LETTERS

Right On Target

The editorial in Building Products Digest's Southern Pine Special Issue, Jan. 1983, is a terrific editorid and "hits the nail on the head" as, unfortunately, trade association memberships are one of the first expenses eliminated by most managers when "times get bad."

Fortunately, although we have lost a number of memberships during the past three years, we have continued to add enough new memberships to "stay in the black." It hasn't been easv.

Stan Owens Executive Vice President Tennessee Building Material Association Nashville, Tn.

Positive Track Record

Thank you for your editorial comments.

I would agree with everything you say and most of all find of special interest these excerpts from your comments "The Associations have a positive track record of achievements for their members that span a broad range of activities" and "to our eyes they have more than proven their worth."

These words are very much appreciated by all of us who as dealers and officers in our various Associations try very hard to guide the Associations in a direction that is productive and positive and its results are of benefits and of value to our fellow dealers.

I know you are sincere in your editorial and could be doing many dealers a favor and a service by reminding them to lean on their state or regional association or "national" for assistance in toueh times.

Bud Howe President National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association Washington, D.C.

that our retail members have reported in a recent survey of business conditions we conducted that, although general business conditions could be better, most are making a profit and project a positive year for 1983.

We are also pleased to report to you that over 90 retail yards and 30 associates were added to our membership rolls last year. This positive acceptance of the Association's progr:rms and activities is particularly significant this year when you consider that membership in most organizations is dwindling. This kind of support from all 1,350 retail members and 250 associate members enables us to provide each member with the "ammunition" to keep up with and ahead of the times-to help members meet, to sell, and to service today's changing markets.

Your remarks regarding active participation also hit the nail on the head since, as a voluntary trade organization, MLA is run only by and for its members; therefore we depend upon all our members to contribute their ideas and abilities whenever possible to achieve our goals and objectives.

1983 is going to be a dynamic year and it's nice to know our industry has good friends, like yourself, telling the lumberman story.

Joe P. Kaufman

Kaufman Lumber Co. Little Rock. Ar.

Tom Ruffin, Ruffin & Payne, Inc., Richmond, Va., died in that city on Jan. 5 after a long illness. He was 82. President of the Virginia Building Materials Association in 1964, he had continuously served as treasurer of the association since that time. Mr. Ruffin is survived by his widow, Evelyn, and one daughter.

THE ASS(rcIATION STORY

Your January editorial comes as a pleasant and welcome surprise. As president of the Mid-America Lumbermens Association, we appreciate your efforts in telling the association story.

It may be of interest to you to know

Digest Widely Seen

If possible, I would like a complimentary subscription to your magazine. I have seen it in many locations that I travel and have found it interesting, informative and useful in my work.

My position with Koppers Co. is a market development representative for approximately 25 Wolman treating plants in the South.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Stokely Wischmeier

Jackson, Ms.

Our circulation policy is to send Building Products Digest free each month to the retailen, wholesalen, distributors and jobbers of wood products ond building supplies in the I 3 Southern stotes, but since you were nice enough to write to us, we'll make an exception and see thst you receive the mogazine free for the next year,-ed.

We welcome letlers to the editor. They should be mailed with address and phone number to Building Products Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity-ed.