The best attributes of wood and plastic in a beautiful, natural-looking low maintenance decking product

Strong lrucs anrl natLu-lrl lclttr-rrrs ltave alu,avs lree n the tracle rnrrrlis Lrl tiurclcss bcrrrrtr \\ hrch is u'hr-Gcoclccl<'t' nou' uvaileblt' llorrr ('rLtlrric l-lrrnbcr Sales. is catching lhc cr,'c ol so urrrrrv tliltcrcnt pcoplc.

This ilistinct ianrilr oIconrposrtc de cliing proclucts loolis as grtclcl lts rlnllllal \\'rx)(l bLrt ollcls the aclclctl bcrrclit ol bcing co nrp lc tclr tttlti rt t cr.uttrct'- | t cc.

()['lcrcd in [:rclcrcsistirnt brr-rshccl nirtunl linishcs of rnalroganr ancl ccdar ancl a clriltlroorl finish that lrcrthers to a silver-gra1', (,r','tlr'tli I: rlttill.ttll('((l rrgrtirrrt irts.tl tlirtnlgc. rtltrIittq ancl cr-acliing l-ol Lrp to )() r'cat-s. i\r,ai lirb c irr to r-reLrc-ancl-gnror-e or trarlitio rra I p ro I i I cs n ith uratching rlilings, posts ancl balusters. tlrc crrtrrc line pronriscs an eas\instalIatron ;rnc1 a corlpletch urtcgriitcci. bratrtilirl rlcr'lii rrg

S\"SI CI'II.

(icoclccli. It s inrror.rtive It's rclirrblc. It's clurablc ,\ncl r orr t]rorrghl llcirLLl\ u rts onlv sltin-clccp.

Are you getting value from your association?

I have never belonged to an association. In fact, I haven't been part of a group since probably Cub Scouts. I have attended hundreds of trade shows as both exhibitor and visitor, yet not until the past year have I ever attended association events.

During the past year, I have had the privilege of attending events in both mundane and, frankly, some pretty great places. Unfortunately, in recent years-particularly since Sept. I 1attendance at many events has fallen.

Overall, I conclude I've missed out by not being part of such groups over my career. Today, I deal with many associations, led by diligent, caring, concerned and hard-working individuals who care about their members and their industry. Some associations have paid full-time staff; others have members who donate their free time. Regardless, they fight a battle of industry consolidations, membership shrinkage and, to a degree, apathy.

What has struck me about this industry are its proud traditions and values, and the associations play a large role in upholding and continuing those traditions and values. There would be a great void if we lost them and their work.

The drop in event attendance is worrying the associations-and worries me also. What makes delegates decide to attend or not? It seems to me there are two types of events: those that are strictly for socializing and those that are for business with an element of socializing built in. Both have a valid place.

Recently, I have asked my contacts why they do not attend events or have cut back. The most obvious answer is the economy, but there's also business pressure, cost, lack of time, and them seeing no value. So, I ask, what would make me go or send others to an event? There is only one answer: the business value it brings me and my company must outweigh taking precious time away from business (and if it's in a nice location, so much the better). All other reasons become nonissues if there is a business value.

A solely entertainment event does not mean it lacks value. Having a good time is part of the experience,