – 100% real wood (locally sourced cherry) and 100% real wool felt. Tradition meets innovation through a combination of hand crafted wood and high quality wool. WOODCHUCK Headphone Skins are made of locally sourced Walnut. Each wooden skin is individually selected for unique grain and quality. The sleek, wooden Beats by DRE® Skin adheres with 3M® brand (non-residue) adhesive to the headphone and protects it from scratches. Skin fits first generation Beats Studio headphones only. Find out more at www.woodchuckcase.com.
■■■ Rich Hascher Inspector Training School Instructor John Hester Director of Membership Dana Spessert Chief Inspector Denise Stewart Director of Finance/CAO
COMMITTEE CHAIRS Jeff Durst Hull Forest Products Inspection Services Orn Gudmundsson, Jr. Northland Corporation Communications & Marketing/Finance Mark Mah Upper Canada Forest Products Hardwood Advocacy Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Continuing Education Jim Reader Downes & Reader Hardwood Co. Membership Joe Snyder Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc. Rules Jim Steen Pike Lumber Co., Inc. Inspector Training School Kim Vollinger W. M. Cramer Lumber Co. Convention
For advertising inquiries: Contact John Hester, Director of Membership at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558.
ADVERTISER INDEX 18
Augusta Lumber Company, Inc.
bc
8
TMX Shipping
16
Brunner-Hildebrand
13, 17 NHLA Inspector Training School
5
U•C Coatings Corporation
13
Dunavant Global Logistics Group
20
7
USNR
ibc
E-Limbs
Pennsylvania & Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Companies
ifc
Pike Lumber Company, Inc.
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2
The Jacobs Team
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NHLA Convention
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Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
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Thank You, From Our Team To Yours!
David Jacobs
Harry Jacobs
Mentoring Leadership
Business Development
Cliff Nelson
Director of Investments
Kay Jacobs
Yvonne Zandi
Director of Operations
Nicholle Overkamp
Personal & Retirement Planning
TJT Consulting wishes to express our gratitude to our lumber industry clients. Continuing to grow, we are pleased to introduce new team members that bring added expertise. This allows us to provide new services and product offerings. TJT Consulting is a full-service company supporting their clients with strategies for long-term stability, business succession and financial planning. Focused on businesses as they transition leadership. Believing an important service, we know the chances of reaching optimal results are increased by exemplary “energy” and client service.
Chief Financial Officer
Mark Jentsch
Leadership Development
At TJT Consulting, attention to detail and proven lumber industry client results have helped reach a reputation of excellence. Please give us a call today. We would enjoy helping you get where you want to “go.” Our team is your team!
Business Succession Planning Financial Planning
Michael McDermid
Long Term Consultant
Rob Case
Project Development & Mgmt.
Confidence • Commitment • Results
Chris Spadafora
Sue Deci
Product Specialist
Client Service
Sarah Blankenship Financial Advisor
James Ginnane
Business Development
Sheila Weatherbee Administrator
A P R I L 2 0 1 4 E-mail: O D M AT T E R S 3 4001 Legion Drive • Hamburg, NY 14075 • Toll Free: 866-287-5919 or (716) 649-4460 • H A R D W Odjacobs@tjt4001.com
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
THE TRUE VALUE OF NHLA MEMBERSHIP NHLA has five main roles: Education, Promotion, Advocacy, Networking and Industry Services. All of these roles ultimately point back to NHLA being the creator, keeper, and teacher of the grading Rules for North American Hardwood Lumber! The foundation of NHLA is and always will be, the grading Rules for North American hardwood lumber. In order for the Rules to be relevant, NHLA created and now maintains the Inspector Training School to educate both producers and consumers of North American hardwoods. NHLA also maintains the Inspection Services department with full time National/ International Inspectors to police and enforce these Rules that are critical for the fair and ethical trade of North American hardwoods. As a member of NHLA, these services are available to your company to increase your profitability. If your company is short on inspection talent, and you don’t have time to send someone to the School, then take advantage of a knowledgeable National Inspector to fill-in when needed; but remember, a properly educated and trained Inspector on your company staff will pay off big in the long run. If you need further information concerning enrollment for the next Inspector Training School class, or if you need help from one of the NHLA National/International Inspectors, just pick up the phone and call upon the NHLA staff headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee or check the website www.NHLA.com. In addition to the grading Rules, the NHLA staff is working on many other industry services such as: • The promotion of the NHLA grading Rules around the globe through a partnership with AHEC. Lumber grading short courses were recently held in China, Mexico, Vietnam and the EU. This exposure gives consumers a better understanding of the product and increases international demand for North American hardwoods produced by NHLA members. Staff also promotes NHLA members around the globe through the publication International Matters, now reaching readers in fifteen countries.
The foundation of NHLA is and always will be, the grading Rules for North American hardwood lumber.
• To keep the domestic membership up-to-date on important issues, you need look no further than the monthly publication Hardwood Matters. Between publishing’s, watch your email for Hardwire e-blasts or log-on to the NHLA website for immediate information. If you do not receive Hardwire, please contact the NHLA staff to add your email to the distribution list or sign up from www.nhla.com. • NHLA staff also keeps up-to-date with government affairs through a relationship with the Hardwood Federation. This relationship is an important aid to your business with issues such as weight limits on highway trucks, forest roads and access issues, and many other issues that would cost NHLA members’ profits.
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• A new service being offered by NHLA is the KD Certificate Program. The NHLA KD Certificate program is now being accepted in Australia, Brazil, European Union, Vietnam and Venezuela (Mexico is soon to follow and China is in the works). For more information on saving your company time and money in place of an APHIS Phyto Certificate, please contact NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert at 901-399-7551. • NHLA also offers a VIP Program, partnerships with select companies, to save members money. Currently, the Association has a partnership with LUA, returns up to ten percent of property premiums to enrollees, based on losses for the group. And it looks like there is good news for 2013! Please read the LUA announcement on page 14. And watch up and coming issues of Hardwood Matters and Hardwire e-blasts for exciting new partners to this program soon to be announced. • The NHLA staff is finalizing the details for this year’s Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase. The Convention being held in Las Vegas, October 8–10 will offer networking opportunities, educational programs and goods and services presented by ninetyeight exhibitors. This is the premier gathering for the North American hardwood industry. Make sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss out. www.nhlaconvention.com These are just some benefits I wanted to highlight that your Association is providing for you, its members. Remember, NHLA is all about the grading Rules for North American hardwoods, but your membership includes many additional benefits. Please know that your staff is constantly striving to increase your membership value. Respectfully,
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
ASSOCIATION STRATEGICALLY PLANS FOR GROWTH NHLA recently completed another round of strategic planning for the purpose of preparing the Association to meet the changing and growing needs of its membership. Previous strategic planning sessions have concentrated on the goals and work of the various committees. This year, the strategic planning committee under the able leadership of NHLA past president Jim Howard, tackled the vision and mission statements, which had not changed in the past decade despite the tremendous transformation of the industry. The board approved the following vision statement, mission statement and strategic goals: NHLA Vision: “To be the Global Standard for Hardwood Trade and Commerce.” NHLA Mission: “To serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order, structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood marketplace; providing unique member services; promoting North American hardwood lumber and advocating the interest of the hardwood community in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.” NHLA Strategic Goals: 1. Maintain a uniform system of Rules for the inspection and measurement of hardwood lumber. 2. Foster integrity within the hardwood community by assisting with dispute resolution and providing a meaningful sales code.
NHLA Vision Statement: “ To be the Global Standard for Hardwood Trade and Commerce.”
3. Continually train lumber inspectors for the industry. 4. Provide forums for individuals to meet and learn. 5. Explore organizations with whom NHLA can partner or collaborate. 6. Maintain inspection services to support dispute resolution. Strategic planning is the best way for any association to know that the work of its staff is in keeping with the desires of the Board of Directors. As your Executive Director, I will lead the staff to ensure we are following the plan and do not get involved with issues that are not part of the plan. For instance, strategic goal number five specifies exploring organizations with whom we can partner or collaborate. It will now be up to the staff to seek out those opportunities and make the relationships advantageous to the members. Strategic planning is a permanent committee of NHLA and the committee will meet regularly to be sure the Association is adhering to the plan while offering to the board changes and adjustments that will be needed as the industry continues to change.
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The staff looks forward to continuing to serve the industry – and helping to grow the largest hardwood association in the world! Sincerely,
Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director National Hardwood Lumber Association www.nhla.com
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MEMORIAL
IN MEMORIAM: COLIN ALEXANDER SPENCER Colin Alexander Spencer passed away in Ottawa on March 4, 2014, at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Audrey Spencer, devoted father and father-inlaw of Steven (Barry Green), Deborah (Wesley Dearham), Pamela and Cynthia (Stuart Taylor). Cherished Granddad of Alex Dearham (Jackie Levere), Kaitlin Dearham (Guillit Amakobe), Kimberly and Rachel Taylor, Great-granddad to Desmond Dearham, brother of Robert Spencer and brother-in-law of Sarah Stevenson. A memorial service was held on March 13, 2014 at 2 pm at Mountainside United Church, Westmount, Quebec. In his memory, the family would appreciate an act of kindness to others. Send condolences or share a memory to Stuart and Cynthia Taylor by email at sckrt@sympatico.ca. Colin Alexander Spencer Est décédé à Ottawa le 4 Mars 2014, à l'âge de 92 ans. Il était l'époux de feu Audrey Spencer, père dévoué de Steven (Barry Green), Deborah (Wesley Dearham), Pamela, et Cynthia (Stuart Taylor). Grand père de Alex Dearham (Jackie Levere), Kaitlin Dearham (Guillit Amakobe), grand papy de Kimberly et Rachel Taylor, et arrière-grand-père de Desmond Dearham, enfin le frère de Robert Spencer et beau-frère de Sarah Stevenson. Un service commémoratif aura lieu le jeudi 13 Mars 2014, au 14:00 à l'église Unies Mountainside, 4000 The Boulevard, Westmount, QC. En sa mémoire, un acte de bonté envers les autres serait apprécié par la famille. Des condoléances et des souvenirs peuvent être partagés avec Stuart et Cynthia par email (sckrt@sympatico.ca).
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Millwide. Worldwide.
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FOUNDATION FOCUS
LAHLC DONATES $8,000 TO THE HARDWOOD FOREST FOUNDATION The Los Angeles Hardwood Lumberman’s Club (LAHLC) recently donated $8,000 to the Hardwood Forest Foundation. The donation was made possible through the Club’s Annual Alan Bohnhoff Memorial Golf Tournament held in Costa Mesa, California. “The Foundation has been fortunate to have LAHLC support its educational initiatives for many years with the tournament and the thousands of dollars it has raised to teach young people the importance of harvesting trees – both to our environment and everyday living,” said Charley Fiala, Foundation vice president and LAHLC member of GMC Hardwoods in Dover, Massachusetts and Long Beach, California. Established in 1969, Los Angeles Hardwood Lumberman’s Club embraces ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’ as its theme song and its motto ‘FFFF,’ an acronym for Fun, Frolic, Friendship and Fraternity.
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Do you think it’s “bad” to “cut down” trees? Have you used a tree product today? Ask yourself these questions… and then ask a classroom of children. No doubt you’ll answer them differently. Society and most importantly, children, are misinformed about the benefits of properly harvesting the world’s greatest renewable natural resource as a means of keeping forests healthy and obtaining all of the necessary items we use in our everyday lives. The Hardwood Forest Foundation asks these questions in classrooms across North America school year after school year. And not only does most every child think harvesting is harmful to the environment, as well as unnecessary to maintain standards of living, so do their teachers. That is until you hold up a roll of toilet paper. Getting their attention is that simple and the Foundation’s education programs do the real work…changing their minds and eliminating misperceptions with science-based facts. The Foundation can’t spread the message of YOUR industry without YOUR help. Please commit by donating today.
Hardwood Forest Foundation Pledge Card Here’s my gift of: $100 $200 $500 One time contribution
Other: Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Please Designate: In memory of In honor of I have remembered the Hardwood Forest Foundation in my will. Payment Information: *Must have to process Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Check Company Name: Donor/Name on Card: Address: City/State/Zip: *Phone: Email: *Card No.: *Exp. Date: *Sec. Code: Date: Signature: Make checks payable, in U.S. funds only, to Hardwood Forest Foundation. Checks from U.S. or Canadian banks are accepted. Credit cards will be charged in U.S. funds. The Hardwood Forest Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.
Please return this completed form along with your payment to: Hardwood Forest Foundation PO Box 34518 | Memphis, TN 38184
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A LOOK AT WOOD IN COMPUTER DESIG BY MATT SCHUMAKE
Reprinted with permission from WoodworkingNetwork.com
Wooden computers may seem like a strange concept to some. The idea may even invoke an image of a contraption with hand cranks, exposed gears and steam pipes. But fine woodworking has actually played quite an important role in the home computer revolution, especially with its influence on the Apple® 1.
It’s clear there was a lot of thought and effort put into the design, which is why I am so surprised at the difficulty in tracking down the woodworker responsible for making the home computer a single, self-contained unit rather than a bundle of wires and circuit boards.
Sure, the Apple 1 computer was engineered by Steve Wozniak and put into production by Steve Jobs, but what would it have been without its iconic custom cabinetry? When the computer first went on sale at the Byte Shop, the store owner sought out a local cabinet maker to craft custom housing for the bare circuitry. The result is what we see when we visit the Smithsonian today: a polished Koa wood box, rounded at the edges, with cutouts for the keyboard buttons, and panels that can be removed for circuit repairs.
It’s also understandable why later models favored metal, plastic and glass. The materials were cheaper, lighter and easier to work with than three-quarter inch pieces of Hawaiian hardwood. But they undoubtedly lacked the warmth and beauty of natural wood grain. With modern production technology like laser cutters and CNC routers, which have a rate of precision within threethousandths of an inch, wood can be shaped and machined just as easily as plastic can be set in a mold.
Apple 1 computer box.
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Walnut, Maple and Cherry iPad® case designed by Brendan Abraham Murphy.
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USB drives designed by OOOMS.
GN AS APPLE’S MACINTOSH® TURNS 30 And so, many designers have started to reintroduce wood into computer design. The machines that so many people rely on to work, socialize and write important comments on YouTube™ videos, are starting to take on the beauty and feel of a musical instrument or an heirloom furniture piece. Several designers have started crafting wood and bamboo cases for smartphones and tablets, and there are even wooden USB drives that allow users to upload information into a nice chunk of mahogany or live-edge juniper. My personal favorite is the wooden USB stick by OOOMS, which looks like a branch growing directly out of the computer. The computer mouse, too – which began as a 2 x 4 block that was hollowed out, sanded, stained, and finished – is once again available in wood. And even keyboards and keys themselves are Walnut computer keyboard designed by Orée.
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available in maple and walnut. The French company Orée, designer of the Orée board, describes working on its wireless keyboard as a “warm, tactile experience.” Personally. I cannot wait to upgrade my own workspace. The idea of working with a wooden keyboard or mouse somehow seems like a direct connection to the innovators, designers, and woodworkers who stayed up late in their garages to change the world by building interesting things. And as for Woz and Jobs’ silent partner – with the Apple 1 going for upwards of $60,000 – I hope his contribution was recognized well enough to allow him to retire early in a nice house where the Koa trees grow. Birchwood USB hub designed by Woodster.
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HARDWOOD GOES HIGH TECH iPhone® case with Black Walnut and Maple. iPhone Case and iPad Case with Leopardwood, Maple and Walnut. Designed by Brendan Abraham Murphy Gresham, Oregon
Computer mouse with Maple, Mahogany, Oak and American Nut Wood. Designed by Woodacus. www.woodacus.hu Apple styled Trackpad in Walnut. Designed by Orée. www.oreedesign.com
Wood skin for Beats® Headphones in Mahogany. Designed by Woodchuck. www.woodchuckcase.com
Wood stand for iPad in Mahogany. Designed by OOOMS. www.oooms.nl
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¿HABLAS ESPAÑOL? NHLA is proud to announce the Inspector Training School Bilingual Spanish 175th Class. NHLA will host a Bilingual Spanish Inspector Training School Class at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, TN, June 2 to August 8 with the use of Spanish language interpreters. NHLA would like to encourage domestic members with Spanish speaking employees to participate and share this information with their Spanish language lumber buyers or overseas agents/employees.
ANY WAY YOU CUT IT,
IT’S GOT TO BE
WOOD-MIZER
Register online at nhla.com or contact NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert for more information at 901-399-7551 or email d.spessert@nhla.com. National Hardwood Lumber Association www.nhla.com
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INSURANCE CORNER
2013 VALUE IN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM By Wil Nance, Vice President, Lumberman’s Underwriting Association
On behalf of LUA and our NHLA/VIP Program, I am very proud to share the results and associated benefits of having your property insurance with us in 2013. As you know, the VIP program is endorsed by NHLA and designed to provide its members competitive pricing, experienced safety and loss control access and 108 years of expertise/knowledge in insuring properties such as yours. In addition to these benefits, the program is also coupled with a “dividend” payable to each participating member individually, depending on the overall property loss ratio of the group each year. During the 2013 calendar year, the members involved in the VIP program, collectively achieved a thirty-six percent loss ratio. Accordingly, we are extremely pleased to be able to provide you with a five percent dividend, based on your annual LUA property premium. Since the program’s inception in 2005, LUA has distributed more than one-million dollars in dividends through the Value in Partnership program. In 2013, we are continuing our commitment to the forest products industry and to our partnership with the NHLA and its members. Rarely, these days, do companies receive monies back that were designated for a paid service or product. The VIP program allows the potential for that to happen each and every year. In closing, I would like to personally thank you for your continued trust in placing your property insurance program with LUA. We are grateful for your continued support and will work each and every day to make sure our product meets your expectations today and for many years to come. Sincerely,
Wil Nance Senior Vice President of Operations
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LEGISLATIVE LOG
APRIL 2014 UPDATE By Dana Lee Cole, Executive Director, Hardwood Federation
Even though 2014 is just getting started, everyone seems to be looking towards 2015 in Washington D.C. The November elections are effectively putting much of the significant legislative action on hold. While people that live outside the beltway lay odds on when winter will finally end and who will win the NCAA basketball tournament, D.C. gatherings are full of people dissecting polls to figure out what the make-up of Congress will look like on November 5. The focus seems to be on the Senate, where Democrats see a clear path to keeping control – and Republicans are just as focused on strategies to take possession of the gavel. Both sides will no doubt spend record sums in their attempts. In the 2012 election cycle, Political Action Committees (PACs), raised over $1.4 billion and spent more than $453 million on U.S. House and Senate races. Although HFPAC is one of the largest in the forest products industry – having raised over $266,000 and contributing over $221,000 to candidates in the 2012 cycle – this is but a small percentage of what was spent overall. But just because what we spent was a drop in the bucket compared to what was spent nationwide, it doesn’t mean we didn’t receive great value for the money we did spend. Our contributions to candidates that support the hardwood industry made a difference, keeping people in office that care about our businesses and catching the attention and interest of new arrivals. And at the end of the day, PACs are about more than just making donations. PACs unite a group or industry to help them effectively tell their story. Strong, vibrant, and active PACs send a message to politicians that, “here is an engaged group, that cares deeply enough about issues to put their money where their mouths are, and is watching what you do here in Washington.” As a result, the industries PACs represent are sought out by lawmakers as they develop new laws and regulations, or change existing ones. It’s this “seat at the table” that makes PACs so valuable. In addition, PACs open doors to those members of Congress that may not be fully aware of our industry or the contributions it makes to the U.S. economy. And in 2015, there will be plenty
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of new doors to knock on. As of March 10, twenty-one members of the House will retire, including some long-time friends of the Federation: Howard Coble (R-NC), Doc Hastings (R-WA), Jim Matheson (D-UT) and Mike McIntyre (D-NC). Seven Senators have also chosen to retire or move on to other duties. More announcements are anticipated over the next several months. New members of Congress will mean new committee leaders and committee members. Doc Hastings’ departure will leave a void in the House Agriculture Committee seat, an important position that can influence policies that impact us the most. • Who will replace him? • What do they know about the hardwood industry? • How soon can we meet with them? • Who is the key player on the staff focused on our issues? • How can we be heard? And how many other industry groups will be asking the same questions and making the same plans to get to the new members as soon as possible? The competition will be fierce. The point is, there are a lot of voices out there calling for attention. There are a lot of stories being told by a lot of industries and interest groups, and it’s the strongest PACs that can help their participants the most. The Hardwood Federation is privileged to have dedicated members who actively support the PAC and our engagement in Washington, D.C. But the more voices we have, the louder our message will be. As we look forward to the elections of 2014, please consider getting involved in the HFPAC – we’re fighting every day for you, your family and your business. You can learn more about the Hardwood Federation and our priority issues at www.hardwoodfederation.com. You can also make a contribution to the PAC. One of the most important things you can do for your industry is to join and become involved in the political process to fight for the future of the industry you love.
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RULES CORNER
PROPRIETARY GRADES By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector
Standards have varying degrees of impact depending upon which side of the standard you are currently operating. For example, a Chinese importer of North American hardwoods was recently placed in a precarious position with a shipment of lumber. The shipment documents stated FAS/F1F and some of the packs on the shipment were marked accordingly and others were marked with a non-standard grade of “Prime”. The customs officials, that are most likely instructed to look for shipments being undervalued, questioned the value of “Prime” creating an opportunity for the official to question the integrity of not only the shipment, but both parties involved. This simple example shows that the creation of non-standard grades can have unforeseen consequences and very few options for resolve. The newest version of the NHLA Rules Book will be effective January of 2015*; at that time all lumber is to be graded utilizing the new Rules. This means that inspectors should begin to utilize the new Rules changes as they are being implemented and throughout the current year in order to give companies an opportunity to transition their inventories to reflect the changes. In March, NHLA held a meeting of its National Field Inspectors to bring them up to speed on the new Rules changes and the latest NHLA and industry news. During the meeting, the group discussed different opportunities to assist the hardwood industry, not only in maintaining a strong standard, but also in how to utilize the standard to the benefit of the industry. The “National Inspectors” as they have been known for generations are going through fundamental transformation. The Inspectors, as many already know, are capable of much more than grading lumber, they are highly skilled in teaching lumber inspection, quality control of most hardwood production processes, edger/trimmer/sawyer training, yield studies, lumber upgrading and much more. The goal of the NHLA Inspection Services department is to be the “go-to-guys” for all your hardwood needs. Isn’t it about time you made sure that your employees are trained to bring out their full potential? Call one of our “Hardwood Specialists” today and schedule that much needed training or consultation. To schedule a consultation please contact Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert at 901-399-7551 or by email at d.spesser@nhla.com. A listing of the NHLA National Inspectors, territories served and contact information can be found at www.nhla.com/stafflisting. * The 2015 NHLA Rules Book will by revised and printed for distribution in early fall 2014. 16
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The NHLA Inspector Training School Discover the tradition and future of the hardwood industry • Hands-On Learning • Start and Finish Fast • Instructors with Real-World Experience • 100% Job Placement Rate * Statistic applies to the 2012 Spring ITS Class
NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2014 FALL PROGRAM September 3 – November 21 Inspector Training School NHLA Headquarters | Memphis TN Enroll online at www.nhla.com/applynow
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CALENDAR
WH ERE IN THE WOR LD IS N H LA?
EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG
NWFA Flooring Expo
Flex-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Music City Center | Nashville, TN | April 16–19 Participating: Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director
Memphis, TN | April 7–11 NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
Expo Richmond 2014 Sandstone, VA | May 16–17 Attending: John Hester, Director of Membership
International Marketing for Forest Products Industries
Atlanta, GA | August 20–23 Participating: John Hester, Director of Membership
Memphis, TN | May 7 NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Dr. Henry Quesada Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
2014 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase
Bilingual Spanish Inspector Training School 175th Class
IWF 2014
Las Vegas, NV | October 8–10 Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa
Memphis, TN | June 2–August 8 NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
I N DUSTRY EVENTS Kentucky Forest Industries Association Annual Meeting Louisville, KY | April 2–4
Dubai Woodshow Dubai, UAE | April 8–10
Wood Guangzhou 2014 Guangzhou, China | May 12–14
4-Day Lumber Grading Short Course Millersburg, OH | June 9–12 Yoder Lumber Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Gayla Fleming | 614-497-9580
4-Day Lumber Grading Short Course Randolph, NY | June 23–26 Raber’s Mill Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
Flex-Day Lumber Grading Short Course Memphis, TN | August 18–22 NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.coM
4/5 Day Lumber Grading Short Course Elkins, WVa | September 8–12 West Virginia Wood Tech Center Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Matt Wyatt | 304-637-7500 | matt@wvwoodtech.com
Flex Day Lumber Grading Short Course Indianapolis, IN | November 3–7 Wood Mizer Products, Inc. Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Denice Helmbrecht | 800-640-4452 Visit www.nhla.com/calendar for more updates.
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A P R I L 2 0 1 4 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
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JOB BOARD
Hardwood Lumber Sales Representative
Production Manager
Hartzell Hardwoods is currently seeking a hardwood lumber sales representative. The focus of this position is to maintain and grow existing customer base as well as developing new markets worldwide for hardwood lumber sales. This role will also coordinate sales information between the sales office and lumberyard.
Brownlee Lumber is expanding and has an immediate opening for a production manager at its Brookville, PA facility. Applicant should be a hands-on, self-starter with a strong work ethic. Responsibilities include oversight and participation in the activities of the sawmill, dry kilns, grading lines and warehousing shipping departments.
• Bachelor’s degree in management, marketing, business or related field required. • 2–5 years of sales experience required. • Experience in the hardwood lumber industry a plus. • Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, both written and oral. • Demonstrated record of success in a goal-oriented, highly accountable environment. • Outstanding relationship skills with the ability to build rapport and trust. • Must have strong time management and organizational skills; candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced, highpressured, evolving environment. • Expert use of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint is a plus.
Requirements include a minimum of five years experience in the hardwood lumber industry and a thorough understanding of sawmill and dry kiln operations. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and hardwood log and lumber grading Rules is preferred.
Hartzell Hardwoods has experienced fast and dramatic growth by doubling kiln, steambox and pre-dryer capacity. They have built two high-tech Lumber Grading Systems with width-sorting capabilities. In addition, their marketing base has continued to expand by diversifying heavily into the export market. Today, Hartzell exports its lumber throughout 40 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company continues to diversify its market base as well as keeping the advances in technology on the front burner. Apply online at www.hartzell.com. Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc. 1025 S. Roosevelt Ave. | Piqua, OH 45356
Competitive salary and great benefit package including health, life, 401k and vacation. Applicants can send a resume by mail to Dan Brownlee or by email to dan@brownleelumber.com. Brownlee Lumber Inc. 2652 Hazen Richardsville Rd. Brookville, PA 15825 814-328-2991 | 814-328-2422 (fax) | www.brownleelumber.com Lumber Inspector Porosky Lumber Co. Inc. is seeking a full time motivated green hardwood lumber grader. Green chain grading using hand held computer. Majority of species include Hard Maple, Cherry, and Soft Maple. Experience preferred but will gladly fine tune a NHLA Inspector Training School graduate or equivalent there to. Salary is negotiable. Benefits include: 401k, health insurance, paid holidays and vacation.
Lumber Inspector
Porosky Lumber is located in the very Northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, near the Delaware River where fishing, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling are enjoyed.
B.Y. Lumber Company is seeking a lumber inspector for a hardwood sawmill in Southern Maryland. The position is open to new NHLA graduates or experienced inspectors. Salary is based upon years of experience. B.Y. Lumber offers a friendly environment and has been in business since 1979.
Send resumes via mail or fax. Porosky Lumber Co. Inc. 1903 Crosstown Highway Preston Park, PA 18455 570-798-2326 | 570-798-2040 (fax) | www.poroskylumber.com
To apply, contact B.Y. Lumber by mail, email or fax. B.Y. Lumber Company 4770 Crain Highway | P. O. Box 442 White Plains, MD 20695 301-870-2110 | 301-932-2129 (fax) | bylumber@hotmail.com
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To view current job postings or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/jobboard.
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2014 NHLA ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBIT SHOWCASE OCTOBER 8–10, 2014 | RED ROCK CASINO RESORT & SPA | LAS VEGAS, NV w w w. n h l a c o n ve n t i o n . c o m