Dealers see brighter future

IIORE positive attitudes retUlgarding business conditions in 1984 were expressed by the majority of dealers attending the annual meeting of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association. Favorable f inancial conditions and a strengthened economy were cited as bolsters to improved industry business.

William J. White, president of the Masonite Corp., told the dealers to look beyond their valued builder and contractor customers to the repair and remodeling markets which he forecast to be the real growth areas. He said that "no real growth has occurred in American new housing construction since 1946," He noted that when business cycles are eliminated, statistics show that housing starts have averaged around the 1.5 million mark for the past 35 years. He envisions no expansion through the year 2000.

"Your opportunities depend on where you do business; on how your market and community are growing; and on local demographics. It also depends on which customers you solicit and your specific mix of builders, remodelers, contractors and consumers. You must differentiate your operation from the competition to best serve your selected customer, " White counseled.

Nationally recognized transportation expert Wally Lynch, who has worked with NLBMDA in developing studies on delivery practices, was one of a number of authorities presenting seminars during the convention. Lynch also writes articles for this magazine on control of transportation costs. Other seminars and presentations included computer use, new product selection, advertising, passing on the family business, Washington legislative developments and the Mortgage Retirement Account.

Popular tv personality and author Art Linkletter was on hand to honor NLBMDA's Past Presidents with a well received talk. The meetings were held at The Pointe Resort, Phoenix, Az., Oct. 8-12.

Next year's meeting will be held in New Orleans, Oct. 3l-Nov. 4, concurrent with the 1984 World's Fair, at the Fairmont Hotel. In 1985, National will meet at the Westin Hotel, Seattle, Wa., November 17-21.

William R. Morrow of Lawson, Mo., was elected president of the National at the 67th annual convention.

Owner of Morrow & Sons, he succeeds P. B. "Bud" Howe, Carver Lumber Co., Peoria, Il. Howe became chairman of the board of the association which represents some 10,000 lumber and building material retailers through 26 federated state and regional associations.

Others elected: first v.p., Patrick McCormick, McCormick Lumber and Fuel, Madison, Wi.; treasurer, Gerald A. Jewett, Jr., Jewett Lumber Co., Des Moines, Ia.; and secretary and executive v.p., John M. Martin, Washington, D.C.

Regional vice presidents elected: Edgar Harman, William Morton, J. K. "Ken" Borders and Merle Mensinger.