December 2014 Hardwood Matters by National Hardwood Lumber Association

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VIVA LAS VEGAS 2014 NHLA ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBIT SHOWCASE 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

Providing Quality, Service and Forest Stewardship to the Hardwood Lumber Industry

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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 1 4 15 16

Foundation Focus Legislative Log Rules Corner

READER SERVICES 4 President’s Message 6 Executive Director’s Message 8 Inside NHLA 18 Job Board 20 Calendar

10 Photo Courtesy of AHEC

IN THIS ISSUE 10 Viva Las Vegas 2014 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase

CONTENTS W W W. N H L A .CO M

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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;

December 2014 ▪ Issue 152 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 Executive Director m.barford@nhla.com Kristina Bran Digital Media Manager k.bran@nhla.com 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.

Rich Hascher Inspector Training School Instructor John Hester Director of Membership

ADVERTISER INDEX 8

Babcock Lumber Company

Dana Spessert Chief Inspector

NHLA Annual Convention

Pennsylvania & Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Companies

9 Froedge Machine & Supply Company, Inc.

IFC

Pike Lumber Company, Inc.

The Jacobs Team

Inspector Training School

TradeLanes, Inc.

ISK Biocides, Inc.

13 USNR

King City Forwarding USA, Inc.

17 Brewco 16

Dunavant Global Logistics Group

IBC Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance

Denise Stewart Director of Finance/CAO

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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TJT CONSULTING Business Succession Planning

Cliff Nelson

Strategy Consultant

Yvonne Zandi

Rob Case

Project Development & Mgmt.

Sue Deci

Director of Operations

Client Service

Harry Jacobs

Sheila Weatherbee

Mentoring Leadership

Strongly committed to the hardwood lumber industry. Thank you for helping us grow to serve you. Please welcome Ben Van De Water to TJT Consulting.

Nicholle Overkamp

Personal & Retirement Planning

Kay Jacobs

Chief Financial Officer

David Jacobs

Administrator

Business Development

Ben Van De Water

Sarah Blankenship

Financial Advisor

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Confidence • Commitment • Results D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

VIVA LAS VEGAS “Ooh, Las Vegas, ain’t no place for a poor boy like me every time I hit your crystal city you know you’re gonna make a wreck out of me” — Graham Parsons, Lyrics from “Ooh, Las Vegas” What a convention! Who would have thought that NHLA would have ever held a meeting in Las Vegas? I did not. Will we go back to Las Vegas again? I am not sure and that will be a topic for the NHLA Board Convention committee. If it were my call, I would say no. What I do know however, is that by several objective measures the convention was a huge success for those who attended. Several highlights from the convention are the following. On the international marketing side and in keeping with being the “Global Gathering of the Hardwood Community”, Mike Snow, Executive Director of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) had all of AHEC’s regional directors in attendance. The session with the AHEC directors was a great opportunity to hear firsthand where the opportunities are around the world. There were also fifty international attendees at the convention. The Chinese culture class given by Marco Chan provided a wealth of information on the Chinese market demographics, it was well attended and members asked for more educational offerings like this in the future. On the networking side, the Hardwood Forest Foundation golf outing had a record number of participants. Also on the networking side, the “Grand Finale” dinner was sold out and unfortunately several members that did not reserve in advance were not able to attend. While the NHLA staff will work on this issue for future events, it is wonderful that members chose to stay and attend and that there was such a strong turnout. On the resort side, the pool area was fabulous and it was nice to have the convention in a smaller venue instead of a “mega hotel”. Were there challenges? Absolutely. Cell service for some was challenging to say the least. Cab rides to downtown Las Vegas were expensive. It also would have been nice to have a central watering hole outside of the convention area in the Red Rock Resort where members could mingle and network. Despite all of these challenges, the meeting still provided a gathering for members to network in the convention area and meet customers and suppliers and that is what the meeting is all about. It is also important to remember that the NHLA staff work tirelessly on our behalf to make these gatherings a success and with each convention they learn and improve. Please thank them for their work if you have the chance.

The Chinese culture class given by Marco Chan provided a wealth of information on the Chinese market demographics, it was well attended and members asked for more educational offerings like this in the future.

Where to next year? Nashville at the Omni Hotel from October 7-9, 2015. Please mark your calendar. I look forward to seeing you there. Thanks again for the opportunity to serve as your President. It is a privilege. Sincerely,

Pem Jenkins, NHLA President Turn Bull Lumber Company 6

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

THE ASSOCIATION ENJOYS A BIG TURN AROUND YEAR IN 2014 The year 2014 began with an inspired sense of direction for the world’s oldest and largest hardwood lumber association, NHLA. The board approved a new strategic plan which added emphasis to four areas of work – cooperation with other associations, global leadership in the fair trade of hardwood lumber, strengthening of both the Inspector Training School and inspection services, and creating positive and successful forums for members to gather. Our year-end review shows tremendous success in all these areas. Cooperation: We have increased our support substantially to the Hardwood Federation with ten percent of NHLA member dues now going directly to the Federation. Expanded efforts between NHLA and AHEC also occurred this year, with AHEC increasing travel to China, as well as, locations in South America, Mexico, SE Asia and wherever needed. Additionally, the Association increased participation with other hardwood groups and other buyer groups such as pallets, railroad ties, kitchen cabinets and flooring manufacturers. The cooperation includes jointly sponsored educational programs as well as industry events. Global Leadership: With two employees in China and a multilingual lumber inspector based overseas, our global commitment to teach, monitor and enforce the NHLA lumber grades is solidified. Staff also participated in the Global Timber Forum creation, and is active with governments around the world to improve the efficiency of international trade. School: The NHLA Inspector Training School based in Memphis has witnessed a resurgence in students and the Association has developed a new product for teaching lumber grades entitled the "Progressive Program." The Progressive Program allows students to complete the full requirements of the School by spending some time in Memphis and some time studying online. Recent upgrades and improvements to the School insure it will be in place to serve the industry for decades to come. Inspection Service: The eight-person field team of National Inspectors has remained solid for nearly a decade, and has expanded efforts to include quality control and performance measurements. They are the eyes and ears of the Association as they travel the country meeting with members and providing feedback to the team in Memphis. Convention: By all counts our first convention ever in Las Vegas was a smashing success. Truly the global gathering of the hardwood community, this year’s convention hosted approximately fifty international hardwood buyers and a strong representation of member companies with total attendance near one thousand. One member said, “The best I’ve seen in my 37 conventions!” Now that's quite a compliment.

Expanded efforts between NHLA and AHEC also occurred this year, with AHEC increasing travel to China, as well as, locations in South America, Mexico, SE Asia and wherever needed. We can’t wait to get 2015 started and see what is next! Thanks for your support. Reach out to me anytime at 901-377-1082 or by email at m.barford@nhla.com Sincerely,

Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director 901-377-1082 direct | m.barford@nhla.com

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INSIDE NHLA

members, reporting the recent success of the 2014 NHLA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, introducing the NHLA KD Certification program and talking about the Hardwood Forest Foundation and its Truth About Trees program. John stated, “The group was extremely welcoming and spirits were high despite the Nor’easter that was on deck. Most companies are seeing good log supplies and all seemed optimistic about the industry for the upcoming year.” While in New England, John visited and toured Abenaki Timber Corp., Downes and Reader Hardwood Co., Inc., Northland Forest Products and Keiver-Willard Lumber Corp. All of who are proud members of NHLA.

NEW ENGLAND LUMBERMEN'S ASSOCIATION WARMLY WELCOMES NHLA Director of Membership John Hester, had the opportunity to attend the New England Lumbermen’s Association (NELA) meeting in October. John afforded time to address the

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NHLA ATTENDS NORTH AMERICA PLANT PROTECTION ORGANIZATION ANNUAL MEETING NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert and AHEC Latin America Director Luis Zertuche recently travelled to the North American Plant Protection Organization’s annual meeting. This year the NAPPO meeting was held in Hautulco, Oaxaca, Mexico at the Las Brisas hotel. NAPPO meets to discuss the many threats that the countries face from pests and diseases that can harm domestic species, which can devastate entire industries. Not only do they discuss the threats on the various plant species, they also discuss the trade barriers that are created by these pests. Another large component of the program is the import and export of plants and plant products throughout the world. Various governing bodies of plant protection agencies from the three countries were in attendance, along with industry personnel from many of the agricultural sectors including hardwood. During the meeting Spessert and Zertuche had the opportunity to speak to attendees who import hardwood lumber into Mexico in order to gain clarity into the Kiln Dried lumber being regulated. The meetings went well with the results to be made public by the Mexican government in the near future.

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Viva Las Vegas 2014 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase

he 2014 National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase presented by Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance was held October 8-10 for the first time in 116 years in Las Vegas, Nevada. A poolside Welcome Reception, sponsored by Dakota Hardwoods, welcomed approximately 950 delegates, representing more than 330 companies and 13 countries to the "global gathering of the hardwood community”. During the October 9 Opening Session, NHLA president Scott Heidler welcomed attendees and reported to the membership on the accomplishments of the Association over the past year. The membership then heard reports from the NHLA executive director Mark Barford, Hardwood Forest Foundation spokesman Tommy MacDonald and Hardwood Federation executive director Dana Cole. NHLA also welcomed new members and acknowledged companies celebrating 30, 50 and 75 years of membership with NHLA including a 100-year member, the J.M. Jones Lumber Company of Natchez, Miss. After presentations from the nominating committee chairman Dave Redmond, the NHLA membership unanimously elected two new officers and five new board members. Pem Jenkins, president of Turn Bull Lumber Co. of Elizabethtown, N.C. was elected to serve as president of NHLA. Brent Stief of Huron Forest Products of Alliston, Ontario will serve as vice president. The five new board members include: Rick Barrett of Midwest Hardwoods; David Mayfield of Mayfield Lumber; John O’Dea of American Hardwood Industries; Harry Rogers of Big River Cypress & Hardwood; Peter VanAmelsfoort of Quality Hardwoods; and Jeff Wirkkala of Hardwood Industries.

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After the business side of the meeting was finalized Keynote Speaker, Bill Taylor officially kicked-off the 117th Annual Convention events. After his address, the Exhibit Showcase officially opened with a ribbon cutting by Mr. Taylor. The exhibit showcase featured ninety-two companies displaying products and services on the show floor; the largest exhibit showcase in NHLA history. As always, the NHLA Annual Convention was a great time to catch up with fellow members, network with customers and

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learn from keynote speakers and educational programs. The educational program topics covered were: succession planning, domestic hardwood buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s panel with demand outlooks on pallets, cabinets and flooring; NHLA Rules changes for 2015 and the hardwood global market demands. Proving the true global nature of the organization and the convention, NHLA welcomed approximately 50 international buyers. To provide a basic understanding of the U.S. hardwood industry and species, the international buyers were invited to attend a Hardwoods 101 program conducted by Judd Johnson of the

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As always, the NHLA Annual Convention was a great time to catch up with fellow members, network with customers and learn from keynote speakers and educational programs.

Hardwood Market Report. But the highlight of the educational offerings was the Chinese Culture Enhanced Educational Workshop on Friday, October 10 led by Mr. Marco Chan of AmAsia Corporation.

The 2015 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase will be held October 7-9 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Please SAVE THE DATE and visit www.nhlaconvention.com for information and updates in the months ahead. W W W. N H L A .CO M

Millwide. Worldwide.

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FOUNDATION FOCUS

HARDWOOD INDUSTRY MEMBERS MAKE SIGNIFICANT DONATIONS TO NHLA’S NON-PROFIT CHILDREN’S ORGANIZATION By Crystal Oldham, Executive Director Hardwood Forest Foundation No doubt about it, members of NHLA dug deep into their pockets for the Hardwood Forest Foundation’s educational initiatives at the recent Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase in Las Vegas. Thousands of dollars were raised through the Foundation’s record setting Annual Golf Tournament (presented by Pennsylvania & Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Companies), a Bowling Competition (presented by Harold White Lumber) and the first ever Kits for Kids Campaign (hosted by the NHLA Spouse Program), the event was a huge and much needed success for the non-profit, which in recent years, has grown immensely with the award-winning success of its Truth About Trees program. “With the recent revamp of the Truth About Trees educational kit and the production of its Telly-Award Winning video version, the Foundation’s outreach is greater than ever…and with this success comes the increasing need for funding,” said Tommy MacDonald, Foundation Spokesperson and EmmyNominated television woodworker. MacDonald addressed Convention attendees during Opening Session, where he announced the Telly Award, as well as the program’s nomination for the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award. In addition, MacDonald made a plea for donations. And the crowd answered. It was also during Opening Session that NHLA President Scott Heidler announced that the NHLA Spouse Program, led by First Lady Amy Heidler, was presenting the first ever Kits for Kids Campaign- asking attendees to donate a Truth About Trees educational kit to an elementary school, with the school being chosen by either the donor or the Foundation. “Members of the hardwood industry spoke loudly through their donations to the award-winning Truth About Trees program…they obviously see the importance in the curriculum as it works to eliminate misperceptions about harvesting. The story the Foundation tells belongs to all of us and the Kits

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for Kids Campaign success speaks volumes on the trust the industry has in the Foundation,” MacDonald said. “And no doubt about it, the fact that the Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament was the biggest yet, with 89 golfers and more sponsors than ever shows that as the Foundation grows, so does its fundraising efforts. And we had a blast bringing in extra funding through the first ever Bowling Competition,” MacDonald added. In addition to the Kits for Kids Campaign, the NHLA Spouse Program also hosted its Annual Book Drive to benefit Las Vegas’s Kay Carl Elementary School. More than $1,500 worth of children’s books were donated to the school’s library. And the children of Kay Carl even received a special visit from MacDonald and some of the Foundation team, as they spent an afternoon on campus giving the Truth About Trees presentation and planting a Southern Live Oak, through a partnership with Star Nursery of Las Vegas. “There’s not many things that can top being in front of a group of young children and talking about the industry, while sharing the truth about forest products we use in our everyday lives and discussing how we obtain these items…all through scientific facts,” MacDonald said. “Unfortunately, we are a long way from completing our work of teaching the truth about our industry, as the untruth has been taught for far too long. The only way the message can reach ultimate success is with the constant and continuous backing of our sponsors, donors, supporters and volunteers. Our need for donations is still more important than ever and we have to do this together,” MacDonald concluded. Founded in 1989, the Foundation, a 501c3 organization, has been involved in a variety of educational programs and activities throughout the United States and Canada. Since its creation, NHLA has supported its efforts and hosted its office in the NHLA headquarters, located in Memphis.

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LEGISLATIVE LOG

2014 ELECTIONS

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN By Dana Cole, Hardwood Federation Executive Director

The 2014 election on November 4 was a good one for the Republican Party. The GOP picked up a total of 8 seats, 2 more than they needed to take over the U.S. Senate from the Democrats. And one race is still outstanding at press time. On December 6 Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) will compete in a run-off race against State Representative Bill Cassidy, which many predict will be an uphill battle. When the 114th Congress is seated next year, the Senate could potentially move from its current 55-45 Democrat majority to a 54-46 control by Republicans. As expected The GOP also expanded on its majority in U.S. House of Representatives. The party currently controls 233 seats in the 435 seat House of Representatives. At press time, Republicans wins increasing the majority to 244 seats with a few races still undecided. If the numbers hold, the House will have the largest Republican margin since the 1920s. Republicans were also successful in many of the hotly contested Governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; races, including Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan and Illinois, to the surprise of many. However, one good political night does not necessarily mean the path forward will be easy for either party or for the nation as a whole. If there is a message to be taken from November 4, it is that the voters are tired of partisan politics that lead down a dead-end road and are ready for compromise with positive results. Given low approval ratings for both political parties, leadership on both sides of the aisle should take note. Election night victory and concession speeches usually hold promise of cooperation, a promise that quickly fades once those elected are back in Washington. Hopefully, 2015 will be different, but challenges remain. In January when the new Congress is seated, the U.S. Senate will be under new management. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will be Majority Leader and will have full control over the Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floor schedule. All of the committee chairmanships will change as well. The one variable that will not change, however, is the need for both parties to work together to move legislation through the Senate. Although the GOP made major gains in November, the party does not have a filibuster proof, 60 vote majority in the upper chamber. Republicans are essentially in the same position that Democrats are in now: in the majority, but not a governing majority. Leader McConnell

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will have to peel off a half dozen Democrats to vote with the Majority on anything that hopes to have a chance of passage. This will be a challenge, since many of the Senate Democrats that would be candidates for voting with Republicans lost on Election Day. That being said, McConnell has proven himself to be a deal maker and proponent of a functioning U.S. Senate. The Senate electoral map is much more difficult for Republicans in 2016, with the GOP defending many more seats than Democrats. This may provide needed incentive for the new Republican majority to demonstrate an ability to lead and legislate to create momentum heading into the next election. So what does this mean for the Hardwood industry? Early indications are positive. Priority issues like energy efficiency and transportation policy will likely be revived. Oversight of proposed rules governing U.S. waters and biomass carbon accounting could increase. Federal forest management policy has become an issue of interest on both sides of the aisle and could see action in the new Congress, although compromise with the White House will be essential for actual change to be implemented. Tax reform is now being discussed as an area where Republicans and Democrats could find common ground next year. Immigration reform may also find itself in this category, although if the President signs an Executive Order on immigration this year, all bets are off. International trade policy is also expected to be an area where negotiation will find fruit. And believe it or not, initial work on the next Farm Bill will begin in 2015, with hearings on aspects of the current bill that are working and those that are not. The Hardwood Federation is already plotting a strategy to meet with new members and Committee Chairs. We have good relationships with a number of the returning Republicans that will be moving into leadership roles and look forward to strengthening those ties. We will also continue to work closely with our supporters on the Democratic side of the aisle. They will be essential to moving our agenda forward over the next two years as well as establishing long allies. We will continue to monitor, assess and take action on those federal policies that most impact the Hardwood industry. As always, thank you for your engagement and generous support. We are excited about continuing our work on behalf of the Hardwood industry in 2015!

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RULES CORNER

NEW NHLA RULES BOOK DEBUTS JANUARY 1, 2015 By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector NHLA was founded for the purpose of establishing a standard set of grading Rules for hardwood lumber. Since that time NHLA has morphed into an Association that has many facets including but not limited to: Inspection Services, Inspector Training, Industry Training, Networking Events, Communications and Marketing. All of the before mentioned facets pale in comparison to our number one priority, the Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood. One of the most unique points about the NHLA grading Rules is the use and acceptance of the Rules by the entire hardwood industry, regardless of whether or not you are a member of NHLA. NHLA utilizes the membership dues to maintain the Association and to keep in place the only standard set of hardwood grading Rules in the world. Part of maintaining the Rules is the group of highly skilled Inspection Services field staff. This group of men are not only used for lumber inspections and dispute resolutions, they are also skilled in most areas of manufacturing from sawmill to dry kilns and can offer

expert advice to anyone in the industry in time of need. A popular question frequently asked of me is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How many Dispute Inspections does the NHLA field staff perform in a year?â&#x20AC;? This question is very difficult to answer because the majority of the disputes for lumber trading get resolved simply by a phone call or email conversation from a National Inspector or myself. The new 2015 NHLA Rules Book will be printed and distributed in January so please remember to implement and utilize any new Rules change that effects your new shipments. I would also like to ask that anyone in need of expert training on the new Rules or would simply like to get an outsiders view point on their operations, consider using the NHLA field staff for this task. To arrange for expert training by the NHLA Inspection Services Team please contact me directly at 901-399-7551 or 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.

Lumber Inspector Gutchess Hardwoods is seeking a Lumber Inspector. We offer competitive pay and a superior benefits package. If you share our vision of excellence, we invite you to join our winning team! The Lumber Inspector inspects incoming and outgoing lumber according to NHLA rules at the assigned grading deck and to saw list requirements. The qualified candidate will have a High School diploma or higher education with experience providing skills suitable for this position, with NHLA grading rules training. The Lumber Inspector will visually inspect lumber according to species, grade, and dimension using NHLA lumber grading rules to inspect the lumber. To apply email: jlortiz@gutchess.com Gutchess Hardwoods | www.gutchess.com 724-537-6447 | 607-428-8097 (fax) 185 Devereux Road | Latrobe, PA 15650 Sawyer Gutchess Lumber is seeking a Sawyer. Saws 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; and conducts a daily physical inspection of all equipment. The qualified candidate will have two or more years of experience.

supervision and production management. The individual needs to have a manufacturing background and experience dealing with process improvement driven by employee involvement. Candidate should demonstrate leadership/management/administrative skills and have success in a primary wood manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include: proper log/cant breakdown; proper edging/trimming decisions; zero downtime on all machine centers; start-up completed before the shift starts; develop personnel to minimize overtime; insure all safety procedures are followed; completely train each person to his or her maximum potential; develop team attitude; perform quarterly evaluations. To apply visit: http://glc.applicantstack.com/x/openings Gutchess Lumber | www.gutchess.com 10699 Maple Grove Road | Freedom, NY 14065 Lumber Grader American Hardwood Industries is a leading producer of hardwood products and hardwood flooring and is seeking a Lumber Grader. The Lumber Grader will grade green and kiln dried domestic hardwoods. The qualified candidate must have at least one year of experience and be NHLA trained or have the equivalent knowledge of an NHLA Inspector. To apply send an e-mail to jhouck@ahiwood.com, fax to 540-946-9170, or apply in person at 567 N. Charlotte Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980. American Hardwood Industries | 540-946-9150 | 540-946-9170 (fax) 567 N. Charlotte Ave | Waynesboro, VA 22980

To apply email: jlortiz@gutchess.com Gutchess Lumber | 607-428-8097 (fax) | www.gutchess.com 10699 Maple Grove Road | Freedom, NY 14065 Dry Kiln Technician Gutchess Lumber is seeking a Dry Kiln Technician to work in a very fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment with emphasis on safety, quality, environmental concerns and production goals. Controls drying tunnels to condition while maximizing production, quality, and grade and value recovery. Good knowledge of the working principles of steam distribution, heat transfer, air circulation, and condensate return systems. The qualified candidate will have two or more years of experience.

The Turman Group is seeking a Lumber Inspector. The Lumber Inspector will grade hardwood KD lumber on a walking grade line. The qualified candidate will be NHLA trained or have related experience. To apply email salem@theturmangroup.com or call Joshua at 276.733.4057 Turman Group | 276-733-4057 | www.theturmangroup.com 1972 Salem Industrial Dr | Salem, VA 24153 Dry Kiln Operator

To apply visit: http://glc.applicantstack.com/x/openings

Turman Group is seeking a Dry Kiln Operator who will maintain schedules for 800,000 BFT Dry Kilns for EWP and Hardwoods

Gutchess Lumber | 607-749-8098 (fax) | www.gutchess.com 890 McLean Road | Cortland, NY 13045

The qualified candidate must have experience within the industry and with running dry kilns.

Assistant Sawmill Manager Gutchess Lumber desires a highly motivated and driven Assistant Sawmill Manager who is results oriented with experience in 20

Lumber Inspector

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To apply email salem@theturmangroup.com or call Joshua 276.733.4057 Turman Group | 276-733-4057 | www.theturmangroup.com 1972 Salem Industrial Dr | Salem, VA 24153

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NHLA INSPECTOR TRAINING SCHOOL THE TRUSTED LEADER IN HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADING EDUCATION

Discover a Future in North American Hardwood!

The 176th Class

• In as little as 12-weeks you can become a certified lumber inspector through the NHLA Inspector Training School. The 176th Class will begin January 7, 2015 at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, TN.

Progressive Program

• The NHLA Inspector Training School is embracing new technology and offering a distance learning ITS Program. The “Progressive Program” is divided into three blocks. Upon successful completion of one block, a student can then progress to the next study block. The next Block 1 class will run April 6-April 18.

For more information about either of these programs contact Becky Miller 901-399-7569 or visit www.nhla.com/school.

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CALENDAR

EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG

WH ERE IN THE WOR LD IS N H LA?

Progressive Inspector Training School Program: Block 1

Christmas Holiday

Memphis, TN | December 1 –13 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

NHLA Headquarters Closed | December 24–26

Lake States Lumber Association Winter Meeting Green Bay, WI | January 15-16, 2015 Attending: John Hester, Director of Membership

International Marketing Workshop for Forest Products Companies

Memphis, TN | December 12 | NHLA Headquarters Workshop Leader: Dr. Henry Quesada, Virginia Tech Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

176th Class NHLA Inspector Training School

Hardwood Federation Board Meeting

Washington, DC | February 9-10, 2015 Attending: Mark Barford, CAE, CEO

Canadian Hardwood Bureau Annual Meeting

Penn-York Lumbermen's Club Monthly Meeting Ellicottville, NY | February 24, 2015 Attending: Mark Barford, CAE, CEO

2015 AHMI Annual Meeting

Bonita Springs, FL | February 25-March 1, 2015 Attending: Mark Barford, CAE, CEO

Looking For The Leader in Sapstain Protection? YOU FOUND THE BRIGHTEST SOLUTION.

Sapstain/Mold Control 1. Premier®: The latest in sapstain innovation. 2. NeXgen®: Brightens wood while providing the best control of sapstain and mold fungi. 3. Sta Brite® P: One product, one step non-corrosive system. 4. PQ-80®: EPA approved for food contact. 5. Tuff-Brite®: When additional mold control is needed.

Insecticide 1. X-Lance®: The non-restricted use solution to your insect problems. So for the best solutions to meet your needs in sapstain protection, look to the leading name in wood preservatives. Call your ISK Biocides sales representative about our full line of wood preservatives today.

Want The Best in End Coating Protection With a New Technology Formulation? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

From waxes to end coatings to cosmetic paints, ISK Biocides has all the quality products and protection you need. All backed by over 60 years of experience, innovation and technical research in wood preservatives.

Sealtite™60: Announcing a new generation of Sealtite™60. • Requires no additional winterizing and can be used for summer and winter use at no increase in costs • Thicker and easier to see on lumber that has been end coated

Nashville, TN | March 25-27, 2015 Attending: Mark Barford, CAE, CEO

NHLA Board Meeting

Napa Valley, CA | April 22-24, 2015 The Meritage Resort

NWFA 2015 Wood Flooring Expo & 30th Anniversary St. Louis, MO | April 28-May 1, 2015 Participating: John Hester, Director of Membership Renee Hornsby, Director of Communications

CosPaint®: • The same technology is also being used in ISK Biocides CosPaint® • One formula will work for all seasons at one price So make sure you’re covered with the best end coating protection you can buy. Call your ISK Biocides sales representative about our full line of wood preservatives today.

1-800-238-2523 ® Premier, NeXgen, Sta Brite, Tuff-Brite, and X-Lance are registered trademarks of ISK Americas Incorporated.

Hardwood Manufacturers Association National Conference & Expo

1-800-238-2523 ® CosPaint is a registered trademark of ISK Americas Incorporated.

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Finding the right P&C insurer shouldn’t tear you to PieCes. Our long-time experience in the forest products industry supplies protection that’s a cut above the norm. After all, we’ve provided this kind of specialty-risk coverage for more than a century. During that time, our in-depth experience and careful assessment has resulted in P&C policies based on actual risks. It’s a strategy that worked well when we began in 1905, and one that should continue to work well for centuries to come. So count on us to carve out the perfect solution for all your P&C needs. For more information, call 1.800.327.0630 or visit www.LUA.cc