gre E#,8 LOUISIANA OUTLOOK

JAITES L. DI,JKE erecudve

Tired of treated lumber that cracks crooks, and twists, and end checks and splits, and is hard to saw, and splits again when you nail it?

THERE IS A BETTER TREATEDLUMBER...

It is a natural golden brown color and retains its easy working characteristics. That's because it doesn't need extreme drying temperatures before or after treating.

When marked with the Dura-Treet Ouality Mark it meets all AWPA, REA and Uniform Building Code requirements.

For more information. call or write.

Jim Cooney Director of Marketing IDACON INC.

10611 Harwin Drive Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77036

(713) 988-9252

EDUSINESS outlook based on mem- Ilber comments and other information shows definite signs of improvement. Most members report they were amazed with the January increase in sales.

One fact to remember is that business in our area seldom surges at this time of rhe year. Generally spring business opens up in late March. Wet weather is really l)utting the "quietis" on most new starts, so now is the time to prepare for an almost certain increase. Many jobs will start once we get a little dry weather. Other good indicators are improved in- terest rates, prime rate, FHA/VA residential and conventional residential. Generally speaking, our commodity price information indicates lumber prices, all species, are very ftrm. Plywood prices are firm, but negotiable on some items. Roofing prices are low with strong indications of price increase once spring business opens up. Gypsum is similar to roofing. So called experts predict many shortages if business turns around too quickly.

Newly elected officers of the Building Material Dealers of Acadiana (Lafayette association) are Abel Walker, Acadian Home Center, pres.; Lou Ryan, Davidson, v.p.; Mary Arceneaux, Acadian Home Center, sec., and f),oug Ashy, Jr., Doug Ashy Building Materials, treas.