ARKANSAS a OI{LAHOMA

BOB JOHN .ratlw vloc arcddcnt

local businessman that he was charging incorrect finance charges on his monthly invoices. Luckily, we were able to help him correct his problem before he really got into hot water. Sometimes we have the information readily available, sometimes we don't.

What I'm getting at is the resouroes that are available within the lumber industry when help or guidancc is needed with a particular problem. Some associations try to play "Mr. Know lt All" and try to bluff their way throug,h, rather than ask someone who has the answers. We know that if we don't know the answers out there, it may take us a few phone calls to reach the right individual. But ifyou have the persistence, and are willing to say "l need your help," help is available and usually free of charge. No longer is "free" advice worth exactly what you pay for it.

MLA on the continuous basis asks for help in many areas and always, not just sometimes, help is there. Western Wood Products, National, lumber dealers, the U.S. Forest Service and many others too numerous to name have come to our rescue when we needed information and didn't have any idea where we could get the correct answer.

The other thing that I have found really intriguing is that none of these organizations has ever asked me if I was a member not one. lf you are anyway associated with the lumber industry and they have an answer for you, or know where the answer might be found, it comes without question.

MLA was founded with the premise that if we could give members and individuals in the lumber industry a forum from which to share their ideas, views and opinions, the industry as a whole could benefit. An idea that works in Nebraska will probably work in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas or Missouri if there is a way for that idea to be shared and MLA is that way.

So when you have a problem, a question or need advice, start callingthe answer is out there. And if you don't know where to start, call us on our toll free hotline.

executlve vlce precldenl

I neellzfD something the other I dav. The OLA retailers and associate memblrs to whom I have talked in the last 12 months fall into two distinct groups.

The first hasn't made any money in the last several years. If they haven't closed their doors, they have probably thought about it. The second group tells a different story of prosperity and good things happening to their businesses.

How can this be? How can our members be polarized at opposite ends of the prosperity scale? It's not a regional phenomenon. Some enjoying the greatest success sit amidst those at the opposite end. Yet, these firms are not prospering at the expense of their neighbors (as in a price war). So, what do these guys know that the rest don't.

These individuals know business is changing every day. They know that price is the weakest way to close a sale. They know they have to find and fill a need nobody else is covering. They make things happen.

They know the money hasn't left Oklahoma. It's just gone underground. They have looked at the Owned Real Estate (foreclosed properties) list with all the homes over $100,000 sold. They get out and see the crews building custom homes.

They know that in one month this summer the average cost of an Oklahoma City house jumped $6,800 and that the 2.000 homes sold each month in Oklahoma City are enough to handle the properties HUD, Fannie Mae, et al, dump back into the market each month. They know the odds are 100% in favor of purchasers repairing or remodeling. They know the same is true for their town. They know R&R demand in the next 18 months could create shortages and higher prices.

They know that more than 900/o of the $90 million spent to build Remington Park went to Oklahoma businesses. With this knowledge and the ability to "see through" the recession, these people have trouble keeping pace with their business.

Topics

WINSTON DEPEW executlve vice presldent backflow device inspector and tester, he will teach the information necessary for salespeople to aid customers in pur-

A SEntf,S of seminars is scheduled by chasing of the plumbing needs. frllnf for October and November. Both classes will be held in the build-

An electrical wiring workshop on Oct. ing construction technology building on 6 in Waco will kick off the series. Other the Texas State Technical Institute camworkshops on this subject will be held pus. A two day basic estimating class will Oct. 20 and Nov. 3, both in Waco. In- be held at the same location on Oct. l3 structor will be Jerry Stewart, a master and 14, Oct.27 and 28 and Nov. 10 and electrician with 25 years of experience ll. Larry Willman, a 17 year industry and over five years of teaching back- veteran who has taught estimating skills ground. The one day course is designed for l0 years, will conduct the class. to improve the sales performance of all Three one day credit seminars will be people involved in retailing by teaching taught by Janey Sowell, who is well them to help their customers buy the known in credit management. The hrst proper products for their wiring needs. session will be at the Holiday Inn, DFW

Plumbing workshops are scheduled Airport S., Irving, on Nov. 3. Others will for Oct. 'l and 2l and Nov. 4 with John be Nov. 4, Holiday Inn Centre, Odessa, Pratt. A master plumber and certified and Nov. 5, Holiday Inn, Laredo.

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