ARKANSASA OKLAHOMA

BOB JOHN aecuttrp vlce pesident

lInS AMERICA's passion for com- ! Iputers finally hit the lumber and building industry? We say yes. A small part of the passion is fad but a large portion is real, as evidenced by the dealer activity that computer exhibitors had at the recent Mid-America Exposition and by the number of dealers who attended a recent series of computer seminars sponsored by the association.

Arkansas and Oklahoma dealers at the convention and at the seminars told us they now know the computer is here to stay and the success of their businesses will depend on how well they use information that a computer can provide.

The right computer system brings the independent retailer the ability to deal effectively and confidently with complex business problems. Users can increase profits by controlling prices more accurately, keeping their inventory levels just where they want them, and by cutting down processing time. System-generated price strategies can also increase profits dramatically.

One Oklahoma dealer reported that with the fast pace of business today, every lumber dealer must flow with the ever present economic pressures of competition. He must be able to react quickly to these changes in the market, whether they are brought on by new and stronger competition or by changes in the economy. He added that he is convinced that computer systems do not perform miracles and they do not cure the ailing economy, but they do provide accurate and current information that he, as a small dealer, needs to gain better control of his business.

Our national association recently published a report for those dealers who are considering the benefits of a computer. The repon summarizes the hardware, software, and pricing of severd computers being marketed throughout the country. The report is available to members at $10 per copy, plus postage, and $12 per copy to non-members. The report may be ordered through the MidAmerica Lumbermens Association.

president. Chester Hall, Hall's Paneling & Floor Covering, Pearl, was re-elected national dealer director.

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GATLIN REPORT

mood, and the exhibitors were ready to sell. Put all of this together, and you can readily see why our convention and show were such a tremendous success.

What a dilference a lower interest rate makes!! There were only three single family building permits isqued in the Jackson Metro area in February of 1982. Eighteen were issued ior the same period in 1983. One permit was issued for multit'amily housing in February, 1982, but thirteen were issued for the same period in 1983. And remember, February is, without a question, the worst month in the year for construction work. Keep the interest rate down and watch the houses go up-spring and summer should be a bonanza for the dealers compared with last year.

The meetings were well attended, the social iunctions were sold out, and the suppliers put on the best exhibits we have ever had. The dealers were in a buvins

Association work has its rewards. The staff at MBMDA takes pride in serving our members, and we try to excel in each and every project or program that we get lUhen Vou wont the highest quolitg ovoiloble in CCR TVpe C Pressure Treoted lumber, coll CURT BCRN TUMBCR CO., INC. P.O. Box 9, Flmitv, Flr. 71921 o (501) 342-5275 Tlm BCRN . Blt[ HRRDII{O [Ue con fill oll Vour treoted lumber n@eds . . londscop@ timbers, plyulood, oll dimensionol lumber, 4x4 through l2xl2. On 6x6 ond forger w@ hov@ lengths ronging up to 45 feeE. Plus, uJ@ noul corrv in stock .60 FDN. tUe olso hovo our oun fleet of trucks to ossist Vou in ong deliv@rv problems Vou mov hove.

More and more people are using redwood rustic siding. Because rustic siding is more economical than premium redwood grades. Yet it still has the warm, rich look that only comes from redwood,It resists insects and decay. And it ages well, with or without a finish.

Redwood rustic siding is a practical, aesthetic addition to almost any exterior. And we've got plenty of it.

Our Ft. Bragg mill is one of the largest redwood and fir suppliers in the country.And with hundreds of distribution centers nationwide, you can order the amount you want and get it quick.

So for redwood, or fif, come to us. We're Georgia-Pacific. And we've got all the rustic siding you need.