Building Products Digest - February 2002

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Building Products Digest

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Gonsolidation-a fact of life

I wrote this column several weeks ago, before learning that Willamette Industries would give in to a hostile takeover by Weyerhaeuser Co., ending a contentious, three year fight.

Consolidations in the building materials industry, as in every other business, have become a fact of life, and do change the landscape of an industry. As a news magazine, it is not our role to comment on specific consolidations, but to report events evenly and fairly, as well as to educate our readers.

First, I believe it is a fundamental of our economy that each business should continue to grow to its true potential. Thankfully, we live in an entrepreneurial economy, where companies that want to grow, do so both vertically and horizontally in order to enter new markets, create synergies, develop market leadership, eliminate competition, acquire a competitor's products, talent or other strengths, or merely compete against other consolidations. The result is (or should be) to position companies for growth or even survival by driving down operating costs and maximizing shareholder value.

For those who have not gone through the mechanics of a merger, once a company decides to enter into discussions, the courtship begins. Clearly, such discussions often turn acrimonious, or there is deemed not to be a fit, and deals are called off. But many go on to fruition, often over months of negotiation.

For me, the tensest part always has been the valuation agreement and deal structure, and valuation is clearly in the eye of the beholder. The issues are usually complex-especially the tax consequences. The process is often grueling and nerve-racking for all parties. For months, senior management can be distracted and take its eyes off the day-today business. This is especially true in small to medium companies that lack resources and dedicated due diligence teams, which in itself can be very damaging. Often egos or company politics get in the way, which either break the deal straight away or are a portent of problems to come. Plans get laid out as

to how the companies will operate at the close of the deal. who will lead the transition, what changes will be made to the combined businesses to take advantage ofthe proposed synergies, and when.

If it is fought out in a public forum, employees in both camps become concerned for their future, unless there is a strong communications plan in place. There rarely is, as up until the day the ink is dry, the outcome is fluid and talks are always held under strict confidentiality agreements. Unfortunately, the outcome is only too clear that there will be expense cuts made to justify the acquisition. These cuts are not always or solely in the company being acquired.

Statistics show that two out of three consolidations fail. In hindsight it is often clear why. The proposed synergies were never realized, or were overvalued. The due diligence teams worked by the numbers as opposed to truly understanding what they were buying and marrying. Yet the biggest reason why they fail-and often the most difficult to ferret out during negotiations-is the human one, the clash of business cultures. It is often too much about the numbers and unknown sets of variables, as opposed to really nailing down the true business advantage. It has been my experience that companies quickly forget why they bought or merged with a company, as from day one anything and everything that made it an attraction in the first place is changed, in the end driving out the talent that was often the reason to buy.

Lastly, the one issue that is often unclear is what it means for the customer. Will the consolidation be positive or negative? I am sure there are opinions and examples on both sides of the fence, but it does mean larger and fewer competitors. However, we live in an entrepreneurial economy, and consolidations often create turmoil, which opens windows of opportunity to new or existing companies.

In regards to the current merger, my hope for both companies is that when the deal is done, they make this a union to be proud of.

/@axP,q1$$

Following are authorized

WeatherBoards siding distributors:

Alabama

Gadsden

Dairymans

Montgomery

Woodford Plywood

Florida

Ft. Lauderdale

Dixie Plywood

Orlando

Dixie Plywood

Tallahassee

Woodford Plywood

Tampa

Dixie Plywood

Logan Lumber

Georgia

Albany

Woodford Plywood

Atlanta

Dixie Plywood

Prime Source

Thomasville

Diamond Hill Plywood

Kentucky

Louisville

Falls City Lumber

Mayfield

Dairymans

North Carolina

Charlotte

Diamond Hill Plywood

Dunn

Interstate

Greensboro

Diamond Hill Plywood

Tennessee

Chattanooga

Reserve Warehouse Supply

Tennessee Plywood

Knoxville

Diamond Hill Plywood

Memphis

McEwen Lumber

Nashville

Diamond Hill Plywood

Texas

Dallas

DW Distribution

JEH

Texas Wholesale

Virginia

Chesapeake

Allied Building Products

Harrisonburg

Rocco Building Supply

Newport News

Ted Lansing

Roanoke

WM Tinder

Scott Parker and Bob

Morgan

have over

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what deCk bUilders want from their suppliers

How to earn contractors' repeat busrness

n UALITY of materials is the most important consider\f ation for decking contractors in choosing a supplier, accbrding to a Building Products Digest survey of 100 decking professionals.

Approximately 45Vo of decking contractors most desire quality materials, followed by service and price. "The quality of material is most important," said Ed Strange, Property Services, Dover, N.H. "I am a small contractor, so the work I do represents me as a person. The final product is my signature for good or bad. It is important how happy the customer is with his dream project."

"As anyone in the craft can tell you, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten," added Doug Morgan, Dixie Decks, Brandon, Ms. "l would much rather lose a job on price than to lose my reputation on quality. Having said that, this is a com-

Because they typically prize

quality and service over price, deck builders overwhelmingly said they buy their materials from local lumberyards.

petitive trade, and you do have to shop for the best prices. What I find myself doing is finding two or three local lumberyards that I know from experience have good quality lumber, and then shopping amongst them for the best price on different components."

Tom Kaden, JLC Builders, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., agreed: "When shopping for lumber the most important thing I look for is quality of materials. Your project will look only as good as the materials you use. Local lumberyards are the only place I'll go. I keep their pricing honest by using more than one lumberyard."

Service came in second, with 277o of the vote. "Service is everything," insisted Bob Fogarty, Artistic Decks & Arbors, Duncanville, Tx. "lt guarantees the price is fair, the material is high quality, defective boards will be replaced, with a smile, and they offer delivery coordinated with the project manager."

Kevin Evans, Decks Colorado, Littleton, Co., said, "I want to have my supplier genuinely care about my needs and prove it by being able to deliver good looking, straight lumber. Loaded by people who have a clue and care. Delivered by people who have a clue and care. Billing policies that keep accounts straight for job-type accounting. To be willing to pick up and take back materials that (Please turn to next page)

what deck builders want

( C o ntinue d .from p rev io us pa ge ) are not worthy of installation and to take them them back with a smile.

"As far as price, you get what you pay for. Of course, I will cry for the best price. They will sell at what they believe they are worth. I will buy at what I believe they are worth."

Yet more than 16%o of deck builders said price was of paramount importance. "Most of our customers are looking for price," admitted Ray Grimes, Deckbuilder of North Carolina, Wilson, N.C. "We have the rare exception, the fblks that know what they want, have used the Internet to find the best material for their application and ask for specific things. Service is almost a thing of the past around here. Most suppliers are Lowe's and Home Depot, so as you can see it's a serve-yourself type of thing. Lower pricing means the suppliers are not getting top quality material. We're limited on materials in a smaller community, and the only game in our town is Lowe's."

Tom Barr, Deck World, Inc., McHenry, Il., demanded "consistency, to all the above! Since we contract with our customers up to 16 weeks in advance of construction, we must be assured from our suppliers there will be no changes that will impact the quality or cost of the projects we contract."

Whgrg do you shop?

Because they typically prize quality and service over price, deck builders overwhelmingly said they buy their materials from local lumberyards. Nearly 837o first shop at a retail lumberyard, almost l2vo at a big box retailer,3Vo buy direct from the manufacturer, and 27o from a hardware store.

"Normally I purchase my materials from local lumberyards," Artistic Decks' Fogarty said. "I find that doing business with the local lumberyards you build up loyalty and this works both ways. I refer business to them and they provide me with the great service it seems only a local lumberyard offers today. Local lumberyards take the time

Where are you most likely to buy materials from?

to learn about your business and the quality you demand from them and provide for your customers. It is also an excellent way to build a referral base."

Property Services also buys its materials from a local yard. Strange said, "I have had a 3O-year relationship with them. They treat me as if I am there most important customer-and I'm not. Their service is second to none. They always help me out if there should be a problem. Their staff is well knowledgeable, and they are a true resource to me. The few dollars of savings from the big guys is worthless without the teamwork, commitment and assistance given to me, a small contractor."

Deck Masters of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Ok., goes to a local lumberyard for redwood, cedar, composite and pressure treated lumber, direct to the manufacturer for ipe, and to Home Depot or Lowe's only "for a quick fix."

Robert Hauck, Mr. Deck, San Martin, Ca., patronizes "whoever goes the extra step and pays attention to our statements and questions. We only go to the big box suppliers for convenience on minor items."

Whv?

Itllt r

Asked if their favorite supplier provides any added services or does anything special or different that they truly appreciate, multiple contractors mentioned hassle-free returns, free delivery, prompt delivery/quick turnaround, call ahead ordering, ease of communication, reasonable billing, a desire to stock what the customer wants, or allowing customers to hand-pick their lumber.

No-questions-asked returns were commonly cited. "My main supplier knows that I am a high quality builder, and my first priority is top-notch materials and top-notch craftsmanship," said Glenn Mathewson, Mathewson Carpentry, Lakewood, Co. "This means that I am never questioned about a return, and when I come to the yard to pick up small orders I am allowed to pull and pick my own pieces-a privilege that is given only to few. When you are a return customer and consuming large amounts of material on a regular basis, the supplier should make you feel extra special."

One pro said that, if anything goes wrong with an order, his supplier's sales rep personally delivers the correct supplies.

Several contractors value being notified of new products. "My local supplier provides me with outstanding service, mainly due to my volume, I'm sure," J.J. Keefe, KRK Development, North Pembroke, Ma., "but they also familiarize us with new products and services as they come out, which is helpful in utilizing new products. For instance, when Trex and Smartdeck first came on the market, they took time to explain to us what the product was, its guarantees, installation procedures, etc."

Deck World's Barr listed the added services he most appreciates: "First, consistency in product quality, availability and cost. Second, prompt response/assistance to any of our questions or concerns. Third, information on 'special offers' and/or new products that would be of importance/interest to us."

Contractors want their purchases to be as quick and painless as possible. "One of the biggest labor issues in building a deck is simply selecting, loading, checking out, and loading onto a trailer, all of the materials neccessary," said Dixie Decks' Morgan. "This is especially problematic at some of the box stores. These same stores usually have a 'contractor's program' where if you call ahead, they will

What is the most important consideration in choosing a supplier for your decking materials?

to supply me with all of my hardware. If I need special order items, they are done quickly."

Top dealers go the extra mile. "They go out of their way to make sure I have what I need to do the job," said Rick Parish, Decks Appeal, Plano, Tx. "lf this means driving 100 miles round trip to deliver one board so I can finish the job, then that is what they do. I can call them in the morning and have a truckload of lumber on the job by early afternoon. There is never a delivery fee or a restocking charge. In exchange for this kind of service, I don't nickel and dime them over price and buy all of my lumber from one supplier."

"The sales rep always checks my order to make sure I have what I need for the project and calls me before he ships to see if we have forgotten anything," said Phil Donoghue, Continental Designs, Inc., Kearney, N.J. "That really helps when you're doing multiple projects."

Benchmark Structures, Inc., Chardon, Oh., buys from a local yard, according to Robert Kronk, "because of the quality of the materials and the selection of the material by the loaders. They cull non-conforming material before loading, minimizing returns, special trips redelivering, and carpenter downtime. They also make pickups of extra material at end of job and provide total material costs per customer great for final job cost math."

have the order ready fbr you. That sounds great, but the one time I tried it, they tried to load me up with all of the warped, cracked, knotty boards they could find. I ended up taking more back to the store than I usedl"

He continued: "There is a local, family-owned lumberyard nearby that charges about l07o more than Home Depot for the lumber. This guy knows me personally. I can drop my 16-ft. trailer off at his store in the morning with a materials list, and come back at lunch, and it's all quality lumber and ready to go! This guy has got service figured out. If it weren't for his higher prices, I would use him 1007o of the time."

Regular customers want preferential treatment-or at least to be made to feel special. Mr. Deck's regular suppliers "don't hire cheap, know-nothing help," Hauck said. "Usually there is one person assigned to work with me and knows what we used and liked in the past. One thing that they never do is let a new-hire assist me because their attempt to cover up for their ignorance will get them in big trouble with the owner/general manager. I have neither the time nor the inclination to listen to their B.S. or educate their help."

His company, he said, "can place large orders and I want to buy from people who appreciate my business. I am not a hard-price driver-we're not in that price-competitive league. I get projects based on what I design and I am interested in getting the material that I specify, not what is popular or what they're promoting. For example, many suppliers lost our business for plastic planking right off the get-go because they were pushing their 5/4 plank. That's because they wanted to be competitive on price per board foot; but we were interested in stiffness because these 5/4 boards buckle in the hot California sun from expansion, no matter what the spacing. Actually, we eventually contacted the manufacturers directly. The manufacturers who were receptive to my requests and questions got my business. And once you get my business, I am a loyal customer for a long, long time."

Mike St. Antoine, Cedar Decks Construction, Kirkland. Wa., said, "My supplier has me on a special price list due to the amount of lumber I buv." said "Thev also are able

Artistic Decks' Fogarty noted, "Some of my favorite suppliers actually help us unload deliveries instead of dropping a load of wood in the driveway and leaving. Providing this additional service helps us tremendously. It also reduces the damage to the materials."

Favorite retailers often provide a personal touch. "My supplier is made up of experienced people, many of whom I have know for three decades," Strange explained. "They take excellent care of me. I would say their price may be 5Vo higher than I can get in other places, but the first time there is an issue they save me hundreds. Their advice and knowledge is worth much more than the 57c differential. I get first class treatment, always."

"They know me, they take the time to learn about my business, and to understand my needs," agreed Randy Varga, Decking Northwest, Inc., Lake Oswego, Or. "They all know my name and my employees' names. They take the time."

Weighled or partial value was given lo responses lhat ranked or selected muliiple oplons

SOME contractors buy from different suppliers, based on their material needs, since not all retailers offer redwood, cedar, treated wood, hardwood and composite decking (such as Evergrain, pictured above).

Making ga;zebo sales easy

f UXURY purchases often plumI-Jmet during tighter economic times. But gazebos are one typically high-end product that manufacturers hope to make recession-proof.

Making gazebo kits easier to assemble and of a wider range of materials has also made them practical purchases for a wider audience of doit-yourselfers and buy-it-yourselfers.

"It's trendy to have a gazebo, especially when the economy is strong and consumer confidence is high," says Craig Bailey, sales & marketing manager for Cedarshed Industries. "Most people who buy gazebos, however, are high end, which helps mitigate any troughs in demand cycles."

Gazebo Junction's sales of cedar gazebo kits have risen steadily over the last nine years. "I believe this is due to the need for people to enjoy their outdoor settings without the hassle of mosquitoes and bees and other pests," explains general manager Paul Boehlke. "As the popularity of back yard ponds and flower gardens grows, so grows the popularity of screened-in structures to sit and enjoy them."

Paralleling the rising interest is an increase in the sales of easy-to-install kits. Boehlke says, "I believe that gazebo kit sales have far exceeded the

sales of gazebos stick-built on site. In fact, we have a number of contractors who used to stick-build that now prefer to purchase kits due to the time savings. To stick-build a gazebo, with the quality and appearance of a Gazebo Junction kit, would take a skilled carpenter at least a week where our kits can be fully installed in an afternoon."

The trend has been to make installation even easier. For vears.

Cedarshed has sold its kits pre-cut, which can be assembled by a non-carpenter in two to four days with no cutting, routering or special tools. In 2000, the company introduced a panelized version that can be installed in less than a day. The floor, baluster and roof sections arrive preassembled.

"Pre-cut is still the largest part of our market, but we

expect panelized eventually will catch up and surpass it," Bailey says, despite the preassembled kits' higher price tag. "For people who hire someone to do the assembly, the precut kit may actually cost more once it's installed, since the labor costs are much greater."

Either way, the kits are easy to assemble. "They're similar to building a model airplane," he says. "Everything is labeled; connect A to B."

Making installation less intimidating is also the rationale behind Cedarshed's liberal warranty, a "soft landing" program, Bailey calls it. "If (the installer) makes a mistake or cuts something too short, we'll just replace it and send them a new part by UPS," he says.

To sell gazebos, dealers still have to do part of the work, namely letting customers know the kits are available. "The best way to increase sales," notes John Hickey, Summerwood Outdoors, "is to have a full-size unit set up on display. People need to stand inside to get a good feel for the product."

Bailey agrees: "You definitely have to have one on display. It's hard to sell a gazebo from a picture. Of our 200 to 300 dealers, the top-selling dealers every year are those that have one on display. And, you can't use it to store stuff. You've got to landscape it. It's a romantic thing. It can't be sitting in a corner on sloped concrete, because that doesn't conjure up romance. It needs a good location."

"Displays work well," says Dave Gooley, marketing manager, Handy Home Products. "lI they are incorporated with spas or hot tubs, it gives the consumers other uses for sazebos. Our screen kits, cupolas and weathervanes also show the consumer options that enhance a gazebo."

'ontancing. t

The word "gazebo" was coined in the 18th Century to describe an outdoor shelter, usually in a garden. Today, gazebos show up everywhere. They can provide a stylish shelter for an outdoor hot tub, or an ideal poolside change room, home office or exercise room, or for just relaxing with a glass of wine. In a yard or garden, a gazebo is a perfect place to hold family dinner parties, weddings or concerts.

Boehlke agrees: "Our best merchandising item is obviously a display model. It's tough to sell a $7,000 gazebo to someone who can only see it in pictures. We offer dealers a substantial reduction in cost for display models. We have a product manual, indoor display

TEAH0USE pre-cut western cedar gazebo kit includes materials, instructions and assembly video.

boards, outdoor vinyl banners and brochures for our dealers. All these things help, but none work like product knowledge and salesmanship."

He continues: "When we look at our most successful dealers, in terms of sales, as compared to those that have been less successful, we repeatedly find the same characteristic. When a dealer has someone who is the 'gazebo expert' who is willing and eager to discuss the kits with customers, who knows the gazebos in and out, knows differences in manufacturers, and can answer all questions, or

make installation even easier.

knows where to go to get answers, they typically are successful. Simply having a display model and brochures is not enough."

Don Barlow, president, Finyl Vinyl Building Products, Huntington Beach, Ca., suggests dealers not only set up a display, but also "have periodic demonstrations showing customers how easy it is to install." (It's especially effective for vinyl gazebos, Barlow claims. "Once homeowners see a vinyl gazebo install, they will never go back to wood," he says.)

Dottie Bourassa, senior factory rep, Ozark Mountain Cedar Products, Melbourne, Ar., also advises, "Provide your customers with the best product, that is easily assembled, and for the best price available, so that the customer feels they are getting a great value for their money."

Assuming the dealer has a display model, the value of actually stocking kits is debatable. Gazebo Junction's dealers typically do not stock the kits. "We have gazebo sizes ranging from 10' to 2l' in three different lines with numerous designs," Boehlke explains. "It is easier for a dealer to allow the customer to dictate what size and model they would prefer, rather than the dealer pushing the size and model in stock. When a customer purchases a kit, the dealer places the order with us and we ship it in two to four weeks, depending on the time of year."

Cedarshed finds many dealers don't have an inventory, because usually, Bailey says, "somebody wants something a little different than what you

have. But we do have some dealers who stock, so they can buy by the truckload. They get a2OVo discount if they order l5 or more gazebos."

Manassas, Va., retailer Backyard America stocks pressure treated southern pine gazebo kits, as well as sells them by special order. "We do both equally well," explains president Ernie Sears. "Stocking will help sales because there are always those customers who wait until the last moment to get a gazebo for a special event."

Finally, dealers have to choose a supplier and type of material; kits are available in vinyl, aluminum and a range of wood species. Like Handy Home Products, Summerwood and Cedarshed, Gazebo Junction uses western red cedar. "It's known for its resistance to rot and maintaining its shape," says Boehlke. "We once used treated pine, but found it to twist and shrink over time. It is important that the lumber in our gazebos holds its shape to make sure the screens and windows can be easily removed year in, year out."

Ozark Mountain makes panelized gazebo kits of aromatic eastern red cedar. Bourassa says the species is durable and insect-resistant, does not check like pine, is less expensive than redwood, and features a beautiful, unique coloration and aroma.

"Another advantage," she adds, "is we are able keep the price of the aromatic eastern red cedar consistent, unlike the extremely volatile western red cedar. This enables us to keep our prices down."

"A small disadvantage of the aromatic eastern red cedar." Bourassa admits, "is the number of knots. They are secure, however, and this helps

maintain the stability of the wood. It is a nice look, but it is not fbr all."

Finyl Vinyl recently introduced a new line of Victorian gazebos made from pvc components. Barlow noted that the vinyl won't rust, rot, corrode or split; resists insects and impact; doesn't require maintenance, painting or staining, and is light weight, affordable and easy to work. Even the most complex kit, he noted, can usually be installed by an experienced two-member crew in four to six hours.

"Many dealers have told us this is the most complete line of gazebos and support materials they have seen," he said, noting that it was his remodeling company's disappointment with other gazebo products that led to their decision to design and develop their own line. "We recognized that a well-engineered gazebo. with proper instructions that is easy to install, would be tremendously popular."

The trend has been to

KITS (below) from Finyl Vinyl include everything needed to (above) build a pvc gazebo.

Aty excuse for sluggtsh sales is... an excuse

By Bill Blades William Blades, LLC Scottsdale, Az.

R fl'ANY organizations blame the IYleconomy for sluggish sales. What a timely crutch they found.

Blaming the economy means that when revenues rise, we can also thank the economy. That's as idiotic as my opening sentence. Even during the Great Depression, I am sure there were some enterprising apple sellers who didn't just stand there hoping to "sell" an apple for a nickel. Maybe they provided a napkin with each apple or even gave a fiee shoeshine if someone bought six apples. Some just started the day earlier and stayed later. The message then is the same message today: What are you doing differently to grow your sales by 257o?

Recently, I was in

the boardroom of a multi-billion dollar computer industry firm that had just experienced their first layoff in history. I asked what the sales department had done differently when they saw the slowdown coming. The answer? "Nothing." So they wanted me to provide them with a motivational speech. Sure, that would work. The successful outcome of a rain dance is determined solely by great timing.

This firm didn't change before the storm and their board would not let them "spend" the money to get out of the mess they were in. They did not understand that they needed to change f'aster than their industry was changing or face a more severe downturneven extinction. Sales practices and diapers have one thing in common: they should be changed regularly and for the same reason.

Another firm ran into tough times for their first time ever. I arrived with a standard proposal calling for me to consult with them four tofive days monthly. The president and executive v.p. boosted it to l3 to 15 days monthly. Folks, I'm talking serious money here. So were they. Within three months. they were setting all-time sales records. Why? They embraced change.

The University of Michigan conducted a study that said all construction knowledge is replaced every six years. My client is in that industry. They are

on track to reinvent

themselves in l8

months. They have the philosoPhY that in two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.

I am a firm believer that for an organization to be very successful they must have an unconventional person at or near the top rung. Most innovation comes from those people who are never satisfied with things being pretty good. They don't have to blame the economy as their competitors do. Even during an economic slump they continue to do well while othersjust pull in their horns.

There must be passion at the top. A fire in the belly, if you will. Yearning to always get better is much more fun than doing the same boring stuff. I suggest you rate your group on a I to l0 in both passion and fun. Low scores will hurt your sales results. Guaranteed. Remember, a positive attitude doesn't always work, but a negative one does.

Another passion must include learning. Everyone shows up with raw talent, but that's only the entrance price. Every organization must invest in learning and fully expect individual growth. When people have a zest for self improvement, they simply become more talented than their competitors. Talent wins in sports-and business.

It's not the economy (stupid). It's the power of change, fun, learning, passion and being unconventional. Never be afraid of trying new things. It may help to remember that amateurs built the ark while professionals built the Titanic.

- Bill Blades, CMC, CPS, is a professional speaker and consultant specializing in sales and leadership issues. He can be reached at (480) 563'5355 or bill@ williamblades.com.

D)RICE and honesty are rhe mosr I important traits buyers look for in their engineered panel suppliers, according to Market Resource Associates' sixth biennial Plywood & OSB Industry Study.

MRA surveyed 1,00 I retailers (66Vo), wholesale distributors (26Vo), industrial buyers (47o), and office wholesalers (47o), asking them to rate their suppliers of softwood plywood and/or OSB against specific performance criteria.

The most important overall attribute was price (34.6Vo), followed by consistent product quality (26.9Eo), ship time (20.2Eo), and service (r8.3Vo).

Next, respondents ranked, on a scale of one to seven (one being "not important," seven being "very important"), the importance of each of l1 performance attributes. Honest negotiations (6.6) and Shipment arrives undamaged (6.5) were the two most important attributes to buyers of engineered wood panel products, followed by Shipment arrives as specified (6.5), On-time shipmenr (6.3), Handles claims well (6.3), Easy to order from (6.2), Contact is easy to reach by phone (6.1), Knowledgeable sales personnel (6.1), General appearance of the unit (6.0), Producer considers me important (5.8), and Unit contents clearly marked (5.7).

Few buyers are purchasing a significant amount of panels using online services.

Few buyers are purchasing a significant amount of panels using online services. Companies that are buying at least some product online did rise from 2.l%o in 2000 to 4.4Vo in 2OO2 for plywood, and from 1.67o to 4.27o for OSB-yet two-thirds of those buy less than l07o of their panels online.

In the next two years, 42.9Vo expect to increase their online purchases, 0.4Vo expect them to decrease, and 56.8%o predict they will remain the same. Two-thirds of those who anticipate rising in online purchases, though, expect the increase to be less than lo7o.

Finally, buyers were asked to rank three of their current plywood and

OSB suppliers on the I I perfbrmance attributes. Twenty-nine suppliers were included in the study, including both manufacturers and wholesalers.

The highest rankings fbr softwood plywood were, for:

Shipment arrives undamaged: Scotch Pl-vwood Co.

General appearance of the unit: Scotch Plywood Co.

Units contents clearly marked: Boise Cascade

Contact is easy to reach by phone; Woodford Plywood

Knowledgeable sales personnel: Woodford Plywood

Honest negotiations: Woodford Plyvvood

Easy to order from: WooclJbrd Plyu.,ood

Shipment arrives as specified: Amerhart Ltd.

On-time shipment: Scotch Plvw,ood

Handles claims well: Amerhart Ltd.

Producer considers me important: Woodford Plywood

Overall rating: Woodford Plywood

For OSB:

Shipment arrives undamaged: BMA Enterprises

General appearance of the unit: Dixie Plvwood Co.

Units contents clearly marked: Viking Forest Products, Irtt'. Contact is easy to reach by phone: Dixie Plywood Co.

Knowledgeable sales personnel : Dixie Ply-wood Co.

Honest negotiations: No rbord I ndust rie s I nc'.

Easy to order tiom:

Viking Forest Product.s, Inc'.

Shipment arrives as specified: Huber Engineered Woods

On-time shipment: Dirie Plywood Co.

Handles claims well: Dixie P\-wood Co.

Producer considers me important: Dixie Pltwood Co.

Overall rating: Dirie Plywood Co.

Although wholesalers received the highest scores in most categories, they typically were graded by fewer respondents; some wholesalers were named by as few as eight buyers. Conversely, larger manufacturers, such as Georgia-Pacific, LouisianaPacific, Weyerhaeuser and Boise Cascade, were each ranked by hundreds of buyers.

- For information on purchasing the entire study results, contact Market Resotrrce Associates. ( 800) 795-3056.

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Marco Building Supply, Marco Island, Fl., is building a 2nd location in Naples, Fl., expecting a fall operung...

Bailey Lumber & Supply Co., Gulfport, Ms., has acquired stores in Pearl, Pascagoula and Ocean Springs, Ms., and a door plant in Baton Rouge, La., from Wickes Lumber Co. ...

Bayside Lumber & Building Supply relocated its Port Saint Joe, FI., location to a larger facility .,.

Sutherlands recently opened a 60,000-sq. ft. store in Palestine, Tx.; Noel Tucker, store mgr. ...

Florida Hardware is the new name of Hastings Hardware, which opened ayear ago in Scotty's former Starke. Fl.. location

Downs Lumber & Supply Co., Hinesville, Ga., decided against closing and remains in business (see Jan. p. 16) ...

Builders FirstSource. Dallas, Tx., has sold its DCs in Elkwood, Va.; Norcross, Ga., and Cincinnati, Oh., to real estate investment banker W.P Carey, and will lease back the facilities for 15 years

Home Depot consolidated its Midsouth division, Atlanta, Ga., and Southern division, Tampa, Fl., into a new Atlanta-based Southeastern division, serving 260 stores and headed by Tom Taylor, senior v.p.-professional business ...

Home Depot this month opens a Pro Store in Mesquite, Tx., and new home centers in Blairsville, Ga.; Port Orange and Millenia (Orlando), Fl., and Boerne, Greenville and on Grand Pkwv. in Katy, Tx.

Home Depot is building a new store in Hunstville, Tx., with an April opening expected; has proposed building in Bastrop, Tx.; is finalizing an agreement with Kerrville, Tx., school officials to

buy a Z0-acre tract of land from the district, and has submitted plans to build on 23 aqes in North Jacksonville, Fl. ...

Lowe's Cos. opens new stores the middle of this month in SW Mobile, Al. (John Kibby, mgr.); Spring Hill, Fl. (George Ferrd, mgr.); Rome, Ga. (Russell Spangler. mgr.); S. Louisville, Ky. (Jeff Magner, mgr.); Albemarle. N.C. (Delane Carter, mgr.); Beaufort. S.C. (Ronald Wotring, mgr.); Keller (Thomas Clark, mgr.) and The Woodlands, Tx. (Kerry Marsh, mgr.)

Lowe's, San Marcos, Tx., reports a 37-year-old suspect was arrested after reportedly tripping a burglarly alarm; he allegedly loaded a shopping cart in the garden center early that day with electric drills, cordless phones and other merchandise he planned to steal that night ...

Wolfe Nursery, San Antonio, Tx.-based 1l-unit chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Brooks Building Products, Greensboro, N.C., has been named bv the Triad Business News as one oi the 25 fastest growing businesses in the Triad area

Ace Hardware received 190 new member applications during 2001, up 23Vo over 2000; of those, 172 already have been converted to Ace stores, 8670 switching from TruServ..,

Anniversaries: Short & Paulk Supply Co., Tifton, Ga., 60th ...

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Cedar Creek, Inc., Tulsa, Ok., has opened a distribution center in Little Rock, Ar.; Mike Wilson, mgr.; Paulette Hathcock, Luke Harris, Don Boedecker, Paul Mamcyur, John Crockett and Parks O'Neil, sales; Cedar Creek also operates DCs in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ok.; Kansas City and Springfield, Mo.

Builders Resource closed its New Orleans, La., sales office Jan. 31

Louisiana- P acific is closing indefinitely its Panama City, Fl., sawmill ...

U.S Plastic Lumber Co,, Boca Raton, Fl., agreed to sell its environmental services and recycling division, Clean Earth, to investment group New CEI

Robbins Wood Manufactu ring. Tampa. Fl.. has purchased a Waco Hydromat 30 planer/moulder to replace the Woods planer lost in a fire last Feb.

International Paper has sold 145,000 acres of east Tx. timberland to Molpus Woodlands Group, Jackson, Ms., for $101 million ...

Marion Mouldings, Marion, Va., won the 2001 Window and Door Crystal Achievement Award

Universal Forest Products has been named by Forbes magazine as one of the 400 best performing companies in the U.S.

Cat Lift Trucks & Equipment Depot, Houston, Tx., donated a 3,000-1b. lift truck and 12 months of maintenance to the American Red Cross, Austin, Tx.

Snavely Forest Producls, Browns Summit, N.C., is now distributing Paco Steel & Engineering Co.'s WoodSteel Beams

Pluswood Distributors is now distributing Geodeck composite decking...

Lighting ConcePts now rePresents Stingray Lighting products in S.C. and western N.C.

Housing starts in Dec. (latest figs.) slid 3Vo to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.570 million single-family starts rose 4Vo to 1.293 million: multi-family was at a rate of 248.000 for 5+ units ... permits climbed 4Vo to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.653 million.

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Sure, radiant barriers help save energy and keep homes cooler. But many brands act as vapor barriers that hold moisture in the roof. Over time, that can lead to wood rot, callbacks, and unsatisfied customers. Maybe worst of all, a suffocating reputation.

But TechShieldo radiant barrier sheathing is different. Thanks to LP's innovative incising process, TechShield sheathing lets your homes breathe easier. The incisions in the aluminum allow moisture to escape, yet the panels still keep 97% of the sun's radiant heat from entering the home, lower attic temperatures by as much 30', and significantly reduce energy usage.

So, now your homes and homeowners will breathe easier. And you will, too.

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.Advance Guard products are available in a wlde vadety of preferred specles including spruce -tuds, southern pine dimenslonal lumber and plywocd sheathlng.

.Borate treated wood has a long history of succtssful use and ls safe for people and pets.

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Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates aid locations with sponsor before making plans to attend.

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Lumbermen's Club of Memphis - Feb. 10, Valentine brunch, Germantown Country Club, Memphis, Tn.; (901) 458-'7553.

National Roofing Contractors Association - Feb. 10'13, annual convention, San Antonio, Tx.; (847) 299-9070.

Forest Products Society - Feb. 11-13, technology conference, Radisson Resort Parkway, Kissimmee, Fl.; (608) 231-1361.

FenceTech 2002 - Feb. 11-14, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; (800) 822-4342.

FrameBuilders 2002 - Feb. 13-15, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Tx.; (800) 557-6957.

International Buitding Supply Association - Feb. 13-15, show' Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; (919) 934-'7616.

Carolinas Woodworking & Furniture Supply Show - Feb 14' 15, Greensboro, N.C.; (828) 459-9894.

International Building Supply Association - Feb. 14-15' Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, Ca.; (919) 934-7616.

Moore-Handley Inc. - Feb. 15-17, spring show, Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, Al.; (205) 663-8235.

Texas Home & Garden Show - Feb. 15-17, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Tx.; Feb. 15-17, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Tx.; (800) 654-1480.

Builder Marts of America - Feb 18.20' spring market, Paris Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nv.; (864) 281-3633.

Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association - Feb. 20-23,39th annual meeting, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hi.; (800) 550-7889.

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers - Feb. 21-24, annual convention, The Cloister, Sea Island, Ga.; (336) 885-8315.

Florida Hardware Co. - Feb. 23-25, spring show, Hyatt, Orlando, Fl.; (90a) 783-1650.

Window & Door Manufacturers Association - Feb. 23'27, annual meeting, Hyatt Regency, Maui, Hi.; (847) 299-5200.

Reliable Distributors Inc. - Feb. 27- March 2, annual management meeting & marketing conference, Embassy Suites, Orlando, Fl.; (847) 918-ll'77.

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Texas Home & Garden Show - March 1-3, Market Hall, Dallas, Tx.; March E-10, Harry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Tx.; (800) 654-1480.

Hardware Distribution Warehouses, Inc. - March 2-3, spring trade mart, Jackson, Ms.; (800) 256-8527.

Southeastern Green Building Conference - March 2-4, Greensboro, N.C.; (919) 851-8444.

lnternational Hardware Fair - March 3'6, The Fairgrounds, Cologne, Germany; (212) 9'l 4-8835.

Kentucky Forest Industries Assn. - March 5'6, annual meeting, Loews Hyatt Regency, Louisville, Ky.; (800) 203-9217.

Lumbermen's Club of Memphis - March 7, luncheon meeting. Racquet Club, Memphis, Tn.; (901) 458-7553.

National Association of Women in Construction - March 7, chapter meeting, Austin, Tx.; (512) 476-5534.

North American Building Material Distribution AssociationMarch 7-9, executive management conference, Miramonte Resort, Indian Wells, Ca.; (888)747-'7862.

Mid-America Lumbermens Association - March 8'9' Arkansas state meeting, Holiday Inn Select, Little Rock, Ar.; (800) 747-6s29.

Hardwood Manufacturers Association - March 14-16, annual conference. Orlando, Fl.: (412) 829-07'70.

Charlotte Woodworking Show - March 15-17, The Merchandise Mart, Charlotte, N.C.; (800) 826-8257.

Duraflake FR is America\ only Oas I fire+etardant particleboard. Available to distributors nationwide, it's the ideal substrate for elevators, commercial interion, case goods, office furniture and peace of mind-because fire safety $arts with fires that don't. Call 1.EEE.550.6331 for a FREE sp*ification binder.

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.

(AND THE DEALER, THE INSTALLER, THE HOMEOWNER, TH E ENVI RON M ENTALIST...)

Strong lines and natural features have always been the trademarks of timeless beauty. Which is why Geodeck'. is catching the eye of so many different people.

This distinct family of composite decking products looks as good as natural wood but offers the added benefit of being completely ma intenance-f ree.

Offered in fade-resistant brushed natural finishes of mahogany and cedar and a driftwood finish that rnreathers

to a silver-gray, Geodeck is guaranteed against insect damage, warping and cracking for up to 20 years.

Available in tongue-and-groove or traditional profiles with matching railings, posts and balusters, the entire line promises an easy installation and a com pletely integrated, beautiful decking system.

Geodeck. lt's innovative. lt's reliable. lt's durable. And you thought beauty was only skin-deep.

Willamette Surrenders To Weyerhaeuser Buyout

After over three years of acrimonious negotiations, Willamette Industries accepted in principle Weyerhaeuser's $6.1 billion takeover offer.

Subject to approval from the boards of both companies, Weyerhaeuser will pay $55.50 per share in cash, 50@ a share more than what chairman Steven Rogel called his final offer. Weyerhaeuser also will pay about $1.7 billion in debt and other expenses.

Willamette had rejected the earlier offer as inadequate and continued its own negotiations for Georgia-Pacific's

84 Opening Big In Alabama

84 Lumber is putting the finishing touches on one of the largest among its 75 stores in the South, a 20,000-sq. ft. contractor yard on l2 acres in Bessemer, Al.

The business outgrew its 21-yearold, 5,000-sq. ft. unit on 1.8 acres in Pelham, Al., says mgr. Darrell May.

All pro services, including wall, truss, door-making and millwork facilities, window inventory, engineered lumber services and other specialorder products, will be relocated from Pelham to Bessemer. The Pelham

building products division.

Since Weyerhaeuser had vowed to abandon its bid if Willamette consummated a deal with G-P, Willamette's stock price promptly slipped more than l1Vo.

Soon after, separate shareholders filed suit, charging Willamette with ignoring its fiduciary responsibility to its stockholders, and sought an injunction preventing a deal with G-P.

In addition. 64Vo of Willamette's outstanding shares were tendered into Weyerhaeuser' s $55-a-share offer.

store will shift its focus to homeowners who are building decks, garages, storage sheds and mini-barns.

When the new $l million yard opens by the end of the first quarter, May will become mgr. in Bessemer; Greg Dean will take over at Pelham.

Milf Sues Gity Over Blaze

Phenix Lumber Co., Phenix City, Al., is suing the city of Phenix, claiming its former fire chief refused to save Phenix's sawmill from fire in 1998.

This past summer (see SePt., P. 44) owner Johnny Dudley brought a claim

against former fire chief Ronnie Blakenship to the city council, which subsequently reviewed and dismissed the charges.

The initial claim and current suit are a result of statements last summer by Capt. Dennis Duty, who alleges that Blakenship ordered his men not to fight the fire in an effort to teach Dudley to clean up his property.

A 1998 fire marshall's rePort in the aftermath of the fire called the sawmill's loss "predictable" given the structure's age and the behavior of employees-some of whom tried to extinguish the fire themselves.

Phenix Lumber and its insurance company are seeking a least $l million in punitive damages. The fire caused $6 million in damages, with only $800,000 covered by insurance.

Lumbermens Association of Texas is compiling a packed schedule of events and activities for its annual convention and buying show April 19-20 at the Wyndham Anatole, Dallas.

Possible dealer-only roundtable topics include computer systems and payroll administration, personnel issues (hiring/ retaining employees), controlling workers comp costs, safety incentives and practices, trucks and lifts, accounts receivable, removing assets with generation changes, and increasing profit margins (cutting expenses, selling high-margin items).

Kentucky Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association is sponsoring William Darling seminars on residential blueprint reading March 4 and residential framing lumber estimating March 5-7 at the Executive Inn, Louisville.

Mid-America Lumbermens Association's annual state meeting for Arkansas will be held March 8-9 at the Holiday Inn Select, Little Rock, and for Oklahoma Aprll 26-27 at the Shawnee Country Club, Shawnee.

Construction Suppliers' Association will teach basic long form estimating March 25-26, advanced estimating March 27, and quick estimating March 28 at a yet-to-be determined location.

Southern Building Material Association will host building code seminars March 6 in Greenville, S.C., and April l0 in Hilton Head, S.C.

Better Compete Against Big Boxes

Do it Best Corp. has issued an information kit for members that outlines strategies for battling warehouse retailers.

The Big Box Competition Kit provides informarion on big boxes compiled from industry data, market trends, Do it Best members and interviews with former box employees.

The kits contains a manual with ideas to strengthen one's business along with big box tactics and strategies to combat them. Additionally, the kit comes with a planning worksheet and video featuring interviews with Do it Best members who have competed with big box retailers.

Do it Best's v.p. of marketing Bill Zielke said, "Our members compete with and win against the big boxes every day." He added that independents have many advantages over big box retailers:

they are entrepreneurs in the community; possess the ability to respond to market conditions quickly;

. are able to develop a personal relationship with customers; can join with other independents to increase buying power, and own a piece of the market boxes can't get access to.

Do it Best Corp. also featured an information seminar and panel discussion on competing with big boxes at its fall market in Indianapolis.

Home Depot's Rosy New Partner

Home Depot was an official materials supplier of the News Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Ca., partnering with float builder Phoenix

Decorating Co.

As part of the partnership, Phoenix built a 55-foot parade float for Home Depot that celebrated the American dream of home ownership.

During the float building process, Phoenix used plywood, wire fencing, plastic foam, glue, live goods and some flowers from Home Depot.

The partnership between the companies will extend beyond the annual New Year's Day parade.

"By selecting Phoenix," said West Coast division mgr. Bruce Merino, "we not only chose the industry leader, but found a new business-to-business partner with a large appetite for products available in our stores."

Nearly three-quarters of the materials needed to build a float are found at a typical Home Depot home center. The cost of an average float is between $60,000 and $300,000.

NEW YEAR: Depot's 55-fl. float in the annual Rose Parade.

Chain Upgrades In The South

Builders FirstSource. Dallas. Tx.. plans to build new distribution and manufacturing facilities throughout the South this year.

A new DC will be built in Conway, S.C., combining three separate operations that now operate in the Myrtld: Beach, S.C., region.

A larger DC and manufacturing facility will be built in Tampa, Fl., along with a new, bigger millwork facilities in Atlanta. Ga.. and Hillsborough, N.C.

The company also has plans to expand its wall panel and truss facility

in Elkwood, Va. Chairman and c.e.o. Floyd Sherman said there are also plans to build a new wall panel plant in Apex, N.C.

In Tennessee a new DC is planned for Nashville, that will consolidate three separate locations there. The chain is closing its Memphis yard.

Tornado Takes Dealer's Roof

The new year brought an unpleasant surprise to AAA Best Lumber, Homestead, Fl., as a tornado hit nearby, ripping off part of its roof.

The Jan. 2 tornado touched down

outside the retailer for just a few minutes, yet took off part the back warehouse roof that covered lumber and the door department.

"You hear about hurricanes." said mgr. Raymond Romero, "but you never realize what a hurricane can really do until it hits you."

Romero said that windows were broken throughout the store and much drywall in the walls was crumbling from water damage.

The store reopened for business Jan. 4. No injuries were reported.

Omni Doors, Dallas, Tx., has acquired TG Acquisition Corp., Naples, Fl.

TG manufactures, wholesales and retails building products in southwest Florida from its facility in Naples, and has agreed to acquire six additional Florida wholesalers whose operations include shutters, shades, windows and doors.

TG chairman and c.e.o. James Strupp, who will hold similar positions at Omni, expects the merger to creale a new company with revenues of approximately $ l00 million.

New filame For NOFMA

National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association will change its name to "NOFMA, the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association."

NOFMA

The association made the decision because it has long provided grading, inspection, and technical services for hardwood flooring manufacturers of a wide variety of species-not just oak.

Additionally the group has been approached about expanding to softwood flooring manufacturers as well as manufacturers outside the U.S.

While no action has been taken to broaden the scope of NOFMA membership, "our new name leaves the door open for any changes we might want to make regarding who we represent," said exec. v.p. Stan Elberg.

NOFMA also voted to change the names of all NOFMA-certified flooring grades to simplify flooring specifications and ensure quality control. The grade changes are effective immediately.

Fire Destroys Veneer Plant

A fire that began in an air compressor completely consumed the veneer sawmill of Atlantic Veneer Corp., Beaufort, N.C.

Fire officials speculate that the Jan. 6 blaze started when one of the bearings on the compressor or motor seized.

Firefighters were forced to use portable dump tanks brought in with the help of neighboring fire departments, because of the firm's distance from town water.

The next day Atlantic erected a temporary sawmill and milled materials untouched by the blaze. Corporate controller Greg Lewis has stated that the veneer operation will continue as normal.

Company oflicials are trying to decide whether to build a new mill or repair what remains of the old one.

Atlantic employs 350 people and also has a plywood operation on the site that was unaffected by the fire.

Oklahoma's Red Cedar Bind

Forest and timber officials in Oklahoma are seeking the best way to deal with the all too ubiquitous native juniper-better known as red cedar.

Local forest officials say that the number of acres doubles every I 8 years, seriously affecting forage production in the state.

Oklahoma Red Cedar Association has worked to develop a chippedcedar board to use as a base under shingles. But. for the mean time, other organic materials remain cheaper to use.

Other efforts have been made to market the cedars as flat lumber for building furniture.

For central and western Oklahoma, there is the problem of harvesting the trees with a small stem, coupled with the cost of shipping cedar to eastern Oklahoma or Arkansas to be milled.

It is estimated that red cedar's value is about 25 cents a bd. ft.

Some researchers are trying to see if it is efficient to have goats eat small cedars. So far the only agreed upon method of eradication is to burn the trees before they reach six feet.

Big Boxes Buying More Ads

A sputtering economy usually leads to gutted advertising budgets, yet the big box retailers have so far seen things differently than their peers.

Home Depot and Lowe's increased

their advertising budgets, while 6l%o of the top national advertisers reduced their budgets through September of last year.

Compared to 2000, Home Depot increased their 2001 advertising spending 297o, whlle Lowe's saw a rise of 39Vo in their ad budget.

Fiber Cement To Meet Siding

Some industry experts expect fiber cement will outpace the use of wood and hardboard siding within the next four years, becoming an estimated 207o of the siding market by 2005.

Fostering the growth in fiber cement are developments such as CertainTeed Corp.'s Dura Press System that combines sand, Portland cement and pulp fiber into a mix that is rolled, pressed, embossed and then cured and diamond-blade cut.

Fiber cement has a Class A fire rating and is reportedly impervious to rot and wood-boring insects. Recent manufacturing developments have also led to a higher inter-laminate bond strength and increased freezelthaw protection.

Forest Service Commits To New Direction

After one year on the job, U.S. that timber representatives have seen Forest Chief Dale Bosworth has been as confusing and too regulatory. both demonized by environmentalists To date, Bosworth and President and hailed by the timber industry as a Bush have promised to change and antidote to an unchecked bureaucracy. review three major policies:

ages more than 383,000 miles of forest roads to reduce a maintenance backlog and protect undeveloped areas.

. Regulations that give local offlcials guidance for drafting l0- to l5year forest management plans that could limit logging, skiing, and other activities that protect ecosystems.

A transportation policy that man-

ln charge of over 192 million acres The roadless provisions, which of federal forest and grasslands, closed 58.5 million acres of forest, Bosworth and the Bush Administra- free of most logging and road contion have been formulating a strategy struction. to counter many Clinton-era policies

Cries For A Secular USFS

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to listen to part of a suit brought by loggers who claimed anti-logging measures on federal land were often based on environmental "religious beliefs" instead of sound law.

Associated Contract Loggers, Tower, Mn., argued that two environmental groups in concert with the U.S. Forest Service had unfairly limited logging on federal land in Minnesota.

The high court responded Jan. 8 with a $5,000 fine levied against the logging group's attorney, ruling that the entire case was frivolous

and lacked merit.

The core of the group's argument was that the Forest Service's efforts to appease anti-logging group's concerns were akin to accepting government-sponsored religion.

The loggers explained that environmental groups have been establishing a religion of "deep ecology" on the Forest Service.

It is the first case to argue that environmental activism is based more on moral/religious beliefs than on any sound, practical effort to protect the natural world.

In the coming months, the court will review the rest of the case.

The review of these policies by the new administration has brought tough criticisms from environmentalists, who fear a trampling of protected lands. but Bosworth insists that Clinton's initiatives simply didn't work.

"Those (Clinton policies) got all intertwined, and our folks in the field had an awful time trying to understand what it is we really wanted," said Bosworth.

The timber industry has been lobbying for an administration that is more open to its ideas. During the 2000 election, the industry raised $1.5 million for the Republican Party at a fundraiser in Portland, Or.

Chris West, American Forest Resource Council. said the timber industry has one consistent message for the federal government: "Get us off the total dead stop. Right now, the system is broken."

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Visit www.lat.olg as show info is updated weekly,or call 800-749-5862. Plan now to gather with hundreds of building material deafers April L9-2Ot 2OO2 in Dallasthe odds are

FUN,

Mike Wiginton, ex-Empire and F.E. Wheaton, is the new sales representative for Glen Oak Lumber & Milling in central and northern Florida. Dick Jensen, ex-McEwen Lumber and W.M. Cramer, is now sales rep for south Florida.

James Tipton retired Jan. 2 as president of Handy Hardware Wholesale, Houston, Tx., after 20 years with the company. He is succeeded by Don Jameson.

Dillon Forbes has been named treated sales mgr. at Coastal Lumber Co., Havana, Fl., replacing Jay Sego, who has left the company.

Hans E. Vanden Noort has been named v.p. and corporate controller of Rayonier, Jacksonville, Fl.

Paul Vandyke is the new mgr. at 84 Lumber, Tampa, Fl. Jerry Vanderstelt is a new mgr. trainee in Orange Park, Fl. Samuel Farley has joined the Asheville, N.C., store as a mgr. trainee.

Greg Elliot has joined the Birmingham. Al.. sales office of Klumb Lumber Co. Lea Gordon and Pam Alburl are new to the Mobile. Al.. export division. New to sales at Klumb Forest Products DCs: Stephen Batt, Tyler, Tx.; Cliff Press, Gulfport, Ms.; Darron Clark and Kim Vining, Loxley, Al.; J. Mashburn and Mike Drew, Conyers, Ga., and Amie Carter, Greenville, Tn.

Jim Tuberville has been promoted to plant mgr. of Conner Industries' Conroe, Tx., plant. Jason Walters, Eric Reidinger and David Jones are new to industrial lumber sales. Tiger Takamitsu has been named president of Nichiha USA, Atlanta, Ga.

Thomas S. McHugh has been appointed v.p.-finance and c.f.o of Huttig Building Products. He succeeds Kenneth E. Thompson, who retired Jan.31.

Anders Moberg, Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga., has resigned as head of international operations. Arthur Blank, retired co-founder, has bought the Atlanta Falcons pro football team for $545 million.

Denny Key Jr. is the new installed sales mgr./sales specialist at SmithPhillips Lumber & Building Supply, Winston-Salem, N.C. Jeff Case is the new engineered wood products sales mgr.

Kent Carpenter, ex-Tremco, Inc., is new to Bostik Findley, Atlanta, Ga., as distribution territory mgr. for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Arnold J. Thimons has been named construction market development mgr.

Lee D. Meyer has been named president and c.e.o of Ply Gem Industries, replacing Robert Ractliffe, who is now executive v.p. and c.e.o. of parent Nortek, Inc.

Ted Cap has been promoted to general merchandising mgr. of Ace Hardware Corp.

Beth Wilson is the new advertisins mgr. for HandySource. Bradentonl Fl.

Eric Barnes has been promoted to general mgr. of distribution sales for North America at Interior Products, Brunswick, Ga.

Peter Lenard has been appointed marketing mgr. at Hurd Millwork Co. David Whelchel has rejoined the company as director of sales and marketing.

Hap Hazard has been named v.p-random yard accidents at MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax., Nv., according to owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

Power Tools To Keep Selling

Power and hand tools purchases will experience a 47o annual increase over the next four years with forecasted sales of $15.5 billion by 2005 according to new study.

The demand for power tools is expected to grow 57o annually through 2005 to an estimared $9.4 billion. Cordless electric tools are forecast to

be particularly popular, with electric drills, saws and screwdrivers makine up most of the demand.

Hand tool demand will experience only a modest gain with an annual rate of 3.2Vo anticipated-primarily due to their durability.

Professional customers are expected to comprise two-thirds of the total value over the next four years, as they generally purchase more expensive tools.

Consumers trading up for more expensive models coupled with the popularity of d-i-y should push the consumer market past the pro market in terms of number of buyers during the next four years, predicted the Freedonia Group Inc.

S.C. Timber Supply Growing

A new report shows that South Carolina's timber supply has recovered significantly from losses inflicted on it in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo.

Statistics released by the U.S. Forest Service and S.C. Forestry Commission reveal that since 1993. the volume of hardwood timber has risen 47o, while softwood timber volume is up 147o.

The report also indicates that softwood and hardwood's net annual growth, compared to 1993, has more than doubled to 6'7Va.

Contributing to the surplus is the fact that annual removal rate of softwood trees is down 57o, whereas hardwood removal is down 87o.

"We're cutting more than we're growing," said state forester Bob Schowalter.

While state forest officials are optimistic, they caution that overall forest land is declining, with 142,000 acres since 1993 lost to urban sprawl and development.

Wholesalers Welcome Dealers

To boost attendance, the Western Wood Products Association is invitins lumber retailers to its annual meetingl as well as adding business sessions and social event, including a golf tournament.

Now dubbed "Viewpoinr 2002," the meeting March 9-12 in San Diego, Ca., offers opportunities to network with lumber sales and production professionals, hear perspectives on the top issues facing the industry and develop new business.

roducls

One Hard Core Panel

A veneer core panpl that is said to rival the tisht thickness tolerances of comfosite core panels is new from Columbia Forest Products.

JayCore features a high-grade HPVA J-grade inner ply that reportedly provides suPerior strength and the light weight of veneer core panels.

It is manufactured in a two-step process to reduce finishing Problems associated with standard veneer cores and is available in 3/8" to | - l/4" thickness.

Circle No.601

Open Sesame

An automated door sYstem from Stanley allows assisted living persons to open, close and lock doors by using a remote control.

Sawdust Be Gone ri, I

A new high-pressure t- lll spray from CRC -.L*J

Industries removes sawdust, dirt and other loose debris from shop equipment and woodworking projects.

CRC Saw Duster reportedly leaves a clean, dry surface for applying finishes and is safe for fine woodworking.

Circle No. 604

Certainly Classic Corners

CertainTeed Corp. has introduced fluted and traditional vinyl corner Dosts that are said to simulate the look bf colonial wood craftsmanship.

dentil molding, stair rails and spindles is new from Allway Tools.

The CS6 Contour scraPer set fea-

tures six stainless steel blades each with a different contour at each end, for a total of l2 shapes.

Circle No. 606

Retail Lighting Show

A point-of-purchase lighting display that ships in a single container inO it frtty assembled for immediate installation on the retail floor is new from Meese Orbitron Dunne Co.

The MOD display features an interactive presentation of nearly a dozen diffeient lighting fixtures and push buttons.

AccessPro can be installed on new or existing in-swing doors. An operator assembly mounts on the interior hinse side of the door and includes thehotor/gearbox, door arm, mounting brackets, and cover.

Circle No. 602

Door Jambs Go VinYl

A vinyl doorjamb system for exterior doors with a traditional brick mold look that is said to outlast wood door jambs is new from Astro Plastics.

Astrojamb can be installed utilizing the nailing fin for new construction use and jamb jacks for retrofit applications.

Circle No. 603

The corners are available in 20-ft. lengths, reducing the need to create seams on two story homes or homes with high roof lines.

Circle No. 605

Do More Than Scrape

BY

A scraper set designed to remove paint from wood contours, crown mouldings, balusters, wainscoting,

It also features a base rotomolded from linear low density polyethylene that can handle a diverse range of lighting products.

Circle No. 607

"".d!3swr'gd#ti*

Moulders Millwork Debut

Style Solutions has introduced a series of new one-piece miterless corner system with matching divider blocks.

Lock, Stock and Dry Deck

Flotation Systems has introduced an aluminum decking with an interlocking construction system that reportedly is 1007o water tight.

Lockdry is designed for second story decks and balconies and is manufactured to attach to wood, steel, or aluminum floor joists with #10 screws.

Circle No. 611

Reach For The Skylights

Solatube International has introduced a 2l" tubular skylight system that redirects low-angle light down through a reflective tube to a building's interior space.

A Saw & Destroy Mission

Bimetal hole saws that reportedly allow users to cut throuph 2x4s and other materials in a sinlle pass are new from Strongridge.

The system is said to eliminate the need for calculations and mouldins cuts on the job site and features ; closed cell structure to Drevent water penetration and absorption.

Circle No. 608

A Plank Above The Rest

Laminate ceiling planks that are said to be humid- and moisture-resistant are available from Armstrons World Industries.

Woodhaven hardwood planks have a tongue-and-groove beveled edge design with end march details.

They come in white, beech, cheny and maple.

Circle No. 609

Walk This Way

A walkie straddle stacker desisned for material handling operations that allows operators total control of travel speed and lifting functions is new from Multiton MIC Corp.

The Solatube system features adiustable tu6ing that cffi" fits around ceiling plenum obstructions, reportedly making i nstal I ation quick and simple.

It is said that the skylight system can reduce daytime lighting energy costs by nearly 85Vo.

Circle No.612

Entry Door lmagination

A high-density wood composite entry door designed as an alternative to smooth fiberglass and steel is new from Masonite.

Destroyer saws feature an extended internal wall height of up to 122132" and have a Matrix cutting edge with 87o cobalt and a 4-6 variable pitch tooth design.

Circle No. 614

Stick To The Beat

A construction adhesive that features a solvent-free polymer technology formulation that complies with all current VOC regulations is new from DAP.

Beats the Nail reportedly creates a water resistant bond that exceeds all ASTM Specifications C577 for installation of gypsum panels.

It provides a heat resistant bond between construction materials, including drywall, panel-to-foam, and wood-to-ceramic.

Circle N0.615

The

resenera-

The Colorado Series is said to be resistant to warping and buckling, and its skin is held in place by a pouredin-place polyurethane core, with an Rl5 insulating value reportedly four times better than ordinary wood.

is ovoiloble by circling the corresponding Reoder Service number opposite the inside bock cover ond sending the form to New Products Editor, FAX to 949-852-0231, by E-moil lo rfoy@ioc.net, by moil to 4500 [ompus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beoch, Co. 92660, or by colling (e4e) 8s2-r 990.

Circle N0.610

Circle No. 613

EJB 25135 features

tive braking and recovered battery energy from an electromagnetic disc brake connected to the drive shaft.

Protecting Decks From BBQs

Grill pads that protect decks by preventing long-term water entrapment between the pad and the deck surface are available from DiversiTech Corp.

The deck protectors are made of fiber cement and feature a slip-resistant, textured surface that comes in an earth-brown color.

Circle No. 616

New Window Anatomy

A window made of cellular vinyl that is said to match the texture and appearance of pine is new from Superseal Manufacturing.

I'm Stucco On You

A sealer designed to stabilize and protect natural and artificial stucco surfaces and their underlying substrates against moisture is new from Okon.

Okon Stucco Sealer is a blend of acrylic-micro emulsions and water repellent siloxane designed to bridge and fill hairline cracks, and to prevent white salts from developing.

Circle No.618

Roofs Of Steel & Stone

A stone-coated steel roof shingle that can be installed over solid deck or existing asphalt roofing is new from Decra.

To Preserve & Protect

Eclectic Products has introduced three new unfinished wood protectors to its Famowood Wood Fillers line.

Glaze Coat High Build Epoxy Coating, Dura-Tuff Clear Coat and Epoxy Liquid Filler & Adhesive are, respectively, a high-gloss finish for finished or unfinished wood, a scratch resistant polyurethane finish and a waterproofer and adhesive base coat.

Circle No. 621

Time To Clamp Down

The window reportedly insulates 507o more than wood and over 2OO7o more than hollow vinyl. The interior can be painted or stained and cleaned like regular vinyl.

Circle No. 617

The shingles are guaranteed to resist wind speeds of up to 120 mph, the force of major hail stones, and damage due to freezing/thawing conditions.

They reportedly will remain free of termite damage and dry rot, while not cracking, warping, curling or splitting.

Circle No,619

Power To PVC Panels!

PVC corrugated panels that are said to match standard fiberglass and metal box rib panel applications are new from H&H Manufacturing Corp. The panels are designed for moist, corrosive or industrial environments and feature a 7.2"x1-112" profile and 1/8" thickness.

Circle No. 620

A clamp that is designed to position parts such as jambs, laminated posts, curved handrails, and stringers is new from Charles G.G. Schmidt & Co.

The Para-Clamp System features aligning jaws that maintain even pressure across their entire length with just one tightening screw.

It is made of solid steel and has a jaw width that ranges from 9-l/2" on the portable model to 24" on the benchtop version.

Circle No. 622

The Quality Leader in Treated Wood Producfs

Decking Correctness

Deckins made from 607c wood and 40Vo olastic that is said to be stiff'er andlighter than other composite decking is available from Correct Building Products.

CorrectDeck is made from Maine hardwood sawdust and UV-stabilized polypropylene and is designed to be cut, drilled and f'astened like wood.

Circle N0.623

Install, And Then Relax Composite Building Products International has introduced an extruded polyethylene deck, railing and t'encing system that is reportedly 100? maintenance-liee.

Cabinet Close-Up

Canyon Creek Cabinet Co. has introduced a new inset line that is said to feature clean, unobstructed lines with traditional styling.

Xtendex contains 100% natural cellulose fibers and is made with no toxins. It comes with a 20-year limir ed warranty.

Circle No.624

The doors feature six-way adjustable concealed hinges and ball style finial exposed hinges in polished brass or nickel. Drawers are built using solid dovetail construction with full extension under mount guides.

Circle No. 625

Deck Covering Decree

Anchor Decking Systems has introduced a vinyl deck covering for the top of existing wood or concrete surlaces.

Durable Deck is made with air channels that allow the surface underneath to breathe, and moisture below to evaporate.

Circle N0.627

Fastener Your Systems

Paslode has introduced a new fastening system that is said to be at least three times faster than hand nailing.

The Positive Placement system has a magazine capacity of 44 to 48 ICBO recosnized. full load value f'asteners ranging from l-l/2" to 2-ll2" in length and.131,.l48 and.l62 in nail diameter.

Circle N0.626

As American as apple pie, Maze Nails are

in the l*

Crow's Mot*hly Marhet Comparison

CRYSTAT

Pressure Treated Wood

. Irormos:rn -l'crnriteI)rotcctron

. (-ontains No Arscnic, No (.hromiLrrn, No C-oltpcr

. No C-olor Changc in Wood

. Air Dricd Aftcr ll-catntent

. Stucls, Raficrs,.Joists, Moldrngs, I'lywood, Logs

Savannah Wood Preserying Co.

'\r't \atlrnn:th. ('t'orrlirr 3 I IIl) -800-847-9663

New Paint Program Makes A Splash

Ace Hardwlrre ('orp. has unvcilcd a tlranratic new look lilr its stores'paint dcpartnrents. Nurrrecl "C-olor Your l-ifc." it consists ol'u ncu'clccor puckalc and luyout. plus increascd training lirr storc associatcs.

'l'he ccntcr ol- thc new layout consists ol' an uttractir.e ltaint countcr with wrxrclgrain on the front antl a stainlcss steel top with lr conrplcnrentary hack countcr. 'l'he urcu lulso inclurlcs woocl l'lrxrring tlrut tirllor,,s thc curvc ot' thc plrinl counter-arrd sets thc working area apar( Il-onr tlre rest ol the dcpartrncnt. In adclition. hanging l'ixturcs illurrrinltc thc paint countcr. Other tlccor e lerne nts include specill track lighting that highlights overhcud siunagc and irrlirr'tttational signs that run ()n cithcr side ol'thc rnlrin plint aislc. hclping answer custolners' rlueslions.

center counter is the focal point of Ace Hardware's new paint department layout.

uones

James D. Taylor, 81, founder and retired chairman of Taylor-Ramsey Corp., Lynchburg, Va., died Dec. 7 in Lynchburg.

A native of Lynchburg, Taylor served as a B-17 pilot with the U.S Army in Europe, where he was shot down and later captured as a P.O.W in Germany.

Taylor started in the lumber industry in the mid-1940s, working in both Virginia and North Carolina.

In 1954 he founded Tavlor Lumber Co., which was renam-ed TaylorRamsey in the late 1950s after his brother-in-law, George Ramsey, joined the company.

Taylor was active in the Virginia Forestry Association.

Donald L. Scarborough, 76, retired owner, Scarborough Building Supply, Kosciusko, Ms., died Dec. 8.

He served in the Air Force durins WW [. In 1952, he founded Scarbor] ough Building Supply and ran the store until his retirement in 1999. His daughter, Judy Meek, succeeded him.

He was a past member of the Mississippi Building Material Dealers Association.

James Bennett, 81, retired founder of Bennett Lumber Co., Piedmont, Al., died Dec.22 in Oxford, Al.

A native of Oxford, he founded Bennett Lumber in 1945.

Thomas S. ttTommytt Bland,70, co-founder of Wholesale Builders Supply, Eastman, Ga., died Nov. 4 in Chauncey, Ga.

George W. McMurry, 85, former superintendent of the now-defunct Clinton Lumber Co., Clinton., Ms., died Dec. 12 in Petal, Ms.

McMurry served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

Pauline Holley Stokes, 84, founder and co-owner of Stokes Hardware. Apopka, Fl., died Jan. 14.

She started the store with her husband, Walter, in 1951.

Ansil D. Miller Jr., 90, former owner, A.C. & C.D. Miller Hardware. Eustis, Fl., died Jan. 5.

A native of Richmond, Ky., Miller moved to central Florida in 1914.

9epot Eyes Web Shoppers

Home Depot recently launched its Home Depot Outlet and Online Holiday Gift Center, two e-commerce programs designed to test the viability

of building product sales on Internet.

the Valentines Day.

The Online Holiday Gift Center, which is linked to the main Depot site, features 200 items that range in price from $5 to $500, including small appliances, power tools, grills and other items.

"Our gift center is designed to complement our regular online sales retail store," said v.p.-e-business Rebecca W. Bass. "For the (gift center) we've selected items that will make thoughtful gifts."

The gift center was taken down Dec. 26 and then re-activated for

The Home Depot Outlet is a pilot program that was launched in partnership with online bidding site eBay.

According to Home Depot's Don Harrison, a select inventory of products, including power tools, has been put up for bidding on eBay's Web site. Customers also have the option of buying the items directly at Depot's own Web site.

"We'll evaluate this pilot later this winter," said Harrison, adding that "both programs are being looked at as potentially new channels to help drive sales up."

Rates: 25 words for $25, additional words 70@ ea. Phone number counts as I word, address as 6. Headline or centered copy, $6 per line. Private

SALES: Specialty forest products wholesaler looking for a commission salesperson. experienced with a following. Generous split. Softwoods and hardwoods, your specialty or ours. Small, fun, flexible positive environment in Southem California. Call Dennis at OregonCanadian Forest Products of California, (714) 637-2r2r.

box or special border, $6 ea. Column inch rate: $45 camera-ready, $55 if we set the type. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address replies to box number shown in ad c/o Building Products Digest,4500 Campus Dr., Ste.480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660-1872. Make checks payable to Cutler Publishing. Mail copy to above address, Fax to 949-852-023 I or call (949) 852- I 990. Deadline for copy is the 20th of the month. Payment must accompany copy unless you have established credit with us.

WE BUY AND SELL PANEL STRIPS

Plywood, OSB, particleboard and MDF by the truckloads. Lumber Source, Phone (800) 874-1953, Fax 888-576-8723, email LumberSource @ worldnet.att.net.

REMANUFACTURING SPECIALIST, center match on 1". 2". 3" and 4" lumber. Other patterns including flooring, ceiling, log siding and more. Custom CCA treating. Custom KDAT. We manufacture Southern Yellow Pine lx4 and 1x6 S4S and patterns. Call Billy Ryals, Laurel Lumber Co., Laurel, Ms., (601) 6497696; Fax 601 -428- l2l 4.

Aurmrl

Georgia-Pacific....................(800) 866-1414 (205) 233-0256

Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc..............................(800) 334-5071

DLH Nordisk, Inc. ......................,...,.......,........(800) 688-2882

Eastooast Mouldings ....(800) 627-3263

Great Southern Wood Preserving.........

Gull Lumber Co., Inc. .(800) 633-7539 .(334) 4s7-6872

Gulf States Paper Corp, ......,.,....,...........,...,.,.(205) 562-5000

McEwen Lumber Co .......{334\ 432-2322

lilcshan Lumber Co. ...,.(205) 375-6277

Weyerhaeuser C0................(800) 541 -4825 (256) 381-3550

Anmxsns

Anthony Forest Products C0. .,................,......(800) 221-2326

Bean Lumber Co., Curt .......(800) 232-2326 (800) 482-2352

Cedar Creek Wholesale, Inc. .........................(866) 760-5344

Hoover Treated Wood Products.....................(800) 832-9663

Weyerhaeuser Co, ........(800) 643-1515

Fronol

Brackett Brothers.................(800) 542-6777 (828) 584-0785

Building Products of America .........................(800) 962-1 51 8

8ui1dscape........,...... .......(888) 552-0061

Envir0Safe......,........ .......(941) 768-5248

Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc. .............(904) 258-781 8

Lumbermen's UndeMriting A1|iance...............(800) 327-0630

McEwen Lumber Co. (Delray Beach)............,(561) 276-5155

l\4cEwen Lumber Co. (Jacksonville)...............(904) 783-0170

l\4cEwen Lumber Co. (odando)......................(407) 299 4280

McEwen Lumber Co. (Tampa) .................,.....(813) 248-41 1 1

Precision Architectural Products, Inc..............(888) 966-3777

Southern Pine lnspection 8ureau...................(850) 434-261 1

Southern Pine Timber Pr0ducts.....................(800) 229-7463

Weyerhaeuser BMD (Jacksonville)................(800) 342-5955 {904) 783-2007

Weyerhaeuser BMD (Pompano Beach),...,.,..(800) 432-0655 (954) 946-51 1 1

Groncn

Arauco Wood Products, Inc.......,.......,....,.......(770\ 379-9270

Arch

Weyerhaeuser C0........,.......(800) 282-3370 (404) 355-5971

l(:mucxv

Glen Oak Lumber & Milling ........................ ....(800) 242-8272

McEwen Lumber Co .......(502) 297-8321

Weyerhaeuser C0................(800) 752-6032 (502) 368-3331

loulsnxl

Elder Forest Products..........(800) 256-71 97 (31 8) 625-8141

Elder Lumber Co., Roy O...............................(800) 844-0615

Elder Wood Preserving........(800) 467-8018 (318) 964-2196

Landry Lumber Sales, Richard.......................(318) 442-0453

Martin, Roy O.....,.,., ....,..(800) 299-5174

Southem Pine C0unci1....................................(504) 443-446/t

Willamette Industries ......(318) 255-6258

Mrssrssrppr

Columbus lumber.,..........,..(800) 654-6743 (601) 833-1990

Hankins Inc......,...................(888) 837-9286 (662) 837-9286

Hood Industries....... ..,....(601) 735-5071

Shuqualak Lumber C0...............,............,.......(601) 793-4528

Southem Lumber Co. ..........(800) 748-8919 (601) 362-0019

Weyerhaeuser BMD............(800) 858-0310 (228) 865-1077

l{onn Gnoum

A&H Windows,.,...... .......(866) 229-7617

BargainBuilder.com. .......(888) 960-3979

Chadsworth's 1.800.Columns ........................(800) 486-21 18

Chemical Specialties, Inc. .,............................(704) 522-0825

Epperson Lumber Sales..............,....,..,..........(704) 873-4321

Huber Corp., J.M. .... ..'.(7M) 547-5220

McEwen Lumber Co. (High Poinl)..................(336) 472-1676

McEwen Lumber Co. (Raleigh)...........,.......,..(919) 772-7550

Smith Millwork, lnc. ........................................(336) 249-8171

Tank Fab Inc. ................(910) 675-8999

Universal Forest Producls..........,.........,.........{704} 855-1600

Vlndustries............. ......(919) 552-6889

weyerhaeuser (charlotte) ...(800) 645-9370 (704) 595-9700

Weyerhaeuser BMD (Greensboro).......,.......,.(800) 438-4423 (336) 605-3240

Williams Lumber Co. of Norlh Carolina, Inc. ..(252) 442-2136

Oxunoml

Cedar Creek Wholesale (Oklahoma City) ......(800) 375-6025

Cedar Creek Wholesale, Inc. (Tulsa) .............(800) 299-9870

Weyerhaeuser C0................(800) 256-4469 (405) 671-3540

Sourn Clnourl

Cox Wood Preserving C0...............................(800) 476-4401

Diamond Hill Plywood C0...............................(803) 393-2803

Georgia-Paci|ic...........,........(800) 866-1414 (803) 324-8050

McEwen Lumber Co. (Charleston)......,..........(843) 766-5383

McEwen Lumber Co. (Greenville)..................(864) 277-8865

New South Inc. ....................(800) 346-8675 (843) 236-9399

Tucker Lumber Corp., C.M.............................(843) 672-6135

T:rrrsslr

Epperson Lumber Sa|es.............,.,..,..,.,.....,...(866) 292-1414

McEwen Lumber Co. (Memphis)....................(901) 794-1050 McEwen Lumber Co. (Nashville)....................(615) 793-7746

aAx b 949-852-0231

or call (949) 852-1990 or mail to Building Products Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca.92660-1872.

Building Products Digest - February 2002

For more information from advertisers, use FAX Response numbers in brackets.

Want to Subscribe? Check the appropriate boxes to begin receiving your monthly issues.

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7

Chemical Specialties Inc. 11261 ............. Cover III

Computer Associates Inc. [115]........25

Cox Wood Preserving Co. [103].........3

Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc. 11171.....26

DLH Nordisk tl 131 --...........24

Do it Best Corp. [106]..........................E

Elder Forest Products, Inc. [124].....35

FasPac Inc. [120]

Geodeck Il 101...............................20, 2l

Hankins, Inc. [ 16].............................26

Hoover Treated Wood Products Irr2l 7a

Louisiana-Pacifi c Corp. U07l ...........17

Lumber Tag Specialties [125]...........35

Lumbermen's Association of Texas [117] ............. ............27

Maze Naif s [122).................................33

Merchant Magazine, The ..................37

Nexwood [111

Osmose [108]

Savannah Wood Preserving Company Ir23l aL

Sierra Pacific Industries U021............. ..Cover II

Siskiyou Forest Products [118].........28

Swan Secure Products U19l .............28

Weyerhaeuser Co. U27l........Cover IV

Willamette Industries t1091 ..............19

e Than A Fair Weather Friend

\7ith 100 years of wood experience, performance and service are what we're all about. \7hen we say our improved formulation helps resist moisture, we deliver. $Zhen you need your order on time, we deliver.

A Professional First Choice

ril(eyerhaeuser's new generation of professional panels are engineered to make wood do more. Structurwood@ Gold not only looks better, it makes your iob easier. And we have a Limired Lifetime \Warranry to back it up.

L {i/L,iL

Thg PeffeCt Fit Each Structurwood@ cold panel is engineered to be the same as the next. Our tongue and groove is designed to make installation a snap. That means easier installation, fewer callbacks, and increased cusromer satisfaction.