TH E VOIC E O F THE HARDWOOD IN DUSTRY
H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S May 2022
NHLA MEMBERSHIP:
Forging Ahead to the Future pl us IN WASHINGTON, SPRINGTIME IS FOR APPROPRIATIONS LET'S DISCUSS STAIN! 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 May 2022 • Issue 233
WHAT'S INSIDE features 10 NHLA Membership: Forging Ahead to the Furture by Amanda Boutwell
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departments 8
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ONLINE TOP POST OF THE MONTH
at facebook.com/NHLAOfficial 124 years ago today the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) was formed! It has been an honor to support, educate and promote the hardwood lumber industry and we look forward to continuing our mission for years to come.
Legislative Log
In Washington, Springtime is for Appropriations by Dana Cole
14 Rules Corner
Let's Discuss Stain! by Dana Spessert
reader services 4 16 18
President’s Message Educational Calendar NHLA Job Board
16 Follow us
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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 5
Baillie Lumber Company
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RossiGroup
IFC
DMSi
BC
Tropical Forest Products
3
King City Forwarding USA 15
IBC
Pike Lumber Company, Inc.
TMX Shipping Co.
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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
THE NEXT NHLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Hello Everyone,
H
ave you noticed there are times in your life when your situation is relatively stable and times when you are in a state of transition? NHLA has been in a state of transition for the last ten months (when the time of our previous Executive Director came to an end). On June 13, 2022, Dallin Brooks will begin employment as the next Executive Director of NHLA. The decision to select Dallin was unanimous by the Search Committee. Each member felt he would lead the Association forward in a positive manner. I’d like to acknowledge the members of the Search Committee. Darwin Murray, Jon Syre, Stephanie VanDystadt, Jordon McIlvain, Garner Robinson, David Mayfield, and Steve Jones. All these NHLA Members have “real jobs” to do and selflessly gave their precious time to aid in finding Dallin. Please thank them for their time and effort when you see any of these people. The NHLA Board of Directors is meeting in late April. Dallin will be in attendance, and each Board Member will have the chance to meet him. I am very excited for the board to meet him and hear his vision for the Dallin Brooks era at NHLA. In my last article, I gave the characteristics of what we were looking for in our Executive Director. In review, the committee felt one of the essential qualities we were looking for in an Executive was someone with the ability to create and execute a vision. We wanted a proven leader. Someone with association experience. A person with a great deal of energy, ability, and an intense desire to be a part of and help create a vibrant industry. We wanted someone who would make a great boss for our NHLA staff. Someone willing to listen and observe before acting. We believe we found that person in Dallin Brooks.
participating in this endeavor, I encourage you to get in touch with Dallin, Jon Syre, or myself. We will start the process as soon as Dallin is ready. It will take a bit of time to accomplish the creation of the plan, but it will be worth your time if you choose to participate. I want to give you a bit of a takeaway that applies to our situation with our new Executive Director. Each day presents us with new opportunities. The attitude each of us has as we approach a new opportunity is critical to its future success. I believe that at the start of any new venture, a positive attitude is the most important attribute in determining whether the venture will be successful or not. I ask each of you to start your relationship with Dallin with a positive attitude. Can you imagine the state of mind that Lewis and Clark had when Thomas Jefferson chose them to lead the expedition to explore the unknown territory of the Louisiana Purchase and chart a path to the Pacific ocean? They did not know what they would find. They were going where they had never been before. They believed in the mission, its goals, and their team. They had the attitude that they would be successful. NHLA is at a launching point. We want to be a more meaningful association for our members. We don’t know what that means. Over the next few years, Dallin will lead us to explore where we have not been before. Please give Dallin your positive attitude and support. I am very confident he will lead us to a better NHLA. I’m excited. I hope you are too. Best wishes for your continued health and success. May God bless you, your families, and your businesses.
Jeff Wirkkala NHLA President | Hardwood Industries, Inc.
One of the outcomes of our Board Meeting will be to put in motion the creation of a new Strategic Plan. We had been waiting for a new Executive Director before starting this process. If you are interested in
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See the forest through the trees The RossiGroup has been helping customers navigate the global hardwoods industry for almost a century. We have raised the bar with our new state-of-the-art Emporium Mill and kiln facilities, our long-term supply agreements, and our uniquely personal brand of customer service. We deliver a world class selection of hardwoods – including the gold standard in cherry – all sorted, milled and dried to tolerances, consistencies, and yields that were not even possible five years ago.
Visit us www.rossilumber.com or call 860-632-3505
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Premier Sponsor
Most Rockin' Convention Yet! NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase
September 21-23
Huntington Convention Center | Cleveland, Ohio
Early Bird Registration Now Open Register between April 4 and May 27 and you’ll be entered into our Early Bird Registration Drawing* sponsored by Frank Miller Lumber. *Ultimate Tailgate Package includes: Ryobi Bluetooth 2300-Watt Generator Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 QT Cooler ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair (x 2)
Register at www.nhla.com/convention2022
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LEGISLATIVE LOG
In Washington, Springtime is for Appropriations By DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation
T
he power of the purse is the one major responsibility that the Constitution delegates to Congress. All too often, it seems like about the only legislation that voters can count on to make it across the finish line during the year. Although appropriations – the process through which Congress funds the federal government – become more complex as the debate moves forward, annual congressional spending begins relatively straightforwardly. Historically, the President kicks things off by releasing a proposed annual budget in late January or early February. That said, the President’s budget is not a formal legislative proposal and merely serves as a benchmark to outline the Administration’s priorities, from which Congress may, or may not, takes its cues. In March, through the powerful appropriations committees, Congress will typically begin to draft 12 different appropriations bills to fund all federal agencies for the upcoming fiscal year. For example, most USDA funding starts with the “Agriculture, Rural Development, and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Appropriations” bill. Over the next few months, each lawmaker may submit specific requests to the appropriations committees to fund or even clarify the parameters of particular programs critical to their constituents. Any member of Congress can submit these requests, for which the appropriations committees develop specific forms to expedite the process. As the committees finalize their bills and the congressional calendar approaches the August recess and the end of the federal government’s fiscal year on September 30, chaos often ensues. At this time, Congress may combine various
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packages from the appropriations committees into so-called “omnibus” bills. The legislative logjam, which is rarely sorted out by Labor Day, predictably runs up against the September 30 deadline when funding for the current fiscal year lapses. This could leave many federal agencies effectively “shut down.” To avoid a “shut down,” Congress inevitably passes a “continuing resolution” to buy more time to hammer out a final spending package for the upcoming fiscal year. Throughout this process, the Federation meets with members of Congress, often leadership and appropriations committee members, to urge them to focus on priorities that will create an optimal business climate for the hardwood industry. The Hardwood Federation consistently has several items in the appropriations process on which we advocate. As part of the process that just concluded on the FY 2022 omnibus appropriations measure, we were able to secure reauthorization of our long-supported policy directive in existing law that promotes federal recognition of the carbon-neutral nature of forest-based biomass energy that we use in our mills. This will once again be on the table for consideration in the upcoming appropriations bill for 2023. Another area where we have been active is in funding for the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. FIA is a tool used by the U.S. Forest Service to maintain an accurate picture of our country’s private and federal forest lands. Specifically, FIA data provide critical status and trend information to resource managers, policymakers, investors, and the public W W W. N H L A .C O M
mark reinstein / Shutterstock.com
through an annual inventory report that is quite comprehensive. FIA reports on acres of forest cover and location, as well as speciesspecific tree stand analysis and tree size and health. In addition, these reports assess total tree growth, mortality, and removals by harvest and wood production utilization in various products and forest land ownership. As the federal government continues to sharpen its focus on climate policy and greenhouse gas mitigation, FIA data will be increasingly relied upon to inform policy about the health of our nation’s forests and their potential as a climate solution. The Hardwood Federation team has partnered with our forestry and forest product association allies here in D.C. on robust funding for FIA so that it can continue to provide this critical analysis. We will be doing so again in this upcoming appropriations effort. Another area of funding in which we have been active is on Lacey Act implementation. The Hardwood Federation was one of the leading organizations securing enactment of the Lacey Act amendments to the Farm Bill back in 2008 that added wood products to the purview of this law. We did so out of concern about illegally harvested wood worldwide being dumped into the U.S. market and harming domestic hardwood producers. That concern persists today, which is why we continue to advocate that APHIS—the U.S. enforcement arm for Lacey—receive ample funds in the appropriations process so that it can continue to perform its critical enforcement role. Speaking of trade, we also keep our eyes on funding for the Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs as part of the W W W. N H L A .C O M
appropriations process. These two programs—which form the backbone of our industry’s market promotion efforts overseas--received mandatory funding as part of the last Farm Bill. This was a big win for our sector. This means that funding for these two is not generally subjected to the whims of the annual appropriations process. We say “generally” because, while they do bear the mandatory funding tag, that does not inoculate them entirely from efforts to withdraw funding during the appropriations process. Unfortunately, these two highly effective programs have detractors in Congress that typically try to strip funding from them on spurious claims that they represent “corporate welfare.” That is why we remain close to the process and kick into action whenever amendments surface to defund export promotion programs. Our success rate in defending funding for MAP and FMD is 100 percent, and we hope to keep that record unblemished this year. And finally, we remain very close to the appropriations process annually to both defend against and promote policy riders that impact our sector. Depending on the prevalent issues of the day, these riders can range from environmental policy, including the ever-controversial Waters of the U.S. rule, to provisions opposing various Endangered Species Act listings. No matter the year or the appropriations cycle, there is always the need to stay close to the action in the appropriations committees as much of the public policy development at the federal level is made within the confines of these panels.
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NHLA MEMBERSHIP:
Forging Ahead to the Future By AMANDA BOUTWELL
FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, the hardwood lumber industry has been an essential part of day-to-day life. The methods used to turn timber into lumber have changed over the years to make the process more efficient. Over the last four decades alone, machinery like automatic edgers and resaws have been used to increase grade yield, helping hardwood companies battle shrinking profit margins. In 2022, several new products and services have been created to help hardwood companies succeed.
M
cDonough Manufacturing Co. is leading the charge with a new resaw system that’s advancing resaw technology and capabilities. Matt Tietz, VP/Owner of McDonough Manufacturing Co., told NHLA that they have recently begun work on a new “AutoMAXX” resaw system, saying, “It is a revolutionary machine that reimagines what a resaw can do.” Basically, the AUTOMAXX system combines physical controls with a visual operator interface. It has high-quality digital imaging and is optimized to maximize yield of grade and input. It is completely automated for turning, fence sets, gap control, and feeding, which allows the operator to focus on cutting decisions and grade. This system increases yield of your highest-grade products and offers increased line counts at equivalent feed speeds. Tietz continues, “Because it only requires one grader/operator, it will help with labor issues and saw fatigue while increasing saw capacity.” Lumber treatment and wood preservation is another segment of the industry offering new ideas. In today’s environment of lumber shortages, higher and fluctuating prices, and supply chain issues,
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many lumber producers are looking inward to mill upgrades, new mills, and how to gain as much control of their own supply chain as possible. NHLA member American Wood Technology (AWT) specializes in providing the latest advanced wood treatment equipment for all kinds of businesses. Claus Staalner with AWT told NHLA, “We get a lot of calls these days from mill owners asking about treating their own lumber. Even the smaller mills are now considering investing in treatment plants to treat their own lumber, eliminating one step in the supply chain to serve their clients better, secure supplies, and expand their business.” Staalner also discussed seeing renewed interest in Thermo modification, particularly for siding. Thermo modification is one of the latest trends in the wood conservation field. Thermo modification is useful for various products: outdoor furniture, cladding, decking, siding, flooring, and cabinetry. Claus said, “I imagine pricing on woods like Cedar is now at levels that Thermo treated Poplar is beginning to make a lot of economic sense. AWT is one of the oldest suppliers W W W. N H L A .C O M
Resaw
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SCREENSHOT OF MICKEY GROUP SOFTWARE
welcomed a new member, Mickey Group, Inc. Mickey Group is a technology company building a brand new, first-of-its-kind online platform that simplifies buying and selling lumber in the United States. “Our goal is to make buying lumber as easy as ordering paper towels on Amazon,” said Alex Rabens, Co-founder and CEO of Mickey Group. “Lumber suppliers from all over the country can price their inventory of hardwood – regardless of shape or size – and receive orders directly from buyers with an immediate pay-out (faster than they can email their weekly stock list). Both suppliers and buyers benefit from Mickey’s ability to dispatch trucks to the supplier and fulfill the completed order to the buyer’s location – all through a completely digital process.”
In order to design a product that fit the market, Mickey's Chief Technology Officer, Weston Stewart-Tennes (right) visited hardwood mills like Tigerton Lumber Company, in Tigerton, WI." of Thermo plants and has the most significant number of plants installed worldwide. This technology has come into its own recently, spurring new innovations. With today’s plants, you can control the process in a much more straightforward way. As a result, you see less acidity and better-quality modified lumber than ever before.” Moving from the mill to the computer, you’ll find entirely new technology created to advance the hardwood lumber industry. NHLA recently
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“Mickey Group is providing a much-needed technology boost for the entire forest product ecosystem,” said Alex Meyers, COO of Mickey Group. “This new platform is a completely different way to do business. For example, a customer who orders lumber on Mickey sees real-time inventory and the absolute lowest price for that product available anywhere in America. Mickey handles the entire transaction for you. So, if there are issues on the supplier side or with transportation or delivery, Mickey Group, Inc.’s experienced and knowledgeable team knows how to handle the situation. Mickey Group, Inc. lets suppliers focus on bringing more lumber to market and buyers concentrate on order supplies by the truckload.” As technology develops in the lumber industry, businesses should examine their risk exposures, particularly their cyber risk. Erin Selfe, W W W. N H L A .C O M
According to the University of Maryland, there are 2,244 cyberattacks per day, and 43 percent of smalland medium-sized businesses don’t have a cybersecurity defense plan. Vice President of IT for Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company, reminds us, “Over the last three years, the business world has seen a major rise in cyberattacks, most notably ransomware attacks. While innovative technologies may help streamline operations, ensuring your business is still properly protected from cyber threats is essential.” Selfe continues, “According to the University of Maryland, there are 2,244 cyberattacks per day, and 43 percent of small- and medium-sized businesses don’t have a cybersecurity defense plan. In the lumber industry, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats have slowed operations at the supply chain level, bringing normal business operations to a standstill – even for businesses not directly targeted by a cyberattack. As cyber risks continue to rise in lumber while we implement new technology, what steps can businesses take to protect themselves?” Below, Erin provides some bullet points on how to protect your business. 1. BUILD A CYBER PLAN: All businesses should have a cyber incident response plan in place. This plan should be regularly tested among staff to ensure the whole team is prepared for a cyberattack 2. TRAIN STAFF: New hires and longtime staff should participate in regular cyber training sessions. Training can demonstrate what typical cyberattacks look like so employees know what tactics cyber criminals may employ to trick them and gain access to company systems. Training should also educate team members about best practices for managing and reporting potential cyber threats. Ensure all staff members follow basic security practices, including using multi-factor authentication and regularly resetting passwords. W W W. N H L A .C O M
3. SECURE CYBER INSURANCE: Cyberattacks are bound to hit many businesses even with the best mitigation practices. Securing a cyber policy can cover your business and ensure operations can continue even in the wake of significant threats. Reach out to your insurer to confirm your business is adequately protected from cyber threats with a cyber policy. Additionally, talk to your insurer about your cyber risks. They may have resources to support policyholders to build out their cyber incident response plans. 4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS: There are many free resources to protect your large or small business. Visit the Shields Up resources available from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to learn more. www.cisa.gov/shields-up Considering all the new technologies NHLA members provide, it is a great time to be a part of the lumber industry!
Join us at the NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase, September 21-23 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. While you are there, don’t forget to visit the Exhibit Showcase, where you can personally talk with McDonough Manufacturing (booth 318), American Wood Technology (booth 331), Mickey Group, Inc (booth 629), Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (booth 513), and many more. Visit www.nhla.com/convention2022/exhibit to see all exhibiting companies.
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RULES CORNER
Let's Discuss
Stain!
By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector
S
pring is the time for rain and subsequently STAIN for hardwood logs and lumber. Stain comes in various forms with varying causes and can make it very difficult for lumber Inspectors to identify if it’s considered a defect or not!
Fungal Stain
FIRST, LET’S IDENTIFY THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF STAIN AND SOME OF THE CAUSES. Sap, fungal, log, and blue stain are all caused by fungus. Fungal stain is caused by fungus spores that release chemicals, causing the wood to change color. This type of stain is unlikely to be present in the heartwood and sometimes only shows as black or gray streaks. There are many treatments to prevent or slow the growth of fungal stains, such as applying dip chemicals to the lumber, but the damage done by the stain cannot be reversed. Chemical or enzymatic stain is caused by chemicals in the wood reacting to air to form a new chemical that is darker in color. This type of stain is primarily due to slow drying conditions and can be worsened by improper log storage and poorly maintained dip tanks. The reaction can best be described as taking a bite of an apple and leaving it exposed to air, and then the apple turns a brownish color. Iron stain is typically caused by a chemical reaction between extractives in the wood and iron in steel products, such as nails, screws, and other fasteners. This type of stain can be eliminated from the surface of the lumber in many ways. One good way to reduce the impact is by removing or reducing any contact with bare metal in the handling of green lumber. Also, many dip tanks for fungal stain can set the pH balance of the dip chemicals to remove the iron stain from the surface. Usually, the iron stain can be removed by surfacing the lumber a small amount, but as I have learned, many foreign buyers do not understand the processing of lumber into products, so it is best to keep it off the lumber altogether if possible. Now, on to how the stain is treated in grading hardwood lumber. Three defects can be in a clear face cutting if they can be removed by surfacing to standard surfaced thickness, and those are stain, checks,
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and warp. Unfortunately, inspectors typically do not have a planer handy to run the lumber through, so they must use experience and good judgment to determine if the stain will surface off. Over the years, inspectors have utilized many methods to remove or attempt to remove the outer layers of wood to decide. One way is to sharpen the edge of the lumber rule and use it to scratch the surface of the stained area to see if it will come out. Another suitable method is to use a power hand planer (preferably a battery-powered version for convenience) to check if the stain can be removed. In the end, it’s best to stop or eliminate the staining problem before it makes its way to the logs and lumber. But when it does, give the Inspector the tools he needs to make the correct call to ensure that it does not create a bigger problem with your customers. If you have questions, please contact me at 901-399-7551 or by email at d.spessert@nhla.com.
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ITS CALENDAR
NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education. MAY May 2-5
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: WV Wood Technology Center Location: Elkins, WV Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector
JUNE 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 Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
June 13-16
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.
JULY July 19-21
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading
Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc. Location: Millersburg, OH
Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector
Venue: Emerging Technology Center Location: Franklin, PA Instructor: Tom Byers, National Inspector
Pennsylvania companies can receive a 50% tuition reimbursement!
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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
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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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
OCT 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
Oct. 17-21
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: Wood-Mizer, LLC Location: Indianapolis, IN Instructor: Kevin Evilsizer, National Inspector
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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 INSPECTOR MISSOURI WALNUT GROUP Missouri Walnut Group is looking for a skilled Lumber Inspector with a high attention to detail, and safety standards, who will help ensure lumber is examined properly to determine quality and assign grades. On the job training is a good way to discover how to do the job better, so you should have a willingness to learn and improve. Being a team player is essential, the goal is to ensure that production procedures are carried out smoothly in order to maximize efficiency and profits. This position participates in our monthly profit-sharing bonus which is based off of production. Skills & Experience Required • Examine lumber on table, moving belt, chain conveyor, or in racks for defects such as knots, stains, decay, splits, faulty edges, pitch pockets, wormholes and defective milling.
• Ability to work within a dusty and loud environment. Salary & Benefits • We offer competitive wages as well as an excellent benefits package including: • Medical, Dental and Vision Health Benefits • 401K Retirement Planning with Company Match • Healthcare Spending Accounts • Tuition Reimbursement • Growth and Advancement Opportunities • Generous Paid Time Off
• Grades lumber to ensure specified dimensions using established standards and criteria.
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• Marks stock for acceptance/rejection.
• $16 - $20/hr or commensurate with experience
• Comply with safety, quality, and productivity requirements and procedures.
How to Apply Send your resume to: tralston@missouriwalnutgroup.com
• Regular/dependable attendance required. • Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications • Lumber Grader Certificate is preferred but not required. • Must be able to grade, classify, and recognize wood characteristics in order to distinguish qualifying criteria according to established standards and specifications. • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, as well as procedure manuals. • Ability to use a tape measurer and use basic math skills in order to deter mine maximum yields. • Understanding of production procedures. • Adhere to health and safety regulations (e.g., constant use of protective gear). • Flexibility of work hours including overtime. Physical Demands • Work will be indoors, but can experience high heat and cold. • Ability to stand, stoop and or bend for long periods of time in order to perform work.
Missouri Walnut Group 11417 Oak Rd | Neosho, Missouri 64850 417-455-0972 LUMBER BUYER PEACHY WOOD PRODUCTS Peachey Wood Products is a family-owned, national award-winning manufacturer of some of the highest quality, custom hardwood flooring, moulding and stair parts in the country. We are seeking a Lumber Buyer to help improve our ability to source lumber. This position will be responsible for purchasing primarily green lumber for use in the production of hardwood flooring. Skills & Experience Required • REQUIRED: Minimum 5 years of experience as a green hardwood Lumber Buyer in any or all of these states: OH, PA, WV, IN, KY, NY and/or other bordering states. • Strong working knowledge of hardwoods, logs and the sawmill industry • Ability to travel to sawmills to obtain product as required, handle any claims & ensure lumber meets specifications • High school diploma • NHLA inspector certification a plus • Position can be contract or base plus commission
• Employee will be required to frequently lift/move at least 50lbs.
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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.
Salary & Benefits • Full-time, Part-time, Contract • Pay: $50,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year How to Apply Send your resume to: don@peacheyfloor.com Peachey Wood Products 209 Sawmill Rd | Reedsville, PA 17084 717-667-9373 MILL MANAGER KENDRICK FOREST PRODUCTS Kendrick Forest Products is searching for a Mill Manager for our sawmill in Muscatine, IA. Our KFP mill in Edgewood, is Iowa’s largest producing sawmill. Last Fall, we added two additional facilities at Muscatine and Vinton. Since then, we have made significant improvements to the working conditions, property, and equipment. We are now looking to take the next step by adding this Mill Manager.
• Monitors efficiency of lines by overseeing employees and work hours • Provides assistance in other projects as needed including grading and production and continuous troubleshooting on the grading line • Oversees employee staffing/turnover/morale by assessing labor requirements, new employee training, job expectations, planning/directing work, coaching, performance reviews, employee incentives and ongoing training needs • Understands and enforces company policies/procedures and provides for employee investigations/documentation/discipline and problem resolution • Provides positive leadership and work environment with open and consistent communication and cooperation by re-enforcing the value of each employee. • Works as a team with other Managers, Supervisors and Employees • Maintains cleanliness and safety of yard area and equipment
Skills & Experience Required Our preferred candidate has experience as a Lumber Inspector and will be expected to grade occasionally (<20%) and help train others. The ideal candidate will also have experience as a sawyer, machine operator, and/or maintenance tech. The Manager will be trained to run equipment such as debarker, headsaw and resaw as needed.
Skills & Experience Required • 2+ years’ Supervisory/Foreman experience in an industrial manufacturing environment required
Salary & Benefits Pay is competitive and based upon experience. A full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, retirement, etc. is offered.
• Previous Grading experience preferred
How to Apply Send your resume to: tguyer@kendrickinc.com or apply on onine at https://www.kfpiowa.com/about/employment/ Kendrick Forest Products www.kfpiowa.com YARD FOREMAN MATSON LUMBER COMPANY Matson Lumber Company, a family owned business and leader in hardwood lumber manufacturing industry, is hiring a talented and experienced Yard Foreman to join our team. Responsibilities include: • Works with Management on setting and achieving production goals • Maintains quality service and controls by enforcing organizational standards • Promotes safety goals and incentives by enforcing safety policies and participating in safety committee and incentive programs
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• 1+ Supervisory experience in a Lumber Manufacturing environment preferred
• High School Diploma or GED • Good organizational, leadership and motivational skills • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels • Must be able to lift 50+ lbs., climb, push and kneel, stand, walk, reach • Must be willing to work overtime and occasional weekends Salary & Benefits Matson Lumber Company has an excellent benefits program including medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) plan and paid vacation and holidays. This position provides competitive pay and an excellent benefits package. Annual compensation starts at $40,000 per year but is dependent on experience. How to Apply Send your resume to: jsiegel@matsonlumber.com Matson Lumber Company 132 Main Street | Brookville, PA 15825 814-849-5334 M AY 2 0 2 2 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |
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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 INSPECTOR MERIDIEN HARDWOODS OF PA Meridien Hardwoods of PA is a family owned concentration yard in Pittsfield, PA. The company is looking for a skilled Lumber Inspector to ensure the quality of our incoming green lumber and outgoing kiln dried lumber according to NHLA rules. The Lumber Inspector will be responsible for daily production, quality control of packaging and other duties as assigned.
Salary & Benefits • Full time position with available overtime and bonuses
Skills & Experience Required • High School diploma or equivalent is preferred
How to Apply Send your resume to: brandonferman@hotmail.com
• Lumber Grading Certificate is preferred but not required • Previous experience grading walnut lumber is desired • Minimum of 1 year experience grading domestic lumber
• $20-$25+ an hour depending on experience • 60 day waiting period for medical, dental and vision insurance • 2 weeks paid vacation plus 7 company paid holidays
Meridien Hardwoods of PA., Inc. 2595 Old Pittsfield Road | Pittsfield, PA 16340 814-563-4614
• Must be physically able of performing all duties of the job and any other duties assigned by Yard Manager • Basic computer skills • Willingness to attend Hardwood Grading Training if necessary
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