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Better times in Texas

HEN the Lumbermen's Association of Texas held its annual convention this year, the Star of the Show wasn't a particular person or product, it was the reviving economy of Texas,

Continuing an uptrend that was faintly discernible last year, this year's l03rd annual convention and tradeshow was confirmation that business in Texas is better. Not booming, not great, not even good in every area, but definitely better than the grim years after the energy business went belly up in the early | 980s.

The show statistics are all positive: 800 members and their spouses, up 100 over last year; 250 companies with 400 exhibits; 1300 exhibitor personnel, up slightly from 19881 45 new members signed up at the show or in the 30 days preceding. Sales on the show floor were $1.25 million, up from 1988's $l million.

One major firm, a 20 year exhibitor which didn't want to be identified, said their show sales were the best ever. Winston Depew, LAT executive v.p., said, "More people came intent on buying. There were

Dcpew Leaves LAT

Barbara Douglas has been named acting executive vice president of LAT, replacing Winston Depew who left the association on May 3.

An executive oversight committee will study the role of the executive staff, make recommendations to the board on the hiring of a permanent executive vice president and oversee the performance of the executive staff on a continuing basis.

The commiltee includes Donald L. Smith Sr.,'Walter L. Foxworth, Jeff Chapman, Emmett McCoy and Ray W. Nunn.

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Presidenu Donald L. Smith Sr. Guerra, Olscn & Gucna Lumber

First Vice Prcs.: Walter Foxworth Co.l Bortis M. Harris, Harris Sccond Vicc Prcs.: Jcff Chapman Lumber & Hardwarc, lnc.; Dick Trcasurcr: Dick Lodcrmann Ledcrmann. Olshan Lumber Co.: Secrctary: Bob McCarlcy William (Bill) McBride, South Sergeant at Arms: Bertis M. Harris Texas Lumb€r & Supply Co.; Bob Past Pros.: A. George Natsis lll Mc€arley, Paris Lumber & BuildExccuuve sl?!rr%::r?vri far fewer tire kickers and some real bargains for the dealers."

James Chandlcr, Hcarne Lumber A. Georye Natsis lll. Edna LumCo.; Jeff Chapman, Woodson ber Co.i Ray Nunn, SimmsWholesale, Inc.i Jackie Cox, Moore Lumber & Hardware: AlWalker Lumber Co.i Walter Fox- lan Ritter, Ritter Lumber Co.; worth, Foxworth-Galbraith Lum- Raymond Sale, Builders & Homeber Co.: Lonnie Goolsby, John E, owners Supply; Donald L. Smith. Quarles Lumber Co.l Dan Sr., Bowman, Inc.

One factor behind the floor traffic at the show was LAT's decision to charge non-member manufacturers and wholesalers $500 to walk the show, the price of a show booth. Or the companies could join the association for between $125 and $325, depending upon their category. Nonmember retailers had only a slight increase over previous years to view the show. Nearly one-third of all LAT members were present in San Antonio April 6-8 for the convention and exhibits.

Among the speakers at the convention was home center expert Joe Samulin, who presented a number of ideas and techniques for coping in a weak economy. Pricing and how it affected retail advertising and the selection of loss leaders were discussed as were concepts of visual merchandising and store layout.

Dr. Michael Skinner, an industry consultant, stressed the importance of good people to the independents as they battled the chain stores. "lf you carry poor people, they're a time bomb waiting to explode. The best people won't work with bozos, bad employees drive out the good employees," he noted.

He called government interference in business "your biggest problem." "lt hurts America," Skinner said.

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Nationally recognized magician Art Zorka used his remarkable skills as he challenged the LAT dealers to find opportunity in every aspect of their business and personal lives.

Story at a Glance

lmproving economy reflected at LAT show in more sales on the show floor, slightly better attendance. attitudes for business were generally positive. Donald L. Smith Jr. elected president... "Nicky" Hearn named Lumberman of the Year.

Capping the convention events was the President's Banquet where the Lumberman of the Year was announced. This year's honoree is Ms. V. N. "Nicky" Hearn, Contractors Supply & Lumber, Houston. lt is the first time in the 103 year history of LAT that a woman has been the recipient of the prestigious award.

Next year the LAT moves to the seaside resort of Corpus Christi for the annual convention and show, April l8-21, as a streamlined association leads its members into the decade of rhe 1990s.

(Please turn to page 24)

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