TH E VOIC E O F THE HARDWOOD IN DUSTRY
H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S November 2020
Prospects, Customers Demand Technology Solutions 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 November 2020 • Issue 217
WHAT'S INSIDE feature 12 Prospects, Customers Demand Technology Solutions by Bob Graham
12
departments
ONLINE TOP POST OF THE MONTH at facebook.com/NHLAOfficial Happy Lumberjack Day! The term lumberjack was first mentioned in 1831 Canada. They were known for using cross-cut saws & axes to clear lumber, in contrast to modern day loggers who use tools like chainsaws, harvesters, and feller bunchers.
8 Accolades 9 Legislative Log The Hardwood Federation:
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Planning for 2021 by Dana Cole
10 Member Spotlight Froedge Machine and
Supply Company
16 Rules Corner Clarifying Surfacing to
Standard Rough Thickness by Chief Dana Spessert http://bit.ly/LumberjackDay2020
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reader services 4 6 18 19
President’s Message CEO’s Message Educational Calendar 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.
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 Lorna D. Christie CEO
Rich Solano Pike Lumber Company, Inc. Structure Stephanie VanDystadt DV Hardwoods, Inc. Membership & Networking
Desirée Freeman Controller
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADVERTISER INDEX
Julia Ganey Member Relations Manager
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John Hester Director of Membership and Business Development
Rob Cabral Upper Canada Forest Products, Ltd. Promotion & Advocacy
Ally Global Logistics, LLC
IBC Pike Lumber Company, Inc.
IFC DMSi
BC
Tropical Forest Products
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Wood-Mizer, LLC
King City/Northway Forwarding, LTD
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
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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Renee Hornsby Director of Marketing/ Communications Jens Lodholm Data Administration Specialist Carol McElya Inspector Training School Administrator Roman Matyushchenko Associate Dean of Education Vicky Quiñones Simms Membership Development Manager Melissa Ellis Smith Graphic Designer
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
Dana Spessert Chief Inspector
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
TIME WELL SPENT
W
hen something changes in your life, there are always unforeseen consequences. Writing Hardwood Matters Articles is one of those things for me. Due to publishing restraints, I need to have the article done about a month in advance of publication. Everything that has happened will be “old news,” and in today’s quickly changing world, something very unexpected most likely will have happened. To give you perspective, I woke up this morning to the news of Donald and Melania Trump testing positive for COVID – 19. I will share my thoughts about what has happened in and about our industry. That is what Presidents are supposed to do. Visiting about something that may or may not happen in the future seems to be unwise. My thoughts could be irrelevant before the article is even published. There will be two goals I will try to attain with each article. I am going to attempt to get you to think about things from a different point of view. Most of us are so busy we do not take time to reflect on the reality of many of the situations that are happening around us. You will find that if you pause to reflect on what is happening, it will help you reach your goals sooner. Second, I will try to give you a “take away” to help you in your business and in your life. If the article could be a “breath of fresh air” for you, your time reading the article will have been time well spent. The NHLA just did something it has never done before. We held a successful virtual convention. My analogy of the event comes from playing poker. In poker, you can be dealt a poor hand and still win. That is what we did. Something very good was made from a challenging situation. I am so proud of our NHLA staff for this accomplishment. There were some things better and some things not as good as our normal convention. What we all missed the most was seeing each other. One on one, individual and personal conversations did not happen. The networking at our normal NHLA convention is one of the key values the association provides. Two things for me were better than a normal convention. I spent a whole lot less money. In this year of COVID, that was nice. I would have offered my entire family to go. The cost of sending eight people to a convention is some serious dollars. The second improvement
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was that I was able to attend all the educational seminars. Typically, I could only physically attend half of them, and depending on my vendors and the exhibit hall meetings, only catch 1 or 2. After the convention, there was a ton of feedback. Many of you took the time to express your thoughts. Thank you for doing so. Our convention committee and our staff will take your feedback and improve the experience whether we have another virtual or a normal in-person convention next year. We live in fast-moving and uncertain times. Think about the variables coming our way in the next month or so. COVID-19, a vaccine, the election, and mail-in ballot counting, are just a few that could affect us all. Individually, something significant may affect our families or business. Someone you love may contract COVID – 19. Your life can quickly change in a dramatic way. An economist from one of the banks I use chose to end an economic presentation with the following four thoughts. I share them with you in the hopes they might help you move through the days ahead. 1. Go on an “Information Diet.” When you turn on the TV, it is mostly negative. None of us need so much negativity in our lives. 2. Uncertainty will continue. Do not be surprised at what happens. Adjust to it. 3. Focus on your business and your customers. You need both to be successful. 4. Develop a game plan with sound fundamentals. The fundamentals of business do not change. Great companies and teams practice good fundamentals. 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
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CEO'S MESSAGE
A THANK YOU NOTE TO OUR SPONSORS
I
t is the season to be thankful, so I thought I would make giving thanks the focus of my article this month.
Over the course of my career, I have worked with associations and their members of all shapes and sizes. I began with the Direct Marketing Association representing the mail order industry, moved to the Association for Investment Management and Research working with investment analysts, then on to the Produce Marketing Association as a champion for farmers worldwide. And now, I have the honor of serving the hardwood lumber industry as NHLA’s CEO for the past four and a half years. Despite how vastly different the associations on my resume are in scope and focus, they all share one common aspect – a portion of their revenue is based on the support of their sponsors. For NHLA, this revenue is critical to our ability to reinvest back into the industry in the form of new programs and services. Take, for example, we just released webinars on how to tackle critical operational issues. In the midst of the global COVID pandemic, we were able to offer the webinars free thanks to our sponsors, including our renowned instructor, Dr. Gene Weingart. Companies sponsor association events for a variety of reasons. Hosting a general session offers heightened brand visibility, creates leads, and helps them meet their sales goals. NHLA benefited greatly from a different attitude when we made the difficult decision to move to a virtual convention. Many of our sponsors and exhibitors had already committed to an in-person event. This year, in the worst of times, the actions of our 47 sponsors were unlike anything I have ever seen before. Most stayed with us and, with the guidance of John Hester, NHLA’s Business Development Director, shifted their investment to other opportunities. Consider the sponsor who told John, “Give me a reason NOT to ask for my money back.” That’s my personal favorite! Another told John, “My money is already in your pocket; why should I put it
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back in mine?” And then, the grand finale, “NHLA is the backbone of the hardwood industry. What can we do to help?” Extraordinary. That’s the only word I can think of to describe the sponsors who made the decision to contribute to NHLA in our time of crisis. Never over the course of my career have I ever seen a response like this. Our connection to our sponsors, many of whom are sustaining members, is not about a transaction, but a relationship. And relationships like this must be respected and acknowledged, not just this year, but every year. So, on behalf of the NHLA Board of Managers and staff, “thank you” for your contributions and support to NHLA and our industry. Know that we respect the investments you have made in our association, not just this year, but for the many years we have partnered with you. Thank you for that partnership. We are looking forward to seeing you all in Palm Beach in 2021. ‘Thank you’ shows our appreciation and conveys our gratitude. But more than that, it is a sign of respect to the person who has helped you (or given you something.)
Lorna D. Christie, NHLA CEO l.christie@nhla.com
NHLA 2020 On Demand is available to replay! Enjoy the keynote presentation from one of the leading U.S. economists, Dan North, a general session/membership meeting, and five additional educational workshops. Plus, our Interactive Exhibit Hall is still open! If you missed any of the NHLA 2020 On Demand Sessions you can go to www.bit.ly/NHLAreplay.
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Thank You PREMIUM SPONSORS
Baillie Lumber Cascade Cole Hardwood, Inc. Nyle Dry Kilns Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company Rossi Group TMX Shipping Co,, Inc. Tropical Forest Products TS Manufacturing
FEATURED SPONSORS Ally Global Logistics BPM Lumber DMSi Frank Miller Lumber King City Forwarding USA, Inc.
NHLA 2020 On Demand Sponsors
Kuhne+Nagel Mayfield Lumber McDonough Manufacturing Company Sii Dry Kilns Smith Sawmill Service Tioga Hardwoods, Inc. U-C Coatings
GENERAL SPONSORS
Autolog Production Management Inc. BID Group Brewco, Inc. Continental Underwriters, Inc. Ecolab, Inc. EFM Transportation Embry Automation & Controls Froedge Machine & Supply Co., Inc. Hardwood Industries
HDI ISK Biocides, Inc. Jim C. Hamer Co. Legna Software LLC Mason's Mill and Lumber Co. Mellott Mfg. Co. Inc. Messersmith MO PAC Lumber Company Piche, Inc. Primewood Progress Engineering Signode Swaner Hardwood System TM A/S TRN USA Forest LLC USNR Wood-Mizer, LLC
Count on Wood-Mizer’s INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
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844.339.7815
woodmizer.com © 2020 Wood-Mizer LLC
W W W. N H L A .C O M
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ACCOLADES
Milestone Members
20
YEARS
CRAFTSMEN HARDWOODS INC. Active U1 | August 2000
FRED MALO Inspector Member | August 2000 (Quarter 3 - 2020)
10
YEARS
BLUE BOOK SERVICES, INC. Sustaining | August 2010
MACHINAGE PICHE INC. Sustaining | September 2010
KERSTEN LUMBER CO., INC. Active U1 | August 2000 WINSTON HARDWOOD LUMBER CO. Active U2 | September 2000
50
YEARS
NORTHLAND FOREST PRODUCTS, INC. Active U3 | September 1970
REGISTRATION IS
NOW OPEN
FOR THE 194th CLASS OF THE INSPECTOR TRAINING SCHOOL
Januray 4-March 26, 2021 Memphis, TN “Many people think they know the Rules, but they don’t actually know what the book says. Learning the Rules at the NHLA Inspector Training School has helped our sawmill identify mistakes that were costing us $130,000 to $180,000 a year depending on species.” — Grant Dorris, ITS Class 188, Volner Sawmill, Inc.
NHLA . . . WHERE HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTORS ARE MADE! To register call 901-399-7563 or visit nhla.com/education 8
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W W W. N H L A .C O M
LEGISLATIVE LOG
The Hardwood Federation: Planning for 2021 by DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation
A
s our deadline for submission approaches, the 2020 election is less than one month away. Just when we think nothing else can surprise us, the year takes another unexpected twist and throws everything we think we knew out the window.
• Implement policies that promote and foster strong domestic markets for U.S. hardwood and hardwood products, including new funding to research hardwood products’ environmental and home health benefits.
Regardless of who wins the White House and who controls Congress, one thing is certain. The Hardwood Federation team will be ready to engage with new—and returning—elected officials to promote the federal policy priorities of the industry.
• Support public and private green building initiatives by extending a sustainable tax credit to building and construction projects, including U.S. wood products, used in these projects.
As we have since the beginning of our history, we will be scrupulous in our efforts to remain bipartisan and support those members of Congress that support us. We will also strive to work with the White House on issues that we can find common ground and push back when proposed policies have negative consequences for our businesses and employees. We do not represent the hardwood industry as a Republican or a Democrat, we present it as a pillar of the American economy that must be supported at the highest levels of government. This has been our goal since the earliest days of the Federation and will continue to be so in the future. To prepare for 2021, the Hardwood Federation Board of Directors prepared a letter outlining our policy priorities and shared with both the Biden and Trump campaign committees. While this letter served as a notice to the candidates and their teams, it is also a blueprint for our focus for the balance of 2020 and the coming year. THE HARDWOOD FEDERATION RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING TO INCOMING LEADERS: • Enter into international agreements that promote free and fair global trade systems and grow the demand for U.S. hardwoods worldwide. • Maintain and increase USDA funding that supports growing global markets for U.S. hardwood, specifically USDA’s Foreign Market Development Program and Market Access Program.
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• Increase government purchases of U.S. structural and finished wood products for federal building and transportation projects, and U.S. military truck beds. • Recognize the benefits and fully fund the programs that support active forest management on federal and private forest lands, including sustainable timber harvest, restoration, maintenance of forest roads, and fire prevention. • Finalize the EPA rule recognizing combustion of biomass derived from sustainably managed forests as carbon neutral. Forest-based biomass is renewable and sustainable, and bioenergy produced from biomass helps keep our forestlands as forests and not converted to other non-growing uses. • Expand and maintain tax policies that support small and medium-sized businesses, including lowering the Estate Tax and improving upon and making permanent the pass-through deduction enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). • Fully fund and enforce the Lacey Act, which was amended in 2008 to combat illegal logging around the globe. The Hardwood Federation actively supported this amendment and is committed to fair, equitable, and legal trade in forest products. 2020 has been a long and, for many, exhausting year. We are hopeful that 2021 will see brighter and more stable times for the entire U.S. economy, including the hardwood industry. Rest assured, we will be doing all that we can form our perch here in Washington to make sure it is.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT FROEDGE MACHINE AND SUPPLY COMPANY
Froedge Machine and Supply Company:
An Evolution of Customer Service
W
hen you think about the machinery that sawmills use to turn logs into lumber, you probably don’t associate it with the delicate intricacies of a wristwatch. But for Froedge Machine and Supply Company, the wristwatch is part of the foundation of their company.
In 1962, Wendell Froedge opened a watch repair shop. Wendell was an energetic man and would get antsy working on tiny watches all day, stuck in one place, not being able to move around. He wanted to work on bigger things, like machining and industrial supply. And thus began Froedge Machine and Watch Repair. Wendell had a broad set of talents and a deep understanding of customer needs. When Timex watches were created, they lived
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up to their slogan “takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’,” plus they were cheap to purchase. As a result, fewer people needed watch repair. But that wasn’t a problem for Froedge. He had spent years cultivating relationships with nearby businesses, like Roy Anderson Lumber, which was about a mile away. Froedge started doing repair work for Roy, then expanded to creating new parts and eventually, his own machines. With that advancement came a name change, “Froedge Machine and Supply Company.” W W W. N H L A .C O M
“Hardwood lumber is one of the most eco-friendly building materials in the world. There are people who consider themselves to be environmentalists that will use LVT flooring to “save the forests,” but they don’t realize there are hundreds of chemicals in LVT flooring. ” — Tom Froedge Wendell’s son, Tom Froedge, who started his science and engineering career with the Department of Defense, took over the company in 1990, expanding the business. Tom says the first thing his father taught him was that this business is all about relationships, “We genuinely care about our customers. I have even gotten up at 1 am to drive five or six hours to help a customer get back up and running when they went down. We understand that every minute they are down costs them money, and we care about them enough to do whatever it takes to get them running again. We understand that once you’ve made investments in equipment, it has to run. And I think we do an excellent job at starting people up and making sure that what we sold them works to their advantage and is a game changer for them.” Tom is passionate about promoting hardwoods, saying, “Hardwood lumber is one of the most eco-friendly building materials in the world. There are people who consider themselves to be environmentalists that will use LVT flooring to “save the forests,” but they don’t realize there are hundreds of chemicals in LVT flooring. Plus, when they decide to redecorate, they’ll scrape-up all of the old LVT and dump it. It could spend a million years buried in the earth or end up in the ocean, destroying its delicate ecosystem, whereas hardwoods are entirely biodegradable. When they rot, they return to Mother Earth as new trees grow. We need to educate people on the environmental value of hardwood lumber.” Tom looks forward to the industry bonding together to fight false claims about hardwoods.
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Tom is a proud member of NHLA, saying that the Association “brings like-minded people together. The association is valuable, not just at the trade shows, but as a standard setter. NHLA prevents controversy because the grade is the grade. It keeps the industry stable. I think it’s a necessity, much like the ASM standards are in metals. The rules create a trust that all parties are talking about the same product, at the same value. 50,000, board feet of two common in Kentucky has the same value as it does in California. The rules ensure that everyone is playing on the same, even field.” While they dipped their toes in other industries, their primary focus has always been on the hardwood industry, and even with all of the struggles we’ve recently faced, Tom has a positive view of the future of hardwoods, saying “The future depends on automation due to the difficulty of finding reliable labor. With margins as tight as they are, it is really challenging. But I am not ready to give up on the industry. Look back to Solomon, when he built the First Temple over 3,000 years ago. He had great wealth at his disposal, and he chose to build with wood. Wood has always been of great value, and I can’t see the demand for our beautiful hardwoods going away. The wood won’t change.”
You can reach Froedge Machine and Supply Company by calling 888-868-5891, emailing sales@froedge.com, or visiting their website, www.froedge.com. N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |
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Prospects, Customers Demand Technology Solutions Can your customers find what they want about you online, on social media? by BOB GRAHAM, CEO of Breakthrough Solutions
B
uyers today have access to more information and spend more time investigating potential suppliers than ever before. The Internet and social media funnel unlimited information to smartphones and tablets, making it easy for your existing and potential customers to research practically anything they want to know about you in mere minutes. Most are in search of products or are interested in comparing prices.
What will they see when they type your company’s name or even hardwood into the search bar? Having a strong online profile is like having a highly trained salesperson that never sleeps. Companies that haven’t invested in ensuring they have a strong online presence to engage prospects 24X7 and customers are in danger of being left behind. Start by reviewing your website from your customer’s perspective. Survey your customers to get their advice on how it can improve. Make sure your website or Facebook presence looks appealing and has ongoing updated information. Ensure they are mobile-friendly because the majority of searches (60 percent) occur on these media, according to Hitwise. Buyers and prospects rely on social media to conduct research, pouring over search results, reviews,
The best use of the Internet, YouTube videos, or social media dovetails with the needs of your prospects and customers.
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recommendations on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. More than half (51 percent) of Americans check Facebook several times a day, while another 23 percent log in at least once a day. Fortunately, getting someone to “Like” your company page is pretty straightforward. Once a prospective buyer or customer “Likes” your page, the information you post (if you do it at least once a week) will usually show up in their feed next to the crazy cat memes. That’s valuable real estate for companies that post what their buyers are seeking.
Go Live with Videos!
Consider creating and posting videos to your website and social accounts. Videos are far more appealing and effective than posting articles. They can also personalize your company and your staff. And creating videos doesn’t require expensive equipment. I shoot high-quality videos with my iPhone X and my six-year-old iPad. Video doesn’t require three-day shoots, SAG cards and casting calls. I recommend a tripod and something to attach your phone or tablet to so it remains steady. Hand-held video tends to appear jerky. Ultimately, useful information is what really matters.
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The best videos are raw and real, with background noises and flubs that don’t get edited out.
inexpensive? If these questions bog down your move toward building an enhanced online profile, shift your focus!
Try going “Live” on Facebook with a simple message about something your company is doing and watch how many of your fans hop on. I have personally had great success with Facebook Live. My daily “Today’s Antidote” Facebook Lives have opened doors, helped clarify my abilities, and sparked discussions leading to work, all while helping entrepreneurs and leaders deal with the vexing business challenges of the day.
After touring the Allard Lumber Co. facility in Vermont two years ago, I had a million questions pop up mind. I wondered how someone figured out how to get the most wood from timber? Is drying lumber unique to a mill, or is it the same everywhere? Do employees get splinters? Consider that each of these questions is a potential topic for a video, Facebook post, or e-newsletter article. My splinter question could spark a fun or tongue-in-cheek video that might reach more people than just those investigating their local mill. This approach can personalize employees and your company by building a better connection with both customers and prospects. And if you open your eyes and ears, potential topics for videos and other content will appear everywhere.
Focus on the Customer’s Needs
The best use of the Internet, YouTube videos, or social media dovetails with the needs of your prospects and customers. One question a lot of companies fail to ask is, how can this technology help my customer? They prefer to focus on themselves: What can we do that won’t give away too much information? Is it easy? Is it quick? Is it
If you open your eyes and ears, potential topics for videos and other content will appear everywhere. 14
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Five Starting Points
Companies in many industries fret and debate rather than act. Here are some good first steps. Create a Facebook business page and keep it updated. Beyond a great place to showcase your products/services and videos, you can even sell on Facebook. Buyers even post real and honest reviews, which are catnip to prospects.
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Invite your customers to use Facebook Messenger. Encourage them to ask questions or resolve problems. You can put commonly asked questions (FAQs) on Messenger, and people can receive immediate answers. Not only does this approach make you look accessible, but it also lessens the number of complaint and question calls.
of specificity builds trust. You really care about me, the prospect thinks, so you probably can help me solve this problem.
Post a video on YouTube, Facebook, and your website, or shoot a Facebook Live. Don’t worry about whether it’s perfect. No one cares. If it’s authentic, engaging, and/or fun, people will forgive background noise, low lighting, and other production issues. Faster than you might realize, you will figure these challenges out.
Technology is the only bridge between this attitude (which is only going to increase) and what your company needs to turn prospects into customers.
Address purchase objections in your FAQs, in videos, or on your social media. You should know why people don’t buy from you. Help them overcome those fears. Send an e-newsletter to customers and prospects every week. Include your latest offers, previews of new things, and behindthe-scenes information to make them feel special. And don’t worry if anyone reads it. You only need one customer for it to pay off
Keeping Track of Prospects and Customers
By creating a tracking system, you may obtain more information and potentially more insights about your prospects and customers. But only if you harness that information. Most businesses don’t. That’s where a good customer relations management (CRM) system fits in. The system I use is inexpensive and provides me with fields to put everything I discover and reminders for follow-ups. With integration into my email system, it automatically puts emails I send people right into their CRM account. Of course, CRMs are only as good as the person and data being entered. Yes, I have to spend a few minutes after each call inputting data. Still, I see the value each time I review a customer’s information, so I know to ask about their daughter Susan who broke her tibia playing field hockey at a camp in Georgia in August. That kind
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Discovering vs. Selling To
Buyers want to discover their own solutions, vet their own vendors, and avoid being sold to, especially if they are under 50 years old.
Bob Graham is CEO of Breakthrough Solutions, which provides sales, leadership, communication, teamwork training, and coaching. He has spoken at the last three NHLA conferences and has written two other articles for Hardwood Matters. If you want to talk through your technology challenges, email him at bgraham@breakthroughsolutions.co.
How Are You Reaching These Consumers? Visit the NHLA Facebook page or LinkedIn page and share the videos, e-newsletters and other ways you are reaching your prospects and customers.
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RULES CORNER
Clarifying Surfacing to Standard Rough Thickness by Chief Inspector Dana Spessert
T
he NHLA Inspector Training School is currently holding its 193rd Class for lumber inspectors. The students, at the time of this article, are in the 6th week of class. They are currently learning that hardwood grading is all about mathematics and defect identification. One of the things that I have always found interesting is the varying ways that the students read and understand the Rules as progress through the learning process. This class is no different. As the students practiced on “board runs,” one of the Rules began to be utilized in differing ways. The Rule I am referencing is on page 4, paragraph 4, under General Instructions of the NHLA Rules Book, and it states: “Lumber shall be inspected and measured as the inspector finds it, of full length, width, and thickness. No allowance shall be made for the purpose of raising the grade, except that in rough stock, wane, and other defects which can be removed by surfacing to standard rough thickness shall not be considered. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the shipper from improving the grade or appearance of the lumber at the time of or prior to shipment.” As it’s written in the second sentence, “wane, and other defects which can be removed by surfacing to standard rough thickness shall not be considered,” there are times that defects can be admitted in the Clear Face Cuttings. This Rules can be over-utilized and cause significant issues. Let me explain with a few examples. 1. The board is 4/4 (1”) thick as Standard Rough Thickness, and it measures 1.125” rough. The over thickness is equal to 1/8” (0.125), and many inspectors will assume that they can remove any defect if it is equal to or less than 1/8” in thickness. Although there may be times that this is true, the only definite way would be to actually surface the board and then determine if it was removed. I would like to suggest that the inspector allows for variations in the opposite face for tooth marks and wood fibers that could cause the board not to clean up as much. It is a good “rule
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of thumb” to only assume half of the over thickness will be removed, making this a sure thing to consider. 2. There is a very small pin knot that is questionable between a pin knot or burl. I suggest turning the board over and verifying if it is a knot on the opposite face; if it is, it will not surface off. Instead, it would most likely get bigger. In this case, I would not even consider that this would be surfaced off as “other defects,” stated in paragraph 4 above. The main role of NHLA is to provide a uniform set of Rules for trading hardwood lumber, and we are very honored to do so. NHLA will soon be announcing requests for Rules proposals for additions, deletions, or changes to the current Rules, as we do every four years. It was in 2017 when we last requested rules change suggestions from the industry, and we will begin again in 2021. All Rules change proposals will be sent to the NHLA Chief Inspector to collect for a Rules Committee meeting held in the Spring of 2021.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at d.spessert@nhla.com. W W W. N H L A .C O M
DISCOVER
ERS
ANSW
CONNECTION EXPERTISE
YOU’RE WANTING TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS BETTER. NHLA HAS THE ANSWER. NEED TO FIND A NEW VENDOR FOR A SERVICE OR PRODUCT? Connections to industry specific companies through networking events, online membership directory and a virtual exhibit hall.
WANT TO DISCOVER WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE? Programs and expertise designed to identify areas of change that can lead to more money in your pocket.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT PROCESSES OR BEST PRACTICES? Relevant and industry-specific education and training available in a variety of formats.
NHLA is your connection for ideas, answers and one-on-one professional advice. For more information on becoming a Member of NHLA please contact:
www.nhla.com
John Hester, Director of Membership and Business Development at 901-399-7558 or email j.hester@nhla.com.
NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.bit.ly/NHLAcalendar.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
NOVEMBER
30-Dec. 11
5-March 26
Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1
Inspector Training School 194th Class
Two weeks of hands-on training.
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN
COVID-19 IMPACT:
At the time of publication, these educational courses are being offered. However, due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic please visit nhla.com for the latest information or call NHLA at 901-399-7563 to confirm that these courses are taking place.
JANUARY
Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Associate Dean Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters.
Traditional 12-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, Associate Dean of the Inspector Training School
Missed any of our Webinars?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. All webinars are available on our website, whenever and wherever you need it, so you can watch when it works for you.
IT'S FREE To view, visit NHLA.com/education/webinars
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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. LUMBER INSPECTOR – GRANITE VALLEY FOREST PRODUCTS NEW LONDON, WI Granite Valley Forest Products in New London, WI is looking for a new Lumber Inspector to accurately inspect lumber for quality and color to ensure the products are meeting customer needs. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED NHLA Certified SALARY & BENEFITS Competitive wag and a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid vacation and holidays. You could also be eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus and relocation expenses. HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: hr@granitevalley.com Granite Valley Forest Products 500 Co Rd. S | New London, WI 54961 920-250-5425 | www.granitevalley.com LUMBER INSPECTOR – TURMAN TYE RIVER ARRINGTON, VA The Turman Group, is searching for an inspector of both kiln-dried and occasionally green hardwood lumber for our Turman Tye River facility in Arrington, VA. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED NHLA certification preferred, but not required if the candidate is proficient in NHLA grading standards and rules. Must have experience in a high production drying facility. SALARY & BENEFITS Salary is commensurate on industry knowledge, work ethic, and experience. Full-time work, year round with occasional overtime. Health, dental and paid holidays. HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: salem@theturmangroup.com Turman Tye River 776 Thomas Nelson Hwy. | Arrington, VA 276-692-6165 | www.theturmangroup.com
PLANT MANAGER - PARK FALLS HARDWOODS A MIDWEST HARDWOOD CORPORATION COMPANY PARK FALLS, WI Park Falls Hardwoods (PFH), a division of Midwest Hardwood Corporation, is seeking a Plant Manager. PFH is a large, sophisticated, and successful grade hardwood mill that saws northern species, primarily hard maple. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • Degree preferred but not required. • Minimum 5 years Plant Manager experience or heavy Superintendent experience at a major mill. • Combination of strong technical experience at log conversation, maintenance, lumber grading, and optimization. Displayed success in leadership, team building, and mentoring. SALARY & BENEFITS Salary commensurate on industry knowledge and experience. HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: markerickson@midwesthardwood.com Park Falls Hardwoods - A Midwest Hardwood Corporation Company 143 N 5th Ave. | Park Falls, WI 54552 608-768-4912 KILN OPERATOR – MISSOURI WALNUT, LLC NEOSHO, MO Missouri Walnut LLC is looking for a Kiln Operator to help manage the day to day drying processes of Walnut. This person will help manage and train the Kiln Technicians, working through sampling lumber, getting daily reading, and providing guidance and feedback to management staff on the status of each charge. Will work hand in hand with maintenance to identify root cause analysis and put together schedules for planned downtown and preventative maintenance items. Create and maintain process documents. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Ability to utilize software to manage the status of the drying process. Experience with SII Kilns a plus. Analyze reports to determine statuses and trends. Would prefer minimum 10 years of hardwood drying experience. SALARY & BENEFITS Salary position, health, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k with a company match available HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: gmckinnis@missouriwalnutgroup.com Missouri Walnut, LLC 11417 Oak Rd. | Neosho, MO 64850 417-455-0972
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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. SAW SHOP FILER – WAGNER LUMBER OWEGO, NY Wagner Lumber in Owego, NY is looking to add a Saw Shop Filer to our team. This is a great opportunity for an individual to join our team as a first shift Saw Shop Filer. If you have experience with tool and die — or machine shop experience, you might be a good fit for this role.
LUMBER INSPECTOR - MISSOURI WALNUT LLC NEOSHO, MO Missouri Walnut is looking for a dedicated Lumber Inspector that is interested. The ideal candidate will have experience in grading Walnut as well as familiarity in using Oak Rules. The primary position would be grading dry lumber but could also be utilized to grade green lumber.
SAW SHOP FILER RESPONSIBILITIES • Sharpening, repairing and maintaining band saws. • Sharpening chipper knives and maintaining gang guides. • Adherence to all plant safety and environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures. • Ability to work independently. • Capable of working efficiently/safe as well as keeping a high level of precision. • Welding saw cracks & broken teeth. • Leveling & tensioning band saws. • General maintenance of saw filing equipment
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Looking for someone with a minimum of 5-years of experience. This job requires an applicate who is willing to stand all day while grading.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED We are looking for ANYONE with tool and die or machine shop experience. Saw shop experience is preferred, but not mandatory. Must be self motivated and organized. SALARY & BENEFITS First Shift Full Time Hours Overtime Hours and Pay Full Plan of Benefits. HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: wmosher@wagnerlumber.com Wagner Lumber 4060 Gaskill Road | Owego, NY 13827 607-687-5362 | www.wagnerlumber.com LUMBER INSPECTOR – HERMITAGE HARDWOOD LUMBER SALES COOKEVILLE, TN Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales is looking for a lumber inspector for both green and kiln dried hardwood lumber for their Cookeville, TN facility. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED NHLA Certificate and experience required. SALARY & BENEFITS Competitive pay based on experience Full time schedule with 1 shift M-F Occasional overtime offered 401k plan offered HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: wesley@hermitagehardwood.com
SALARY & BENEFITS Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance. 401K with a company match HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: gmckinnis@missouriwalnutgroup.com Missouri Walnut, LLC 11417 Oak Rd. | Neosho, MO 64850 417-455-0972 HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR - A. JOHNSON CO., LLC BRISTOL, VT A. Johnson Co., LLC seeks to hire a full-time Hardwood Lumber Inspector at our Mill in Bristol, Vermont. Principal responsibility includes accurate and consistent grading of hardwood lumber, green and dry. This is an opportunity to work with an established company, founded in 1908, that is well respected in its community, its state, and its industry. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED NHLA certification preferred, but not essential if the applicant has sufficient experience with NHLA grading standards. The successful applicant will be conscientious, hard-working, reliable, flexible, and team-oriented. Knowledge of how to improve lumber value through changes in edging, trimming, and product mix. Ability to communicate and to cooperate with other team members SALARY & BENEFITS Salary and Benefits Commensurate with Skill and Experience. HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to: (email through website Contact Page) www.vermontlumber.com/contact.php A. Johnson Co., LLC 995 South Route 116 | Bristol, VT 05443 802-453-4884 (ask for Luella) | www.vermontlumber.com
Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales 105 Ridgedale Drive | Cookville, TN 38501 931-526-6832 | www.hermitagehardwood.com
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