2016 December Hardwood Matters by National Hardwood Lumber Association

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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

2016 Convention Recap 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

DEPARTMENTS 22

Rules Corner

READER SERVICES 6 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message 8 Executive Director's Message 24 Job Board 26 Calendar

14 22 Photo Courtesy of AHEC

IN THIS ISSUE 10 Election 2016 What Happened & Where Do We Go 14 2016 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase Recap

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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; 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.

December 2016 ▪ Issue 174 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

Brent Stief Huron Forest Products President

Jack Shannon J.T. Shannon Lumber Co. Unique Services

Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Vice President Pem Jenkins Turn Bull Lumber Co. Past President 2014-2016 NHLA STAFF Lorna D. Christie Executive Director l.christie@nhla.com Renee Hornsby Director of Communications/Editor r.hornsby@nhla.com

Blue Book

IFC

Pike Lumber Company, Inc.

Breeze Dried, Inc.

Rossi Group

Brewco, Inc.

Sii Dry Kilns

13 DMSi

Simply Computing International, Inc.

Dunavant Global Logistics Group

Southern Mississippi Trading

IBC

Gutchess Lumber

TJT Consulting

King City/Northway Forwarding

TMX Shipping

Laufer Group International

T.S. Manufacturing Co.

McDonough Manufacturing Co.

U•C Coatings

National Hardwood Magazine, Inc.

Kevin Gillette Tioga Hardwoods Membership & Networking COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Kristina Thomas Community Manager k.thomas@nhla.com

Dave Bramlage Cole Hardwood, Inc. Promotion & Advocacy

Rich Hascher Inspector Training School Instructor John Hester Director of Membership Becky Miller Administrative School/ Inspection Assistant

Mike Powers Maley & Wertz Industry Advocacy & Promotion

Dave Mayfield Mayfield Lumber Co. Membership

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Orn Gudmundsson, Jr. Northland Corporation Structure

Melissa Ellis Smith Graphic Designer m.ellis@nhla.com

Desirée Freeman Controller

For advertising inquiries: Contact John Hester, Director of Membership at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558.

Nordeck Thompson Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods Rules

Dana Spessert Chief Inspector

Jon Syre Cascade Hardwood LLC Convention Pem Jenkins Turn Bull Lumber Co. Nominating Steve Jones Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, Inc Inspection Services Orn Gudmundsson, Jr. Northland Corporation Finance Bucky Pescaglia Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc. ITS/Continuing Education Stephanie VanDystadt DV Hardwoods, Inc. Communications & Marketing Jeff Wirkkala Hardwood Industries, Inc. Member Value Joe Snyder Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc. Rules Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Strategic Planning

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NEW BOARD, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH It is an honor to have been chosen to lead the 2016-2017 NHLA Board of Managers. As I prepare for my first Board meeting as President, I am reminded of my last trip to the NHLA offices in Memphis. If you haven’t visited, I encourage you to do so. The buildings that house the NHLA headquarters were all donated by our members; an important reminder of the Board’s responsibility to always think of our members first when making decisions. On the wall outside of the conference room, the history of NHLA’s leadership is displayed; picture after picture of industry legends who served as President of the Board dating back to 1898. These men, who were from both Canada and the United States, guided our Association and kept our industry strong through world wars, housing booms and busts, and changing consumer trends. Tough shoes to fill. Today, the Board has its own challenges as we determine how to define member value in an age of rapid change brought on by globalization. I see those challenges as an opportunity to create new value for our members. As markets evolve, they require a more disciplined approach to business to be successful. For example, the NHLA Rules were created to provide order in the early, “wild, wide, west” days of the lumber industry here in the U.S and Canada. Consider the opportunity to provide the same value in China, Vietnam, Mexico and other emerging markets. The continuity we can provide through the NHLA Rules in those markets will make members across our supply chain stronger. My job, along with the Executive Committee, is to focus the Board’s efforts in creating value for our current and prospective membership. We are fortunate to have an accomplished and very engaged Board of Managers who represent all regions of North America. I have no doubt that our new board members: Price Brashear, Luke Brogger, Rob Cabral, Damon Graf, Bruce Horner, Joe Pryor, John Syre and Stephanie VanDystadt will offer a new perspective to our discussions and decisions, and I know their contributions will help us make a difference. Based on my own personal experience, knowing what to do and knowing when and how to do it are two different things. I believe that one of the Board’s most important responsibilities is to continually re-examine our performance and make necessary improvements. With that in mind, we created our first ever Board of Managers survey to identify opportunities to enhance our governance process. I will keep you posted as we convert the results of the survey into strengthening our Board process, and of course,

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The historical partnership between the Board and staff is one of the many reasons why NHLA has not only survived, but also prospered for more than 118 years. our results. Of course, we are not doing all of this alone. Our very capable NHLA staff is an important contributor to the discussions. The historical partnership between the Board and staff is one of the many reasons why NHLA has not only survived, but also prospered for more than 118 years. In closing, I would like to offer my sincere best wishes to you and your families for a healthy, happy holiday season. I look forward to serving you in the New Year.

Brent Stief, NHLA President Huron Forest Products

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Thanks to those we serve! 2015 & 2016 PRESENTING SPONSOR

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

2017, THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WE . . . TAKE BACK OUR BRAND! I have been following the ongoing news of the drought driven southeastern U.S. wildfires; watching as coverage moved from my home state of North Carolina where 45,000 acres are burning in 25 counties to the worst hit areas of South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Alabama alone has lost more than 12,000 acres in the last month. One fire in Georgia has been burning since mid-October, despite the heroics of the firefighters battling the blaze. In total, more than 80,000 acres have been impacted. Before joining NHLA, I would have just followed the news of these fires with interest and of course compassion for those impacted. Now, it has become personal when I think of our members and their families who depend on these forests for their livelihood. According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 190 million acres of public land are at risk, including an unbelievable 60 percent of our National Forests. We know of at least one proven solution . . . increase and expedite responsible logging rights on these lands, especially when we know, through forest management programs, which forests have the highest percentage of dead or dying trees. Responsible logging will not only help prevent or minimize fire risks, it will keep the forests healthier. Sounds reasonable? Not to environmental activists who seem to block our every move to acquire access with the ever popular, “just let nature take its course.” Too often, such activists are seen as “eco-warriors,” as they spike trees to prevent logging, while the hardwood industry is vilified as environmental demons. If I sound frustrated, it is because I have dealt with irresponsible activist claims throughout my career of defending agriculture. Despite the best efforts of industries targeted by such groups, they just seem to keep on winning with campaigns designed to distort the facts and raise money, rather than create solutions. In the meantime, these devastating fires are becoming more common. Let me say that I am aware of and sincerely respect the efforts we have taken to date to deliver our message. The Hardwood Federation does an outstanding job advocating for our industry in Washington D.C. But as with most great battles, there is no one solution to effectively advocating for our cause. They can use a little help! NHLA members and their employees have a powerful voice and a story to tell. We know our companies and our products are sustainable, we are committed to responsible logging, and we are an industry filled with multi-generational family run companies. The hardwood industry employs thousands, often in areas where employment opportunities are limited. All attributes today’s consumers admire. Irresponsible activists are effective because they understand the value of grassroots networks, and they offer compelling stories. Yes, these stories are filled with distorted facts. But despite our best efforts, they seem to be the loudest voice consumers hear. It’s time we take back our brand. Consumers and our federal and state political leaders deserve to hear the truth about our industry. Based 8

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on the conversations at our recent Board meeting here in Memphis, I believe we are moving in the right direction. Led by Dave Bramlage, members of NHLA’s Promotion and Advocacy Committee discussed a new, non-governmental approach to helping our members tell their story through our own grassroots network. We will provide the outline to guide you along the way! The time for New Year’s resolutions is just around the corner. Why not add telling your story more effectively as a member of this great industry to your list? And if you are already active, I would like to hear from you. Tell me your story – email me at l.christie@nhla.com. The last six months have been an incredible learning experience for me, both personally and professionally. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone who have been so gracious in welcoming me to NHLA and have shared their time and expertise to expand my knowledge of this amazing industry that I now serve. My best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season.

Lorna D. Christie, Executive Director 901-377-1082 direct | l.christie@nhla.com W W W. N H L A .CO M

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HARDWOOD FEDERATION

ELECTION 2016

What Happened and Where Do We Go? By Dana Cole, Executive Director Hardwood Federation

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allots have been cast and the voters have made their choice. After a long election night full of unexpected results and upsets, we are all looking towards a new Washington, D.C. in 2017. Regardless of how your preferred candidate fared, we as a country will go on. Change is inevitable, just as it will be inevitable in the elections to follow. The most important message to take from the 2017 election is that a significant portion of the nation is looking for change, and they are looking for transformation through non-traditional means. When the dust settles, we as an industry, and as a country, must look for ways to be positive forces that will enact the change so many want to see. The Hardwood Federation intends to be one of those positive forces.

Elections are an important reminder of why organizations like the Hardwood Federation exist. Although elected officials, administrations and political appointees may come and go, it is vital to have consistent representation in Washington D.C. to speak on behalf of your interests, no matter who sits in the White House or speaks from the House or Senate floor. Below is our overnight analysis of what the election means for us and the issues we work on for the remainder of this Congressional session and when the 115th Congress is seated in January of 2017. We remain dedicated to pushing federal policies that help sustain and grow the Hardwood industry in the United States and look forward to reconnecting with returning Members of Congress and educating those new to Washington.

Republicans in the Senate also pulled off an upset. Leading up to the election, polling suggested that Democrats were poised to pickup between 4 and 6 Senate seats and reclaim control of the upper chamber. That did not occur. As of the publication deadline, Democrats netted two seats, leaving the balance of power in the Senate for now at 50-48 with one Independent. The Senate race in Louisiana is headed for a run-off.

THE ELECTION

Looking to the future, 2017 will kick off with a new Congress and a new President of the same party. One important point to keep in mind is that, while Republicans control the Senate, the party’s margin remains slim. Typically 60 votes are needed to move legislation in the upper chamber which will require Democrat support to reach that threshold. Of course there are parliamentary ways around this, but historically the 60 vote requirement has been honored.

On November 8, the Republican Party shocked professional pollsters and pundits by taking the White House and maintaining control of both the House and Senate. Although margins in both Chambers are slightly reduced, this is by no means the sea change many expected. The presidential election turned on the block of states that have consistently voted for Democrats in the last several presidential elections, the so called “Blue Wall” of Midwest states. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, states where pre-election polling trended consistently for Hillary Clinton, were won by Mr. Trump. Ohio also voted for the Republican candidate. These wins, along with victories in Florida and North Carolina provided the pathway for Trump to surpass the 270 Electoral College votes needed to become president.

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Democrats did pick up 7 seats in the House, but again, polling suggested that the party would secure double digit gains in the lower chamber. Republicans now have a 235-191 hold on the House leading into the 115th Congress.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE LAME DUCK

Members of Congress returned after the election to finish out the 114th Congress. Enacting a measure to keep the government funded into 2017 will be a key focus. Recall that the current funding measure runs out December 9, 2016. Although we will not know the Lame Duck agenda definitively until Members are back in town, we

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expect that an omnibus spending bill will be fashioned in the weeks leading up to Christmas. There still remains opportunity for us to enact a number of our policy priorities as part of this bill, including federal forest management reform legislation and provisions codifying the concept of biomass carbon neutrality. These two issues may also see action as part of the energy bill conference committee negotiations. The situation is very fluid and could change dramatically before the end of the year.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2017

Exactly what policy priorities a Trump Administration will pursue is probably going to be the biggest topic of holiday cocktail parties in Washington D.C. Much will depend on who is appointed to head up federal departments and agencies, and who Mr. Trump surrounds himself with inside the White House. Exit polls consistently indicate that the economy was the driving force for voters last night. If the new administration listens to the voters, expect tax and regulatory reform to be big issues in 2017, as well as trade and immigration, which Mr. Trump ran on during his candidacy. But the bottom line is that this is a big unknown and again will most likely depend on appointed Cabinet members and Administration officials. Our task will be to identify issues that benefit the Hardwood industry early and communicate them often to incoming policy makers.

THE HARDWOOD FEDERATION PACâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;HOW DID OUR CANDIDATES DO?

Almost all of those supported by HFPAC were successful in their bids for office in the general election. We are proud of our record of supporting those that support the Hardwood industry. We are also pleased that so many of our advocates will be returning to Washington in 2017. However, we must continue to communicate and educate them to ensure future support . . . and we must work hard with new members to develop the same positive relationships we enjoy with current members on both sides of the aisle. Thank you for your interest in and support of the Hardwood Federation in 2016. While there is still much to do in 2016, we look forward to 2017 with all its challenges and opportunities to make a difference for the Hardwood industry in the United States.

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Washington D. C . 2016 NHLA

ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBIT SHOWCASE RECAP presented by

he 2016 National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase presented by TJT Consulting was held October 5-7 in Washington, DC. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;global gathering of the hardwood communityâ&#x20AC;? took place with approximately 900 delegates in attendance, representing more than 328 companies and 18 countries solidifying the status of global hardwood community.

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Welcome

The Wednesday Welcome Reception, sponsored by Northwest Hardwoods proved to be a spectacular evening on the grounds of the Omni Shoreham, providing a great networking platform to get the convention rolling.

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During the Thursday Opening Session, NHLA president Pem Jenkins welcomed attendees and offered his sincerest gratitude to the industry for allowing him to serve the past two years as NHLA President. Mr. Jenkins summed up his tenure as president, stating that “difficult decisions (which he had to make while in office) are often times the most important ones.” He then concluded on a positive note as he discussed the importance of “attendance at the NHLA convention and the contact it brings - giving you a strategic advantage for your business.” Mr. Jenkins then introduced the membership to the Association’s first female executive director in 118 years, Lorna Christie. “It is an honor to have been chosen as the next Executive Director for the National Hardwood Lumber Association. As I start on this incredible journey, I am humbed by the knowledge that I walk in the footsteps of the men and women who helped define NHLA as an industry leader, always committed to our members’ success,” said Christie. NHLA also welcomed new members and acknowledged companies celebrating 30, 50 and 75 years of membership with NHLA including a 100-year member, the Hartzell Hardwoods of Piqua, Ohio. 16

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After the business side of the meeting, Keynote Speakers Charles Krauthammer and Robert Reich officially kicked-off the 119th Annual Convention events with a stimulating political debate to a packed audience. Krauthammer and Reich, sponsored by the Rossi Group, engaged the crowd with humorous and educational commentary about the 2016 presidential election. Their thoughtful and often amusing views and dialogue provided the basis for serious consideration of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the craziest Presidential campaign in living memoryâ&#x20AC;?. W W W. N H L A .CO M

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The NHLA Convention provides two full days of education, networking and exhibit showcase. This year 82 companies and organizations exhibited, displaying new technology, products and services vital to the hardwood industry. The educational programs offerings were well attended and topics included: Current Issues Affecting Hardwood Lumber Consumption & Price, Moving Your Cargo Internationally, An Update from the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service and for the first time, an educational seminar on the topic of Social Media and Digital Marketing. At the most popular seminar at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convention, directors from The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) presented a statistical analysis of United States hardwood exports discussing global market 18

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trends throughout the year. Several of these seminars can be found on the NHLA website. During the Convention individual meetings and receptions were held by the Canadian Hardwood Bureau, American Walnut Manufacturers Association, Hardwood Federation, Hardwood Forest Foundation, International Wood Products Association (IWPA), Hardwood Distributors Association and NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Group among others. NHLA members concluded the conference in regal, presidential style celebrating two days of making new connections and cementing existing relationships. New NHLA president Brent Stief thanked everyone who made the convention such a great success as attendees dined and then danced to the sounds of the Retrospect Band.

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Alumni Reception

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The NHLA Annual Convention has been the leadership conference for the hardwood industry for 119 years. NHLA would like to thank its members, sponsors and exhibitors for making the 2016 Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase one of the best conventions in recent history. We look forward to having everyone join us again in 2017 at the Omni Downtown in Nashville October 25-27 as we celebrate our 120th Anniversary! For images of the 2016 Convention please visit: www.nhla.com/DCRecap

for logs and lumber.

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Sponsorship opportunities and Exhibit booth sales are currently being offered. Please contact NHLA for further details at 901-399-7558 or visit www.nhlaconvention.com for more information. W W W. N H L A .CO M

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RULES CORNER

RUSTIC ROOT: AN UPWARD TREND By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector

HLA has been the keeper and educator of the hardwood industry grading Rules for more than 118 years. Over the years many changes and revisions to the NHLA Rules have taken place in order to achieve the goal of creating a standard to which the industry could trade lumber on a consistent and level playing field.

I get questions on the grade of “Rustic” on regular basis and I would like to explain that contrary to popular belief, there is a grade in the NHLA Rules Book for that very purpose - “Colonial Poplar”. As explained below, this is a very simple to explain rule that can be utilized for many species and there is also a grade of “Rustic Oak”.

I believe that the creation and use of proprietary grades are often a great way to enhance certain niche markets and also help to create an otherwise non-existent market. I also believe that there are times when the creation of proprietary grades can confuse and diminish trade to some markets that rely on consistency and that is why I would like to ask that this industry remain strong in developing Rules that can be utilized by the majority of the industry. By doing so, we can continue to grow the markets that are presented to us.

COLONIAL POPLAR Widths: 4” and wider. Lengths: 6’ to 16’. Minimum cuttings: 4” wide by 2’ long, or 3” wide by 3 long. Each required cutting will admit without limits sound knots, spot worm holes, pin worm holes, bird peck, streaks, stain, and burls.

One of the proprietary rules that I would like to discuss in this article is the utilization of “Rustic”. The term “Rustic” is believed to be a grade of lumber that is utilized in the production of hardwood products that have an appearance of being made from lumber with a large amount of natural wood character.

The reverse side of each cutting shall be sound as defined in “Sound Cutting,” except that holes larger than 1/8” in diameter are not admitted. Knots admitted may contain checks or splits not exceeding in depth one-half the thickness of the piece. Colonial Poplar admits pieces that will yield 66-2/3% in cuttings as follows: • Pieces 2’ to 4’ surface measure in 1 cutting • Pieces 5’ to 7’ surface measure in 2 cuttings • Pieces 8’ to 10’ surface measure in 3 cuttings • Pieces 11’ to 13’ surface measure in 4 cuttings • Pieces 14’ & over surface measure in 5 cuttings By agreement between buyer and seller, defects on the edges and/or ends may be marked off. When this method is agreed upon, the surface measure and grade shall be determined inside the markings on the piece.” RUSTIC OAK “The grading rules for Colonial Poplar shall apply in all respects, except that one additional cutting is allowed.”

I would like to propose the following to the industry. When we begin the next Rules change process in 2017, I would ask that the industry please submit tweaks or changes that could be made to this grade to further the industry’s reach on this type of material. The one thing that I have learned from applying, teaching and defending the Rules is that the more consistent and well formed the Rule, the easier life is for the ones applying them. 22

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JOB BOARD

* To view current job postings or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/jobs.

SAWYER

HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADER

Send resume to jlortiz@gutchess.com to apply.

This is a full-time position offering benefits and a competitive salary package.

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.

Gutchess Lumber 10699 Maple Grove Road | Freedom, NY 14065 Fax: 607-428-8097

LUMBER INSPECTOR

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. Gutchess Lumber offers competitive pay and a superior benefits package. If you share our vision of excellence, then we invite you to join our winning team! Send resume to jlortiz@gutchess.com to apply. GUTCHESS LUMBER INC 890 McLean Road | Cortland, NY 13045 Phone: 607-753-1081

SAWYER

James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. desires an experienced sawyer for their Stevens Point location. Applicants will be responsible for operation of the carriage. Applicants must be able to daily cutting order and achieving proper levels of yield and perform daily physical inspection of all equipment.

James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. desires an experienced hardwood lumber grader for their Stevens Point location. Applicants must have a high school diploma or higher with experience and certification in the NHLA grading rules. A hardwood lumber grader is responsible for visually inspecting green lumber according to species, grades, etc using NHLA lumber grading rules.

To apply please Call 715-344-0878 and/or email resume to bgrezenski@grezenskiforestproducts.com James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. 3158 County Road X North | Stevens Point, WI 54482 Phone: 715-344-0878 | Fax: 715-344-1470

LUMBER INSPECTOR

Church and Church lumber Company is seeking a lumber inspector. Duties and responsibilities for this position consist of grading both green and KD lumber in a variety of species. Church and Church Lumber offers competitive pay and benefits package. To apply email resume to office@churchandchurchlumber.com or fax to 336-973-5703 Church & Church Lumber Co. 863 New Browns Ford Road | Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Phone: 336-973-5700 | Fax: 336-973-5703

This is a full-time position offering benefits and a competitive salary package. To apply please Call 715-344-0878 and/or email resume to bgrezenski@grezenskiforestproducts.com James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. 3158 County Road X North | Stevens Point, WI 54482 Phone: 715-344-0878 | Fax: 715-344-1470

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Say ‘Hello’to the Premier Supplier of Sawmill Equipment

MCDONOUGH MANUFACTUR ING

Calling...

The Leaders in Bandsawing Systems

• Carriages • Band Mills • Linebar Resaws • Horizontal Resaws • Edger Systems

Band Mills

Resaw Systems

Maxx Infeed Systems

Edger Systems

Eau Claire, WI Phone: 715-834-7755 Fax: 715-834-3968 www.mcdonough-mfg.com Quality Sawmill Machinery Since 1888

mcdonough for hardwood matters.indd 1

11/17/16 1:20 PM

BEAMING WITH PRIDE Seamlessly managing domestic and international commodities logistics, delivered with superior customer service DUNAVANT.COM W W W. N H L A .CO M

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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? Christmas Holidays

December 23 & 26 | NHLA Headquarters Closed

New Year Holiday

January 2 | NHLA Headquarters Closed

IHLA Convention & Exposition

February 7-9, 2017 | Indianapolis, Indiana Participating: John Hester, Director of Membership

NWFA Expo 2017

April 11-14, 2017 | Phoenix, Arizona Participating: John Hester, Director of Membership

NHLA Board of Managers Meeting

April 24-26, 2017 | Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG

HARDWOOD DIVISION

IN EXCESS OF 25 MILLION BOARD FEET IN ANNUAL SALES Southern Mississippi Trading has been catering to the manufacturing industry since 1968 by providing lumber for furniture, moulding, millwork, flooring, and cabinetry. SMT partners with the best sawmills in Southern, Appalachian, and Northern regions. Export Strengths: SMT's long lasting relationships and buying experience of North America's finest hardwoods partnered with our sister company, Olympic Industries, makes our combination the best choice for your purchasing needs. Olympic Industries' position within international markets and their state of the art logistical coordination provides our partners with timely and efficient delivery at the most competitive cost. For more information, contact:

DAVID PORTER, PRESIDENT

Inspector Training School Progressive Program Block 1

Memphis, TN | November 28-December 9 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

182nd Class of the Inspector Training School

Memphis, TN | January 4-March 24, 2017 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

Inspector Training School Progressive Program Block 3

Memphis, TN | March 6-March 24, 2017 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

Inspector Training School Progressive Program Block 1

Memphis, TN | April 3-April 21, 2017 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

A DIVISION OF

800.647.6282 david.porter@smtmiss.com

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Premium Producer of North American Hardwoods

FOCUS

Since 1904, we have produced only Northern Hardwoods coming from regions near our mills.

QUALITY

We dry and grade all our own lumber resulting in a consistent product year round.

CAPACITY

80mm BF annually • 1mm BF pre-drier 5mm BF kiln capacity • 3 sawmills

GLOBAL EXPERTISE

We have been exporting hardwood lumber to dozens of countries for decades.

CERTIFIED

We offer Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certified lumber.

SERVICE

We deliver on our commitments and stand behind our products every day.

Thank you to all of our customers for your business this year. Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous New Year. Happy Holidays from all of us at Gutchess Lumber!

(800) 474-5862 SALES@GUTCHESS.COM GUTCHESS.COM 890 McLean Road, Cortland, New York, 13045 USA

THE GLOBAL GATHERING OF THE HARDWOOD COMMUNITY

Music City BRIGHT LIGHTS

SAVE THE DatE : Oct. 25-27

OMNI DOWNTOWN | NASHVILLE, TN | WWW.NHLACONVENTION.COM