TH E VOIC E O F THE HARDWOOD IN DUSTRY
H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 4 MONTHS AWAY
June 2022
HCLT Advancements and What They Mean for the Hardwood Industry
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HARDWOOD INDUSTRY FIGHTS TO UNRAVEL TRANSPORTATION BOTTLENECKS CLARIFICATION ON SIDE BEND 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
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CONTENTS June 2022 • Issue 234
WHAT'S INSIDE features 12 HCLT Advancements and What They Mean for the Hardwood Industry by Amanda Boutwell
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departments 6
Inside NHLA
8
Accolades
ONLINE TOP POST OF THE MONTH
at facebook.com/NHLAOfficial Today is the first day for our 3-day Introduction to Grading Hardwood Lumber course. Welcome all! Are you interested in having a basic understanding of the NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules, you can sign up for one of our short courses at www.nhla. com/education/shortcourses/.
10 Legislative Log
Hardwood Industry Fights to Unravel Transportation Bottlenecks by Dana Cole
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16 Rules Corner
Clarification on Side Bend by Dana Spessert
reader services
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4 18 20
President’s Message Educational Calendar NHLA Job Board
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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 National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 • Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 • 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com • www.nhla.com
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.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MISSION LEADERS
Jeff Wirkkala Hardwood Industries, Inc. President
Bucky Pescaglia Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc. Unique Services
Jon Syre Cascade Hardwood, LLC Vice President
Ray White Harold White Lumber Inc. Rules
Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Past President 2018-2020
Joe Pryor Oaks Unlimited Industry Advocacy & Promotion
NHLA STAFF Amanda Boutwell Marketing and Communications Manager Desirée Freeman Controller
ADVERTISER INDEX IBC
DMSi
5
3
King City Forwarding USA 15
IFC
Pike Lumber Company, Inc.
BC
Tropical Forest Products
TMX Shipping Co. USNR
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Stephanie VanDystadt DV Hardwoods, Inc. Membership & Networking
Julia Ganey Member Relations Manager
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
John Hester Director of Membership and Business Development
Burt Craig Matson Lumber Company Membership
Renee Hornsby Director of Marketing/ Communications
Rob Cabral Upper Canada Forest Products, Ltd. Promotion & Advocacy
Jens Lodholm Data Administration Specialist Roman Matyushchenko ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education Carol McElya Education Services Project Manager Vicky Quiñones Simms Membership Development Manager
For advertising contact: John Hester, Director of Membership and Business Development at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558 or Vicky Simms, Membership Development Manager at v.simms@nhla.com or 901-399-7557
Rich Solano Pike Lumber Company, Inc. Structure
Melissa Ellis Smith Graphic Designer Dana Spessert Chief Inspector
Dennis Mann Baillie Lumber Co. Convention Scott Cummings Cummings Lumber Company, Inc. Inspection Services Bruce Horner Abenaki Timber Corp. ITS/Continuing Education George Swaner Swaner Hardwood Communications & Marketing Joe Snyder Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc. Rules
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SPRING BOARD MEETING UPDATE
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Their recommendation was to increase both the dollar range for calculating dues and the number of thresholds at which an increase would happen. They took our current system using the mid-point for each level and added a threshold below and above each mid-point. After a hearty discussion, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept the proposed restructuring of the membership categories. The board charged the NHLA staff to present the plan to the membership and implement the new system beginning January 1, 2023. More communication will come out of Memphis about the improved dues structure in approximately thirty days.
The Board of Directors made several significant decisions that will affect the future of the Association. I will highlight two of the most important decisions.
The board also discussed the development of a new Strategic Plan. Due to the onboarding time of our new Executive Director, the board voted to develop a new plan by the fall of 2023. The plan will be implemented in January of 2024. Work will start on the plan in 2022, but most of the work will happen in the first two quarters of 2023. If you are interested in participating in the development of the plan, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Jon Syre, Dallin Brooks, or myself. We will be forming a strategic planning committee very soon.
Hello Everyone, he NHLA Spring Board of Directors meeting was held April 24-26, 2022. We had 27 current board members, a past president, Dana, Renee, John, and Desiree from the NHLA staff, 19 spouses, significant others or family members, and our new Executive Director, Dallin Brooks, in attendance. I’d like to give a special thank you to Renee and my wife Jaynie for putting together a fabulous event.
Dallin attended all events and did not disappoint. His energy, excitement for association work, and love of wood were obvious to all. It will be exciting for all of you to meet him at our Annual Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Please make plans to attend this year’s conference on September 21-23.
The current membership dues structure calls for the doubling of due fees as each company’s sales of hardwood-related products reach a certain threshold. No one wants to see their expenses double for anything. Many companies simply continue to pay what was paid the prior year. Two years ago, the Board of Directors charged the Membership Committee to research options and recommend ways to improve the membership structure. The recommendation, in theory, should be revenue-neutral. The board did not want the plan to increase dues revenue. Instead, the plan should be fair, simple, and easy for members to calculate their dues. Stephanie VanDystadt is the Membership Committee Mission Leader, and Burt Craig is the Committee Chairman. In all the years I have been involved with the board, rarely have I seen a board be so diligent and work as a team as this Membership Committee. Led by Stephanie and Burt, the committee looked at countless options. They researched what other associations are doing, looked at a base plus a multiplier system, considered increasing the number of thresholds where dues amounts would change, and investigated expanding the range of sales for calculating a company’s dues. Hours upon hours of research and discussion ensued. Finally, they presented a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
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Here is a takeaway for thought. All of us hurt the ones we love at times in our lives. It can be hard to apologize. Here are a few simple concepts to consider in an apology. 1. Express regret. Tell them precisely why you are sorry. 2. Own what you did. Explain what offensive or hurtful action you are accepting as bad. 3. Tell them what you plan to do to correct the situation and earn back their trust. 4. Request forgiveness. 5. Make no excuses. An apology with an excuse is trying to justify the behavior. A genuine apology, done well, will be a relief to you and to the person you have wronged. It will be the start of a great day. Best wishes for your continued health and success. May God bless you, your families, and your businesses.
Jeff Wirkkala NHLA President | Hardwood Industries, Inc. W W W. N H L A .C O M
INSIDE NHLA
JOIN NHLA ON JULY 20TH FOR AN ADVOCACY 101 ZOOM WEBINAR The mid-term elections will take place on November 8; results will have a tremendous impact on Washington D.C. legislation and regulation for the next two years. Please join us on Wednesday, July 20th at Noon for our ZOOM Webinar entitled “Advocacy 101”. Our federal policy advocates, from the Hardwood Federation will show us the easy steps to communicating your thoughts, ideas and concerns to current members and candidates for federal office. Learn how to make your voice heard!
Register for this Webinar at http://www.nhla.com/webinar10
SPEAKERS:
Dana Lee Cole, Executive Director Hardwood Federation Pat Rita, Principal at Orion Advocates and Government Affairs Consultant to the Hardwood Federation
MISSED ANY OF OUR OTHER WEBINARS? THEY ARE JUST A CLICK AWAY! Visit NHLA.com to find all our Educational Webinars from topics on Log Recovery and Profit, Drying Hard Maple to Sawing Hardwood For Grade and Yield. In this area, you will find and can access live online courses and webinar replays. Webinar replays are FREE to NHLA Members. Non-members can view for a fee.
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BE PART OF BUILDING SOMETHING
BIG
Where We’ve Been
It’s no secret, the hardwood industry has been losing market share to products that look like wood, but have none of the natural benefits or authentic attributes of Real American Hardwood™ products. In order to recapture market share and improve industry stability, hardwood organizations united to form the Real American Hardwood Coalition.
Where We Are
The goal is to develop a national consumer promotion campaign on a scale that’s never been seen before. And a lot has been accomplished in a short period of time—including the completion of an extensive consumer research initiative, establishing brand guidelines, registering trademarks, and launching social media profiles.
Where We’re Going, Together
The next steps will have the largest impact on the industry and require buy-in from all industry stakeholders. The Coalition is preparing to launch a comprehensive promotion campaign—including a consumer-oriented website, in-store promotion at top big box stores, a broad media relations campaign, social media influencer partnerships, print and web advertising, and much more.
How You Can Get Involved
Moving the campaign forward and expanding its reach will take the support of the entire industry—for the benefit of the entire industry.
■ Make a voluntary contribution to help fund the consumer promotion campaign.
■ Use the Real American Hardwood logo on your sales and marketing communications, facilities and vehicles, products, and website.
■ Follow @RealAmericanHardwood on Instagram and Facebook, and tag #RealAmericanHardwood in your social media posts.
Visit RealAmericanHardwood.org to learn more and get on board.
ACCOLADES
Welcome New Members (February-April 2022)
ACTIVE U1 MEMBERS Austin Timber Company, Noble, IL JYS Hardwoods , Rossiter, PA Leibering Dimension, Inc., Ferdinand, IN Schrock's Sawmill , Arcola, IL Walnut Creek Timber LLC, Livingston, TN
ACTIVE U2 MEMBERS Clark Hardwoods, Erin, TN Clinch River Hardwoods, Inc., Thorn Hill, TN Crownover Lumber Co., Inc., M cArthur, OH Detweiler Forest Products, Rockville, IN Evans Lumber Co., Manchester, TN Les Bois Jacques Voyer Inc., Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon, Quebec
SUSTAINING MEMBER Mickey Group, Inc., New York, NY VAB - Timber Automation, Levis, Quebec
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Milestone Members
Congratualtions to these companies who are celebrating significant milestone anniversaries with NHLA.
5
YEARS
10
YEARS
ARROW-CUT SPECIALTIES Active U1 | March 2017
BEACON HARDWOODS, LLC Active U2 | May 2012
ASSURED PARTNERS Sustaining | June 2017
INDUSTRIAL VISION SYSTEMS INC. Sustaining | April 2012
COOPER MACHINE CO., INC. Sustaining | June 2017 ETHAN ALLEN, PINE VALLEY DIVISION Associate | June 2017 GRAF & THOMAS LUMBER CO. Active U1 | March 2017
WOLVERINE HARDWOODS, INC. Active U1 | April 2012
25
YEARS
GREENTREE HARDWOOD Active U1 | MJune 2017
DMB FOREST PRODUCTS Active U1 | June 1997
HBR LUMBER, LLC Active U1 | April 2017
TWO RIVERS TIMBER CO., INC. Active U2 | June 1997
LITS LLC Sustaining | June 2017
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PAW-TAW-JOHN SERVICES, INC. Sustaining | May 2017 PENNYRILE SAWMILL, LLC Active U1 | March 2017
YEARS
GOODFELLOW, INC. Active U3 | May 1947
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Premier Sponsor
Cleveland is within driving distance of 40% of the U.S. population.
Most Rockin' Convention Yet!
September 21-23
NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase Huntington Convention Center | Cleveland, Ohio
Pick Your Exhibit Booth! We are expecting record-breaking attendance, so don't wait to pick your booth. Showcase your products and services to NHLA members and the hardwood industry at large while making lasting industry connections when you exhibit at the NHLA Annual Convention. Make sure you are part of this outstanding event. To Pick your Booth and Register visit www.nhla.com/convention2022 or contact John Hester, Director of Membership & Business Development email j.hester@nhla.com or call 901-399-7558.
LEGISLATIVE LOG
Hardwood Industry Fights to Unravel Transportation Bottlenecks By DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation
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or over two years, backlogs at the nation’s major ports, caused in large part by the refusal of international shippers to receive U.S. goods for export, have plagued members of the hardwood industry and other major manufacturers. Fortunately for the industry, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers responded relatively quickly to their constituents’ need to move products overseas and unveiled the “Ocean Shipping Reform Act” (OSRA) (H.R. 4996) in August. This important bill would prevent foreign shippers from refusing cargo at an American port, thereby leaving U.S. exports stranded on the docks.
bill, S. 3580, which passed the chamber by “unanimous consent” on March 31. This latest action has teed up the formation of a conference committee to negotiate a final bill to send to the President. During the course of the bills’ progress, the Federation delivered OSRA updates in seven of the past nine monthly newsletters, one of which included a link to the letter-writing campaign, resulting in more industry letters being sent to Capitol Hill. The newly launched “D.C. Cheat Sheet” has also delivered updates on OSRA within three of the ten editions, including “talking points” for members to deliver to their elected officials during the recent Easter break.
GRASSROOTS DRIVE QUICK PASSAGE IN THE HOUSE From the outset, the Hardwood Federation joined a coalition of nearly 80 business groups to make sure the bipartisan bill moved through Congress as quickly as possible, sending coalition letters to lawmakers urging them to sign on as co-sponsors. In October and November, Federation members sent nearly 200 letters to the U.S. House of Representatives urging co-sponsorship and quick passage of OSRA. During the course of the campaign, the number of cosponsors virtually doubled, evenly along party lines, and passed by an overwhelming majority of 364 to 60 in early December.
CLOSING THE DEAL ON OSRA, NEXT STEPS Although there is a possibility that OSRA could cross the finish line as a provision within the “America COMPETES Act,” aka, the “China bill,” industry is focusing its efforts on House and Senate negotiations related to a “stand-alone” bill finalized by a conference committee. In an April 20 letter signed by the Hardwood Federation and 89 allied groups, the industry urged congressional leadership to come together and hammer out relatively minor differences between the House and Senate versions. Such action would expeditiously address unfair trading practices, including refusals of cargo for export. Moving forward, the Federation may issue another “call to action” requesting letters to lawmakers reminding them to keep this issue on the front burner before campaign season kicks into high gear in the fall.
SENATE FOLLOWS SUIT On February 3, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (RSD) followed up on industry advocacy and introduced a companion
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Moving forward, the Federation may issue another “call to action” requesting letters to lawmakers reminding them to keep this issue on the front burner before campaign season kicks into high gear in the fall. INDUSTRY FIGHTS DUAL TRANSPORTATION BATTLES, ADVOCATES FOR MORE DRIVERS Compounding the backlog created by ocean shipping woes is the lack of truck drivers due to an aging workforce, difficulties attracting new drivers, and burnout due to the impacts of Covid. Action to address these shortages has been undertaken at the Federal level.
tion workforce shortages, the Departments of Labor and Transportation initiated the following actions:
The “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” enacted in the fall of 2021 included Hardwood Federation provisions to address driver shortages, including the DRIVE Safe Program, which facilitates apprenticeships for drivers under the age of 21. In January of this year, the hardwood industry and other stakeholders submitted comments on the proposed implementation of the DRIVE Safe Program. While industry commended the Administration for timely implementation and commitment to mitigating the trucker shortage, industry cautioned against establishing requirements that would discourage participation in the program. These include, for example, stringent reporting requirements that would require the submission of data to the Federal Motor Carrier Administration every 30 days.
• Outreach to the veteran worker pool
• Expedite issuance of Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs) • Unveiled a “90 Day Challenge” to jump-start apprenticeships
• Unveiled the “Driving Good Jobs” initiative Congress and the Administration have come together, all too rarely, on some important tactics to untangle the nation’s complicated transportation challenges during the past year. The Federation will keep you posted on substantive legislation that crosses the finish line during the weeks ahead and the implementation of key programs supported by the industry as part of the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
The Administration has also taken administrative action by unveiling a “trucking action plan” on December 16. To address transportaW W W. N H L A .C O M
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HCLT Advancements and What They Mean for the Hardwood Industry By AMANDA BOUTWELL
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Resaw
ooking through our Hardwood Matters archives, we can see that HCLT (Hardwood Cross Laminated Timber) has been a popular and well-researched topic of interest. While it has been several years since we last wrote about HCLT, now is a great time to revisit the concept. There have been many advances in the technology as it continues to inch closer and closer to being a viable hardwood product. The best place to start is by explaining what HCLT is. At its very basic, Hardwood Cross Laminated Timber is an engineered wood product created when timber planks are laid perpendicular to one another and glued together to form stiff, strong, and stable panels. HCLT is stronger than steel and concrete but holds a beautiful wood aesthetic. According to Dr. Henry Quesada, Assistant Director of Extension and ANR Program Leader at Purdue University, “CLT is special because of the many pieces of lumber that go into a single panel. A few years ago, we were able to build structures that were about 3-5 stories. But today, construction with CLT can go even higher!” Unfortunately, this can only be said about softwood CLT because the current standard is based solely on softwood species. The standard, called PRG 320, is overseen by the American Plywood Association (APA). The standard was updated three times in recent years (in 2015, 2017, and 2019) to add various lumber species, but hardwoods were not included. This is likely because traditionally, softwood has been used for structural applications, while hardwoods have been used mainly for flooring, furniture, molding, pallets, millwork, etc. Dr. Quesada continues, “We will have to change the PRG 320 CLT standard to admit certain hardwood species. The good news is that we already have the rules to grade hardwood for structural applications. Still, these rules are rarely used because hardwood manufacturers can make more money selling hardwoods for appearance applications than for structural applications.” Henry points out, “Hardwoods can compete in the CLT market using lower-grade lumber. We have researched Hardwood CLT using yellow poplar because it is one of the most abundant species in North America. It is also easy to glue the layers (we can use the same formulations that they use for Southern Yellow Pine). But most importantly, it is economically feasible. Yellow Poplar can compete with the prices of Southern Yellow Pine. The answer to how hardwood lumber can get into the CLT market is yellow poplar. Could it really be as simple as that? Not quite, but we are on the correct path. Dr. Quesada tells us, “Right now, advocates are working on getting yellow poplar accepted by the APA. Once it is accepted, we can start thinking about other hardwood species. Like soft maple, for instance.” Dr. Quesada and Sailesh Adhikari (with Virginia Tech) recently published a research paper talking about HCLT, with Henry saying, “In an effort to
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Ed Reeve
Will Pryce. Courtesy Waugh Thistleton Architects
Above: Exterior view of MultiPly from the Sackler Courtyard. Left: Murray Grove exterior, London, UK, 2009. Photo: Murray Grove, a 9-story residential building designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects, was the world’s first multi-story building to have load-bearing walls, floor slabs, stairs, and elevator cores constructed entirely out of mass timber.
There is so much we have working in our favor that the promotion of HCLT won’t be difficult, mainly because it is good for the environment. 14
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Dr. Henry Quesada will host a discussion panel at the 2022 NHLA Convention and Exhibit Showcase, September 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio. The panel will feature several different perspectives on hardwood CLT, including manufacturing, supply, research, international markets, and more.
get Hardwood CLT to happen, the first thing we did was create HCLT panels made of yellow poplar. Those panels were shipped to Tacoma, Washington, where the APA served as a third-party agency as the panels were tested. We have now moved on to the second step, a combined effort of Purdue University and Virginia Tech. We are using all the information we gathered in our tests to have Yellow Poplar admitted into the PRG 320 standard. This will take a year, maybe two. We have already had discussions with APA, and they are awaiting our paperwork. Tom Inman with Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturing Inc. (AHMI) wrote the change proposal. Now, we are working on finding the needed information to complete the necessary forms and move forward.”
Now with
Deep Learning
It is likely that HCLT (using Yellow Poplar) will be a marketable product within two years, and architects and engineers in the US and Europe are already working on demonstration projects. Still, the hardwood industry will have to do its part in promoting HCLT to succeed. There is so much we have working in our favor that the promotion of HCLT won’t be difficult, mainly because it is good for the environment. An April report on climate change, released by the United Nations, indicated that, “harmful carbon emissions have never been higher in human history.” HCLT, like any other hardwood product, sequesters carbon. Every tree in the forest is a carbon sequestration machine. So, the more wood we use, the more trees we can grow, and the more carbon that gets sequestered. It’s a win-win. W W W. N H L A .C O M
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RULES CORNER
Clarification on
Side Bend By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector
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his month, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss an all too recurring subject – SIDE BEND.
Side bend is mainly created by poor sawing practices and logs with growth stresses. The drying process aggravates side bend through shrinkage at different rates within the boards. When sawing a log, it is best to saw the front face, then the back face (180-degree rotation). This will keep the growth rings even across the board and allows the board to shrink more uniformly. In some cases, this is impossible, such as in the case of rift and quarter sawing or when sawing larger logs. Companies have had some luck utilizing weights and other means to hold boards straight as they dry. But in my opinion, it is better to reduce the risk than to fight the natural drying process. Now, let’s move on to the grading aspect of side bend. There is very little mention of side bend in the NHLA Rules Book. In the 2019 version of the Rules Book, on page 85, under definitions, it states: “Side bend: A distortion of a board in which there is a deviation edgewise from a straight line from end to end of the board.” There is another mention on page 92, under “Tips and Tricks,” paragraph 3: “To determine the amount of side bend in a board, stand the board on its edge and measure the bend at its greatest distance from a straight line. When taking full-length cuttings, this amount must be deducted from the total width of the cutting.”
Unfortunately, neither one of these is an actual Rule, so to help clarify, I will explain it through the definition of a Cutting; on page 9, paragraph 29, the first sentence: “A portion of a board or plank obtained by crosscutting or ripping, or by both. . . . ” A rip saw (also known as a straight-line ripsaw) only cuts in a straight line. I believe that the exclusion was not on purpose. I believe it was simply an oversight based on the knowledge that all Cuttings would be straight and without side bend. For anyone who has not used a straight-line ripsaw to rip boards into clear pieces, I, as Chief Inspector, will state for the record that all Cuttings must be straight, and side bend is a defect that cannot be included in the Cuttings. This also includes boards that are required to be 100% clear, as in Selects. Boards utilizing the minimum width and kiln-dried Rules would also not allow any side bend. As always, please contact me with any questions regarding the NHLA Grading Rules or to learn how the Inspection Services department can help your company be more efficient, effective, and profitable. Chief Inspector Dana Spessert can be reached by email at d.spessert@nhla.com or by phone at 901-399-7551.
EXAMPLE: A board 6” wide and 10’ long with a 1” bend would allow a maximum 5” wide, full-length cutting.”
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LET THE INDUSTRY SERVICES TEAM HELP YOU.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NHLA FACILITY GRADE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM!
Cory Christen with NHLA’s Kevin Evilsizer.
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Kendrick Forest Products is a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s (NHLA) Facility Grade Certification Program. This is a voluntary quality assurance program where our lumber is re-inspected by the NHLA National Inspector 2-3 times per year to ensure we are representing the lumber properly. It is with a great deal of pride that I can inform you Cory Christen passed his test with flying colors. He was well within what the NHLA allows. Great job, Cory! This certification gives us a competitive advantage when selling in the marketplace as new customers know that we honor the NHLA grades and system. Most mills are not certified. In fact, Kendrick is the only mill in Iowa with this designation and one of only two in the American Walnut Manufacturers Association. Kevin and the NHLA have been a great resource for continuing to build into our team. We look forward to Kevin coming back in the summer.”
— Greg Blomberg, General Manager at Kendrick Forest Products
CONTACT THE NHLA CHIEF INSPECTOR TODAY! Call 901-399-7551 or Email d.spessert@nhla.com.
ITS CALENDAR
NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education. JUNE
June 13-16
June 6-July 29
Inspector Training School 199th Class
Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection. Venue: Clearfield County Career & Technology Center Location: Clearfield, PA
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading
Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber. Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc. Location: Millersburg, OH
Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor Pennsylvania companies can receive a 50% tuition reimbursement!
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Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector
JULY July 19-21
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading
Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber. Venue: Emerging Technology Center Location: Franklin, PA Instructor: Tom Byers, National Inspector
AUG Aug. 22-Sept. 2
Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training.
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
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“Earning my certificate from the NHLA Inspector Training School was a great opportunity for me to start a career in any facet of the hardwood industry, whether sales, operating machinery, grading, or drying lumber. It is a great alternative to college and creates an easier path to management.” Kyle Stepherson 188th Class | NHLA Inspector Training School Alumnus
SEPT Sept. 7-9
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading
Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
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Sept. 26-Nov. 18
Inspector Training School 200th Class
Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
NOV
OCT Oct. 17-21
Nov. 28-Dec. 9
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading
Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber. Venue: Wood-Mizer, LLC Location: Indianapolis, IN Instructor: Kevin Evilsizer, National Inspector
Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training.
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
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NHLA JOB BOARD Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.
HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADER CARDIN FOREST PRODUCTS, LLC Cardin Forest Products is a family owned sawmill and kiln drying operation located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. We are currently seeking a candidate to fill a hardwood lumber grading position in our kiln drying operation. Skills & Experience Required • Be NHLA certified • Have 2 to 3 years of experience grading kiln dried hardwoods Duties will include, but not be limited to the following: • Grade and mark all lumber to be sorted according to NHLA rules/ guidelines and industry standards • Communicate effectively with your team and other departments • Adhere to all safety policies and perform tasks in a safe and responsible manner Required Qualifications: • Minimum of one (1) year experience grading green and/or kiln dried domestic lumber
The successful candidate must be NHLA certified or equivalent experience, have the flexibility and ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced work environment with a primary focus on personal and team safety behaviors. Good work history and safety record with a strong desire to learn are required. Key Functions: • Grading lumber according the NWH proprietary grades • Maintaining grading accuracy in a fast paced environment • Working with QC on current grade guidelines Skills & Experience Required The successful candidate must be NHLA certified or equivalent experience, have the flexibility and ability to work in a team oriented, fast paced work environment with primary focus on personal and team safety behaviors. Good work history and safety record with a strong desire to learn are required. • NHLA certification preferred or equivalent experience. • Exhibit high level of flexibility. • Excellent attendance record.
• Must be NHLA trained or have equivalent knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be physically capable of performing all duties of the job and any other duties assigned by Crew Leader
• Team Player and Self-Starter.
Salary & Benefits • Full time position • Company offers medical, dental, 401(k) and other benefit offerings • Salary is negotiable How to Apply Send your resume to: jball@cardinfp.com Cardin Forest Products, LLC 2534 Battle Creek Rd | South Pittsburg, TN 37380 423-837-4041
Salary & Benefits • Competitive Compensation • Sign on Bonus • Relocation Bonus available • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. • 401K w/ Company Match • Paid Short Term Disability • Paid Life Insurance • Referral Bonus
HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADER NORTHWEST HARDWOODS, INC. Northwest Hardwoods is a world-class, integrated, global supplier of wood products to the furniture, cabinet, flooring, molding and millwork industries. We serve the industrial market segment worldwide. We are searching for a candidate who is a team player and who also enjoys challenging work. Lumber Grading is a critical skill and trade for the success of our business. Come bring your skills to a company that values them and is willing to help you develop them for your career success!
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| J U N E 2 0 2 2 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
• Employee Assistance Program How to Apply Send your resume to: ndy.starkey@nwhardwoods.com Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. 718 2nd Ave SW | Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650 253-568-6800
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