Oklahoma convention exhibitors increase sales

TTNCOURAGING attendance, Enign.r than last year, and sales totaling $100,000 more than the pre' vious year were produced at the Oklahoma Lumbermen's Association convention and building products exposition, SePt. 7-9, at the Myriad Convention Center, Oklahoma City.

"When all things are considered, including a flat Oklahoma economy, we have to be pleased with the results of this year's show," Gaylon StacY, association executive officer and coordinator of the convention said. "Our attendance was up slightly and exhibitor sales were better than last year. Things could have been much worse."

An all industry reception, first of its kind in the 38 year history of the OLA's annual convention, was initiated with great success. Held on the first evening, the reception was open to all retail dealers as well as representatives of sponsoring firms. Volunteer sponsors included all 32 display exhibitors plus M & M Lumber Co., Tulsa, and George Ollie's Lumber So., Spiro.

"Since it was a first for us, we really didn't know what the response would be," said convention chairman Henry Bockus III. "Interest was greater than we had anticipated. Approximately 500 people attended and since our sponsors expressed their approval, the chances are good that the function will become a Permanent event on our convention schedule. "

LeeRoy Jordan Redwood Lumber Co., Dallas, TX., was the winner of the best of show plaque in single unit category display competition. Plunkett Co. of Oklahoma, Tulsa, was best of show in double unit category and Weshce Co., Tulsa, best of show in the multiple unit category.

Terms of office for newlY elected officers and directors will begin Dec. I with official installation on Dec' 18, at the first board meeting of the new fiscal year.

President for 1985 will be Jim McKellar, Jr., M & M Lumber Co', Tulsa. Larry Smith, Billingslea

Sfory at a Glance

Attendance up at OLA annual ..lnnovatlvs new all Industry lunctlon scores. .McKellar elected pres. .next Yean SePt. 6-8 In Oklahoma Clty.

Lumber Co., Lawton, will be v.P., and Randy Rogers, H.E. Leonhardt Lumber Co., Oklahoma CitY, treasurer.

Harold Merrill, Owasso Lumber Co., Owasso, was named new director for District l; Kelley Benes, Benes Building Center, Pawnee, District 2; Gary Rosebure, Wilburton Lumber Co., Wilburton, District 3; Rex McSparrin, Valley Lumber Co., Tonkawa, District 4i Richard Lecrande, LeGrande Lumber Co., Luther, District 5; Gary HorsleY, Gordon White Lumber Co., Lindsay, District 6. Bill Jones, TownleY Hardware Co., Tulsa, and Dave Campbell, Rounds and Porter Co., Oklahoma City, are new associate directors.

Bud Blakley, immediate Past President, chaired the nominating committee. Gerry Welzheimer, H.E. Leonhardt Lumber Co., was cochairman of the convention.

CONVENTI0N VlEliIS: (1) Jim McKellar Jr., incoming presidenl. l2l Glen Haney, presidenl, and his wife, Jeannie, show plaques ot appreciation awarded by ' 'Bud ' Blakley (right). (3) Henry B0ckus lll (lelt) and Geffy Weltzheimer (second from right), c0-chairmen of the convenlion, with Lee Roy Jordan Redwood Lumber Co. representatives, winners of a best of show award. (4) Wayne Cheatwood, Hope Lumber and Supply, Pryor, (second from right) stops at the Townley Hardware Co.'s display. (5) Plunkett C0. 0f 0klahoma, Tulsa, people display their best 0l show plaque. (6) Bob Harvil (lelt), sales mqr., Centurv Steps, shows new line to Kelly Be:nes, Beneb Buitoing Center, Pawnee. (7) Clark Wiens (second from right), owner ol Cedar Creek Wholesale, Tulsa and Oklahoma City,