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H A R DWO O D M AT T E R S T H E VO I C E O F T H E H A R DWOO D I N D U ST RY
MUSICIANS PROVIDE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY AN AVENUE TO ATTRACT YOUNGER GENERATION 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
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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 9 Memorial 16 Legislative Log 18 Rules Corner
READER SERVICES 6 President’s Message 8 CEO’s Message 10 Inside NHLA 20 Job Board 22 Calendar
12 Photo Courtesy of AHEC
IN THIS ISSUE 12 Musicians Provide Hardwood Industry An Avenue to Attract Younger Generation
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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;
April 2015 ▪ Issue 155 National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 ▪ Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 ▪ 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com ▪ www.nhla.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MISSION LEADERS
Pem Jenkins Turn Bull Lumber Co. President
Skip Holmes Thomas & Proetz Lumber Co. Unique Services
Brent Stief Huron Forest Products Vice President
Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Structure
Scott Heidler Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co. Past President 2012-2014
Charlie Netterville Fred Netterville Lumber Co. Membership & Networking
promoting North American hardwood lumber and
Mark Barford, CAE Chief Executive Officer
Jack Shannon J.T. Shannon Lumber Co. Industry Advocacy & Promotion
advocating the interest of the hardwood community
NHLA STAFF
Gary Swaner Swaner Hardwood Co. Rules
in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.
Mark A. Barford, CAE Chief Executive Officer m.barford@nhla.com Kristina Bran Digital Media Manager k.bran@nhla.com
About the Cover: Shown on this month’s cover is Bedell Guitar’s Revere Series guitar. This guitar is made of Brazilian Rosewood on the back and sides and hand selected Adirondack Spruce screws on the top.
Melissa Ellis Graphic Designer m.ellis@nhla.com Renee Hornsby Director of Communications/Editor r.hornsby@nhla.com
■■■ For advertising inquiries: Contact John Hester, Director of Membership at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558.
Desirée Freeman Controller Rich Hascher Inspector Training School Instructor
ADVERTISER INDEX 15
Dunavant Global Logistics Group
John Hester Director of Membership
22
Picture Tally
15 Froedge Machine & Supply Company, Inc.
IFC
Pike Lumber Company, Inc.
IBC
King City/Northway Forwarding
11
Southern Forest Products Association
10
NYLE Systems, Inc.
7
The Jacobs Team
BC
NHLA Annual Convention
9
TradeLanes, Inc.
19
UC Coatings Corporation
5 Pennsylvania & Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Companies
17 USNR
Dana Spessert Chief Inspector
COMMITTEE CHAIRS Dave Bramlage Cole Hardwood Membership Dan Caldwell Atlanta Hardwood Corporation Hardwood Advocacy Jim Reader Downes & Reader Hardwood Continuing Education/ Member Services Orn Gudmundsson Jr. Northland Corporation Communications & Marketing Scott Heidler Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co. Nominating Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Finance Bucky Pescaglia Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc. Inspector Training School Joe Snyder Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc. Rules Brent Stief Huron Forest Products Strategic Planning Stephanie VanDystadt DV Hardwoods Convention
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
THE NHLA BOARD OF MANAGERS GEARS UP FOR SPRING MEETING Greetings. As of this writing, the offices at NHLA headquarters are closed due to ice and snow in Memphis; hopefully as you are reading, spring is well under way and the long winter of 2015 has passed. Even with the weather in Memphis, the NHLA staff is busy getting ready for the upcoming spring board meeting to be held April 22-24. There are three major issues that the board will be taking action on during the meeting: identifying an asset management company to manage a portion of reserves in the equity markets; identifying an action plan for updating the Association database management systems and software; and identifying the ramifications for the Association and its members who are insured by Lumberman’s Underwriting Alliance (LUA). The board voted at the 2014 fall meeting in Memphis to allocate up to 50 percent of reserves in an equity investment strategy. A committee chaired by Vice President Brent Stief was formed to identify possible companies for the job. The committee will welcome representatives from two companies to the spring meeting to make presentations to the executive committee; the executive committee will then make a recommendation to the full board. For those of you who have concerns about this, please rest assured that this action is not being taken lightly. After much research and discernment, we discovered that the majority of nonprofits allocate some portion of reserves to an equity portfolio. Please also know that the driving factor in this action is the negative return provided by Certificates of Deposit in today’s environment. Brent’s group did an excellent job developing an investment policy and the board is taking this fiduciary responsibility very seriously. The second item that the board will take action on is a plan to update the database infrastructure at NHLA headquarters. In a world where software, the cloud and up-to-date computers drive productivity, this plan is long overdue. NHLA is currently in conversation with two groups to lead the project and the goal is to have a plan by the spring board meeting. Once implemented, this action will save staff time, money and make communicating with members and managing the Association much easier. This step will also provide NHLA with a solid foundation to grow as the hardwood lumber industry continues down the path of consolidation.
Even with the weather in Memphis, the NHLA staff is busy getting ready for the upcoming spring board meeting to be held April 22-24.
The third item that will get much discussion at the meeting are the recent events surrounding Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance (LUA). LUA not only insures many NHLA members and NHLA headquarters, but has also been the largest sponsor of the Annual Convention since 2005. This sponsorship has been greatly appreciated and has been a major factor in many successful conventions. It is my hope that LUA is able to overcome its current challenges and continues to be a solid stakeholder in the hardwood lumber industry. Our industry needs every underwriter to be healthy and strong. The universe of underwriters is such that the loss of even one underwriter — whether you are covered by LUA or not — is harmful to all of us. These are, of course, not the only issues that will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. If you have an issue that is important to you, do not hesitate to call me at 910-862-4447, Mark Barford, or any other board member with whom you have a relationship and speak with us prior to the meeting. This is your Association and your input is welcome and encouraged. Thanks again for the privilege of serving as your President.
Pem Jenkins, NHLA President Turn Bull Lumber Company 6
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Helping You Plan For The Future.
Seated front left: Tony Goodman, Seated front right: Clinton Goodman, Standing 1st row from left: Cliff Nelson, Tim Goodman, Ryan Goodman, Mike Goodman, Nancy Goodman, James Lyles, Casey Goodman, David Jacobs, Standing 2nd row from left: Veronica Goodman Atherton, Leslie Goodman, Cheryl Goodman, Judy Goodman Lyles
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client success stories all begin with the goal of helping business owners and their team leaders make appropriate choices through sensible and carefully developed strategies. The combination of strategic long-term planning along with the ability to react tactically to changing market conditions and opportunities are a few things that makes TJT stand out from the crowd. Take the word from one of our clients: “ Who is TJT Consulting? A group of very dedicated and knowledgeable professionals devoted to helping businesses write and put into action exit and succession plans. C.B. Goodman and Sons is now two years into working with them and we have never been disappointed. Members of TJT Consulting are making the transition so easy for us by helping us make the hard decisions and guiding us through a very difficult time for the “older” generation. They are working with the younger generation as well. They are a group of people with Christian principles and we feel like they are part of our family. They have been up front about any concerns they have about our company and have even gone to bat for us to rectify a bad decision we made several years ago. Dave, Cliff, and their staff have gone far beyond expectations in a very timely manner. We have complete confidence in them! They are expedient, competent, and very knowledgeable. They have brought new ideas to us that will save us tax dollars and help increase our bottom line. The fourth generation at Goodman Lumber will be in a very healthy and sustainable position as they take over for the third generation -- thanks to TJT Consulting.” - Leslie Goodman on behalf of the Goodman family
TJT CONSULTING
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4001 Legion Drive • Hamburg, NY 14075 Toll Free: 866-287-5919 or (716) 649-4460 E-mail: djacobs@tjt4001.com • www.tjtconsulting4001.com APRIL 2015 HARDWOOD
M AT T E R S
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CEO’S MESSAGE
CABINET INDUSTRY UNDERGOING MAJOR CHANGES AFFECTING HARDWOODS Chris Watson, President of Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp., is dedicated to promoting and using more hardwood for his business; the problem is his customer base has other preferences. Chris was the Keynote Speaker at the recent annual meeting of the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. and he detailed a changing market for cabinets that should be of interest and concern to the hardwood industry. Conestoga is a 50 year-old company with five locations in Lancaster County, Penn. with 1,200 employees. Its primary business is the manufacturing of cabinet drawers, drawer fronts, moldings and cabinet parts. Conestoga sells to more than 3,000 manufacturers of cabinets including well known producers such as Masco, Masterbrands and American Woodmark. The company supplies what they demand, and that demand is changing based on current design trends in the marketplace. Chris defines the current demand as “light and simple,” going towards painted with mixed materials, such as glass, metal and laminates. Paint has replaced stain as the primary finish having a significant effect on types and amounts of hardwood used. Since the purpose of paint is to mask the character of wood, pressure is on the cabinet companies to find less expensive alternatives to keep costs down as the economy is slowly recovering. In other words the trend is growing. In 2002, Conestoga utilized 77 percent of standard grade, 15 percent premium grade and 8 percent paint grade. Fast forward and they are now using 24 percent standard grade, 35 percent premium grade and 40 percent paint grade and that 40 percent is growing. He spoke of a recent expansion in operations, which entails the addition of several new paint lines, and he reiterated that these lines could be reverted back to wooden doors as needed. Another example was the purchasing of species mix. In 2002, Conestoga purchased 37 percent Hard Maple, 31 percent Cherry, 14 percent Red Oak, 10 percent Soft Maple and just 8 percent paint grade. Last year paint grade was the dominant “species” going up to 53 percent followed by Hard Maple at 22 percent, Cherry at 16 percent, Red Oak at 4 percent and Soft Maple at 3 percent. Conestoga is just one company but their experience illustrates a consumer trend in cabinet purchasing. MDF boards are increasingly being used as center board for cabinets and in just the last three years, several new MDF plants have come on board competing against wood. It appears that today’s younger generation new home buyers don’t seem to share the older generations view of what a kitchen should look like, and they will be changing the role of hardwood in cabinets for years to come. Hardwood markets continue to be challenged by dramatic shifts in the furniture manufacturing industry, slow return of the market for new homes and increased competition to wood flooring. The hardwood industry, through NHLA and various other groups will grow its partnership with consumer groups and promote hardwoods as the best, most environmentally sound material. That message should
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It appears that today’s younger generation new home buyers don’t seem to share the older generations view of what a kitchen should look like, and they will be changing the role of hardwood in cabinets for years to come. ring true to the younger generation to be sure hardwood hold its place in markets of the future.
Mark Barford, CAE, Chief Executive Officer 901-377-1082 direct | m.barford@nhla.com
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MEMORIAL
IN MEMORIUM: GLENN ROOSEVELT SISLER Glenn Roosevelt Sisler, 82, of Friendsville, MD, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at his residence. Born January 22, 1933, in Hazelton, WV, he was the son of the late Andrew and Lizzie Mae (Frazee) Sisler. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Ward, Foster, Ray and Earl Sisler and four sisters, Polly Bierer, Ellen Smith, Oma Janosik and June Graham. Mr. Sisler was a lumberman and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He attended a one room school at Lyndale, WV and was a member of Laurel Run Church of God. He was also a member of NRA, NHLA, AHMI and Proctor-Kildow Post 71, American Legion, Oakland, MD. He is survived by his wife, Janet Lee Uphold, whom he married on November 23, 1957, celebrating 57 years of marriage; four sons, Eddie G. Sisler and friend, Donna Hinebaugh, Friendsville; Gary R. Sisler and wife, Lisa, McHenry; Jimmy A. “Ben� Sisler and companion, Denise Friend, Friendsville; Jason C. Sisler, Friendsville;
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two daughters, Sandra L. Guritza and husband, Michael, Greensboro, PA; Liz Sisler-Wagner and husband, Jody, Oakland; eight grandchildren, Scott Sisler and wife, Cambria, Corey Sisler, Holly Sisler, Preston Sisler and wife, Jessica, Matthew Sisler, Brian and Kristi Guritza, John Wagner and three great-grandchildren, Abi, Reeslyn and Brent. Services were held at the Laurel Run Church of God on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Craig Bolyard officiating. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Scott Sisler, Corey Sisler, Brian Guritza, Preston Sisler, Matthew Sisler and John Wagner. Military graveside rites were accorded by Proctor-Kildow Post 71, American Legion, Oakland. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Laurel Run Church of God. Condolences may be sent to the family at www newmanfuneralhomes.com.
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INSIDE NHLA
LUMBERMEN’S UNDERWRITING ALLIANCE ENTERS VOLUNTARY ORDER OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION WITH MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE LUA Will Continue To Handle All Policyholder Claims Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance (LUA) on March 5 announced that the Company has entered into a Voluntary Order of Administrative Supervision with the Missouri Department of Insurance, which is the regulatory authority in the Company’s state of domicile, as of February 27, 2015. The Missouri Department of Insurance has appointed an Administrative Supervisor to oversee LUA’s operations for the next 60 days, during which time a plan will be established for the Company. LUA has notified its subscribers, brokers and policyholders that the Company will continue to honor and manage all policyholder claims throughout this period. “Throughout LUA’s more than 110-year history, we have worked hard to build a reputation of integrity, trust and reliability, “stated Jan Carlsson, President & Chief Executive Officer. “I want to assure the market that we are committed to remaining accessible and responsive to our policyholders during this voluntary supervision period and beyond.” LUA has taken the necessary step of entering into a voluntary supervision period due to a sudden and unanticipated Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing by T.S. Employment Services, Inc., a Tri-State affiliated company with whom LUA has had a customer relationship for more than eight years. LUA provided workers compensation coverage for Tri-State, which offers payroll processing and revenue billing services as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO). T.S. Employment Services was forced into bankruptcy when it was unveiled that the company had “material, unpaid federal payroll tax liability.” Mr. Carlsson noted that as a result of T.S. Employment’s filing, “Tri-State’s ability to continue to meet its financial obligations to LUA has been placed in question.” About Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance (LUA) Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance, founded in 1905, is a specialty commercial insurance company providing property and casualty coverage to the forest products industry, food processing sector, assisted living facilities and the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) market. LUA, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is domiciled in Missouri and operates under the regulatory authority of the Missouri Department of Insurance.
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INSIDE NHLA
AURORA TIMBERLAND ANNOUNCES THE RETIREMENT OF TED ROWE, SR. Ted Rowe, Sr. of Aurora Timberland Wholesale Hardwood Lumber Inc. recently celebrated his retirement on January 29 with approximately 120 people turning out for the celebration and roast.
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Adam Gardner member of American alternative rock band Guster.
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Musicians Provide Hardwood Industry An Avenue to Attract Younger Generation
F
or years, the hardwood industry has struggled to find a way to inform and influence the younger generation about the importance of North American hardwoods. This millennial generation is the frontrunner when it comes to the development of upcoming societal trends, and every industry is fighting to get its attention. Previously, the hardwood industry struggled to engage and connect with a younger demographic due to obstacles such as a lack of funding. However, the industry now has some unforeseen champions in its corner thanks to the efforts of REVERB, an environmental non-profit, and some of the music industry’s most popular artists. REVERB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2004 by musician Adam Gardner, a member of American alternative rock band Guster. REVERB creates and executes comprehensive, custom programs to green the tour itself while engaging concertgoers to take action for the environment. REVERB and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) have teamed up since 2013 to shed light and take action on the
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issue of illegal logging. Their 360° approach includes reaching fans in person and online, producing a video with artist supporters, and direct Artist petitioning and testifying to the U.S. Congress. Working with EIA, REVERB has been able to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to raise awareness, gather support, and effect real change. In order to bring even more awareness to their efforts, REVERB and Bedell Guitars started a social media campaign encouraging the younger generation to get more involved. By signing a postcard pledging support against illegal logging, taking a photo in the photobooth and/or posting to social media using #StopIllegalLogging, concert goers will have the opportunity to win one of the Bedell Earthsong Orchestra guitars that Adam Gardner and Guster will be playing on tour. “With more laws now on the books to prohibit illegal logging and related trade, as well as mounting attention from consumers, it is clear that companies can no longer afford to ignore this global market shift toward legal wood sourcing,” said Lisa Handy Senior Policy Advisor at EIA.
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The mission of the Environmental Investigation Agency is to tackle environmental crime and defend the natural world strategically through the investigation of harmful elements affecting wildlife, forests, oceans, climate and more.
The United Nations estimates that up to 30 percent of the global wood products trade violates these laws, and recent studies conclude that, on a global scale, up to 50 percent of tropical deforestation for agriculture is illegal. Citing environmental and human rights concerns, musicians are calling for legal and sustainable sourcing of wood products used in musical instruments, specifically guitars. Artists including Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Michael Franti, Razia Said and Linkin Park joined Guster and have publically voiced their thoughts and opinions on the issue in a video published by EIA earlier this year.1 These musicians are specifically concerned that the music industry has contributed to damaging forest practices in the areas where tonewoods are found. “It is analogous to the illegal diamond mining industry, and the term blood diamond is applicable here if you think of this wood as ‘blood wood’,” said Mickey Madden of Maroon 5. “It is the same kind of exploitation, the same kind of rapaciousness, the same damage to local communities and local economies that we are seeing here with illegal logging.” Through the utilization of their campaign, the artists hope to influence other musicians, and people in general, to become more educated about where their wood comes from in an effort to stop illegal logging. The successful efforts of REVERB to reach the millennial generation should give the North American hardwood lumber industry not only confidence but ideas on how best to spread the news of sustainable North American hardwoods. Given the groundwork already laid perhaps the natural place to start is a partnership with REVERB. www.reverb.org www.bendellguitars.com www.eia-global.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84838260&x-ytts=1422327029&v=9ymbFcAehmo
1
WHY NORTH AMERICAN HARDWOODS? An independent peer-reviewed study commissioned by AHEC in 2008 from Seneca Creek Associates LLC entitled “An Assessment of Lawful Harvesting and Sustainability of U.S. Hardwood Exports” confirms that: • U.S. hardwoods derive from legal and well managed forests. • Hardwood procured from anywhere in the hardwood states could be considered Low Risk in all five Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) controlled wood risk categories (with only minor and occasional instances contrary to this finding identified). • There exists a low risk that U.S. hardwoods are produced from controversial sources as defined in the Chain of Custody standard of the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). • The U.S. hardwood-producing region can be considered low risk for illegal and non-sustainable hardwood sourcing as a result of public and private regulatory and non-regulatory programs. • And given the safety net of national and state regulations and programs that address unlawful conduct and faulty forest practices, the need for traceability, independent chain of custody and/or controlled wood certification to demonstrate legality should not be a crucial consideration for U.S. sourcing of hardwood products. http://www.americanhardwood.org/fileadmin/docs/Seneca_ Creek_Study/Seneca_Creek_Study_-_Executive_Summary.pdf
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LEGISLATIVE LOG
NHLA WELL REPRESENTED ON HF BOARD By Dana Cole, Executive Director Hardwood Federation
The Hardwood Federation Board of Directors held their winter meeting in Washington, D.C. on February 10. Before turning to politics and advocacy concerns, the Federation was pleased to welcome the new and returning National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) board representatives for 2015. The NHLA representatives to the Hardwood Federation are:
Hardwood Federation Board of Directors. I would also like to recognize and thank Chuck Bice of Sweeney Hardwoods and Kevin Gillette of Tioga Hardwoods, both of whom have completed their terms on the Hardwood Federation Boards. Their leadership was extremely valuable to the work of the Federation; although their service to the Board has come to an end, we hope they will remain active and engaged participants of Hardwood Federation advocacy activities.
Hardwood Federation Board of Directors
All of NHLA’s representatives to the Hardwood Federation’s Board of Director’s provide valuable insight and guidance to the staff as we navigate the halls of Capitol Hill on behalf of the industry. We appreciate the time and expertise they so generously give to the Hardwood Federation.
Dan Caldwell, Atlanta Hardwood Corporation Scott Heidler, Heidler Hardwood Lumber Company Darwin Murray, McClain Forest Products Ted Rossi, Rossi American Hardwoods Jack Shannon, Shannon Lumber Group
Hardwood Federation Political Action Committee Board of Directors Dan Caldwell, Atlanta Hardwood Corporation Pem Jenkins, Turn Bull Lumber Company Darwin Murray, McClain Forest Products Jack Shannon, Shannon Lumber Group
I am also pleased to note that Darwin Murray of McClain Forest Products was selected to serve as Chairman of the
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As always, the Hardwood Federation Board of Directors meeting had a very full agenda, including not only sessions covering the general business and policy direction of the Federation, but also a series of meetings on Capitol Hill, this year focused on meeting with new members of the Senate as well as new Senate Committee Chairs. We were able to squeeze 21 meetings into just a few hours on the afternoon of February 10, making important contacts with Senate offices and sharing personal stories about the hardwood industry from those that spend every day working in the industry. Highlights of the Board meeting included a strong financial report from the Federation staff, an energetic discussion of plans to re-invigorate the Hardwood Federation Political Action Committee, and a review of the top policy issues as identified by a survey of hardwood business executives from across the country. In January, Hardwood Federation staff sent out a survey asking hardwood industry leaders to rank federal policy issues according to how they impacted their bottom line. The survey
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LEGISLATIVE LOG
Highlights of the Board meeting included a strong financial report from the Federation staff, an energetic discussion of plans to re-invigorate the Hardwood Federation Political Action Committee, and a review of the top policy issues as identified by a survey of hardwood business executives from across the country. clearly indicated that there are many issues of deep concern, but the top 3 issues are clear: The potential listing of the Northern Long Eared Bat as endangered; The management of federal forest lands and the lack of adequate timber harvest programs; Regulatory issues including potential changes to the Clean Water Act and regulations regarding biomass. Surveying the industry is a valuable tool as it helps us focus limited time and resources. However, we do not stop at three. The Hardwood Federation will continue to work on other federal policy matters, including exports, renewable energy, green building, defending the Lacey Act and tax reform; all issues that directly impact the health and sustainability of the hardwood industry. If you would like to participate in future surveys or receive monthly updates from the Federation about the issues we are working on, please e-mail your request to Cary Moon at cary.moon@hardwoodfederation.com and we will add you to our list. As always, we thank each and every member of the NHLA for their support!
Millwide. Worldwide.
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RULES CORNER
MONITORING NEW TECHNOLOGY, LET NHLA HELP By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector Most industries have moved towards optimization technology and the hardwood industry is no exception. Over the past 30 years most of the hardwood industry has adopted new technology to help improve efficiency and quality in one form or another. I believe this is a positive move as long as things are kept up-todate and monitored. One of the biggest challenges is keeping new processes in check and monitoring the manufacturing results from this new technology. There are several ways to keep things in check and NHLA would like to help in any way it can.
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One way that NHLA can help is by training employees that are monitoring the Grades, which are being produced by the mill or consumed by the manufacturer. NHLA can also assist by offering a Quality Control program. The Program monitors different areas of the production process to assure that the high rates of production are actually generating a profitable product utilizing as little raw material as possible. The NHLA Inspection Services Team can and does actively evaluate member company Inspectors for Grade accuracy as well as types of defects found in the lumber. During an evaluation, NHLA National
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The NHLA Inspection Services Team can and does actively evaluate member company Inspectors for Grade accuracy as well as types of defects found in the lumber.
Inspectors can identify certain defects that are caused by different processes that affect the Grade and recovery. As well as lumber inspection, NHLA National Inspectors can perform tests on the following processes in the production of lumber: • Debarker • Dip Tank
No problem
• Edger and Trimmer • Kiln Operation • Log Scale • Lumber Thicknesses
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• Minimum Opening Face • Package Appearance • Pallet Cants • Ripsaw • Yard Packaging These are the standard processes that the team can test but we have the ability to design testing of other areas of your operation as necessary. If you are interested in speaking with someone about monitoring your processes, please contact me. Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector can be reached at 901-399-7551 or by email at d.spessert@nhla.com.
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JOB BOARD
* To view current job postings or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/jobboard.
Export Sales Position Bingaman & Son Lumber is seeking an experienced salesperson with the ability to sell hardwood products overseas. Must have knowledge of the hardwood lumber grading rules and ability to identify hardwood species.
Lumber Inspector BWP Hardwoods, a division of Gutchess Lumber is seeking an NHLA certified lumber inspector. Lumber inspectors are responsible for visually inspecting lumber according to species, grades, and dimension using NHLA lumber grading rules.
Bingaman & Son Lumber Inc. is located in Kreamer, PA and supplies kiln-dried Appalachian hardwoods for a wide variety of uses.
BWP Hardwoods offers competitive pay and a superior benefits package. If you share our vision of excellence, then we invite you to join our winning team!
Bingaman and Son Lumber PO Box 247 | 1195 Creek Mountain Rd | Kreamer, PA 17833 Phone: 570-374-1108 | Fax: 570-374-0799 Lumber Inspector Associated Hardwoods SC, Inc. is seeking an experienced hardwood lumber inspector for its Granite Falls, NC location. Associated Hardwoods SC, Inc. offers competitive pay and benefits based on experience. Send resume to PO Box 436, Granite Falls, NC 28630 or call 828261-5199 to apply. Associated Hardwoods, Inc. PO Box 491 | Granite Falls, NC 28630 Phone: 828-396-3321 | Fax: 828-396-6202 Sawyer Gutchess Lumber is seeking an experienced (minimum 2 years) sawyer. Sawyer is responsible for sawing logs for maximum value recovery by following daily cutting orders and achieving proper levels of yield. Accountable for proper operation of the carriage, feed works and log turner; checks lumber thickness at saw; conduct a daily physical inspection of all equipment.
Send resume to jlortiz@gutchess.com to apply. BWP Hardwoods 12942 Route 322 | Brookville, PA 15825 Phone: 724-537-6447 | Fax: 607-428-8097 Dry Kiln Technician Gutchess Lumber is seeking a dry kiln technician for their Cortland, NY location. Applicants must be able to work in a very fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment with emphasis on safety, quality, environmental concerns and production goals. Dry kiln technicians are responsible for controlling drying tunnels to condition while maximizing production, quality, and grade and value recovery. Applicant must have good knowledge of the working principles of steam distribution; heat transfer, air circulation, and condensate return systems. To apply visit http://glc.applicantstack.com/x/openings Gutchess Lumber 890 McLean Road | Cortland, NY 13045 Fax: 607-749-8098
Send resume to jlortiz@gutchess.com to apply. Gutchess Lumber 10699 Maple Grove Road | Freedom, NY 14065 Fax: 607-428-8097 Assistant Sawmill Manager Gutchess Lumber desires a highly motivated and driven Assistant Sawmill Manager who is results oriented with experience in supervision and production management. Applicant must have a manufacturing background and experience dealing with process improvement driven by employee involvement. Leadership, management and administrative skills also required. Gutchess Lumber offers competitive pay, employee stock ownership, full health benefits, profit sharing and a 401k. To apply visit http://glc.applicantstack.com/x/openings Gutchess Lumber 10699 Maple Grove Road | Freedom, NY 14065
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NHLA INSPECTOR TRAINING SCHOOL THE TRUSTED LEADER IN HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADING EDUCATION
Discover a Future in North American Hardwood! 5-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
The value of “rules conscious� employees is a more carefully manufactured product,a more profitable yield from the log, and a better sense of the value of the lumber being handled. This five-day workshop will include a thorough study and explanation of the NHLA Rules Book, emphasizing the basics of hardwood lumber inspection.This popular workshop gives yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff,and management level personnel an introduction. This short course will be taught by Benji Richards, NHLA National Inspector. This Short Course will be May 11-15, 2015 at Maysville Community and Technical College (Rowan Campus) in Morehead, Kentucky.
177th Class The Summer Program is a 10-week class comprised of 375 contact hours. Contact hours are completed
through a combination of lecture and lab time. Standard class hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students who successfully fulfill all program requirements will receive a certificate of completion. The 177th Class for the Inspector Training School will begin on June 1 and end on August 6, 2015 at West Virginia Wood Tech Center in Elkins, West Virginia. For more information about either of these programs contact Becky Miller 901-399-7569 or visit www.nhla.com/school to download an application. www.facebook.com/InspectorTrainingSchool
CALENDAR
For applications, a complete listing of events and more information please visit www.nhla.com/calendar.
WH ERE IN THE WOR LD IS N H LA? Good Friday Holiday
April 3 | NHLA Headquarters Closed
NHLA Chinese Culture Tour of China
June 20-July 1 Contact: John Hester, Director of Membership at j.hester@nhla.com
Independence Day Holiday
July 3 | NHLA Headquarters Closed
Dubai Wood Show
April 14-16 | Dubai, UAE Participating: Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector
EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG
NHLA Board Meeting
April 22-24 | Napa Valley, CA The Meritage Resort
Progressive Inspector Training School Program: Block 1
NWFA 2015 Wood Flooring Expo & 30th Anniversary April 28-May 1 | St. Louis, MO Participating: John Hester, Director of Membership Renee Hornsby, Director of Communication
Interzum 2015
May 5-8 | Cologne, Germany Participating: Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector
Memphis, TN | April 6 -18 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
Flex-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Franklin, PA | April 13-17 | Franklin Industrial & Commercial Park Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
Flex-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Memphis, TN | May 4-8 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA Inspector Training School Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com
Memorial Day Holiday quarter page ad 2014.pdf 2/9/2015 8:19:23 AM
May 25 | NHLA Headquarters Closed
Go from Picture to Tally in Seconds
5-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Morehead, KY | May 11-15 Mayfield Community and Technical College Rowling Campus Instructor: Benji Richards, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Lorrina White | 606-356-2100 | lorrina.white@kctcs.edu
177th Class NHLA Inspector Training School Summer Program
Elkins, WV | June 1-August 6 | West Virginia Wood Tech Center Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA Inspector Training School Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com www.inspectortrainingschool.com
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4-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
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Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity
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“PictureTally gives us an exact width on each board in a bundle; accurate tally information at our fingertips both on and off site”
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--Fred Doane Northland Forest Products.
Contact us at (603) 686-5533 sales@picturetally.com
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A P R I L 2 0 1 5 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
Millersburg, OH | June 8-11 | Yoder Lumber Co., Inc. Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Gayla Fleming | 614-497-9580 | info@ohioforest.org
Hardwood Lumber Grading Short Course
Sandy Lake, PA | June 20-23 | McKeever Environmental Learning Center Instructor: Barry Kibbey NHLA National Inspector Contact: McKeever Center | 724-376-1000 | info@mckeever.org www.mckeever.org
4-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Elkins, WV | November 2-5 | West Virginia Wood Tech Center Instructor: Barry Kibbey, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Matt Wyatt | 304-637-7500 | matt@wvwoodtech.com W W W. N H L A .CO M