in Treated Wood Producfs

HWI Stores In Cyberspace

Hardware Wholesalers Inc. is putting its retail members on the Internet through its new Do-it Best home page (http ://www.doitbest.com).

Every HWI member's store name, address and phone number is listed as part of a store locator, allowing consumers to find the closest store when searching by zip codes or area codes. A click of a mouse on a special U.S. map generates a list of all HWI locations within a state.

"Whether you are a professional retailer or a do-it-yourselfer, our site is a great place to find useful information," says retail marketing manger Larry Pensinger. "Consumers can find out store locations, hours and special prices. We have information of interest to any retailer, and members have access to downloadable store layout plan-o-grams, or a copy ofthe annual report."

Other features include an Internet version of HWI's book, People...Building a Great American Success Story, color photography of nationally advertised specials, downloadable movies, recordings and art of mascot DIY Sam.

On a test basis, the company is also providing retailers with the opportunity to create their own home page, featuring a store photo and customized information. Available for a minimal set-up charge and small monthly fee, store home pages will be accessible directly from the store locator, or with their own Internet address.

IHPA Finds Certification Unnecessary

The vast majority of end-users have no need for wood products to be certified, especially if they might have to pay extra, IHPA-The International Wood Products Association announced during its recent 40th annual convention in Florida.

After a year of study, the Certification Working Group of IHPA's Conservation Utilization Reforestation Education Committee reported its findings in a position statement, which was approved by the board.

IHPA now holds "that current self-described 'thirdparty, independent' certification programs are very expensive, contain criteria addressing social and other issues that are non-quantifiable and often beyond the control of forest managers, and make little, if any, positive contribution towards addressing the real issues affecting forest management and/or deforestation." As a result, the group recommends that each individual company decide on its own whether to seek any type of certification.

Also at the convention, IHPA presented its Hall of Fame Award to John G. "Jack" Davidson and its first Distinguished Service Award to Gerald E. Gilbert, Hogan & Hartson, general counsel to the group for over 20 years.

Outgoing pres. Richard C. Newman, Plywood Tropics USA, Portland, Or., passed the gavel to Donald A. Thompson, Thompson Mahogany, Philadelphia, Pa. New senior v.p. is Carl Gade, Penrod Co., Virginia Beach, Va.; treas. Art Pond, Evergreen Hardwoods, Seattle, Wa.; sec./asst. treas. Wendy Baer; directors on executive committee Eric Thomsson, Brookside Veneers, Greehsboro, N.C., and Newman, and regional v.p.s Pond; Roy Polatchek, Liberty Woods International, Carlsbad, Ca.; Stuart Clarke, Clarke Veneers & Plywood, Jackson, Ms.; John Andl, Mitsubishi International, New York, N.Y.; Tony Posner, Evergreen Hardwoods, Memphis, Tn.

The event attracted 320 members and guests .representing 164 companies from a record 25 nations. Next year's convention will be March 4-7 in Kauai, Hi.

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