EDITORIAL

DAVID CUTI,]]R publisher

It's Literc and Meters Tlme Again

r S WE enter the final decade of this A millenium, forecasts abound on expected changes in supply, products, merchandising and marketing. We think they're overlooking a development likely to have a major impact on how you conduct your business: measurement.

Metric measurement is far closer to widespread use in the United States than many believe. By the turn of the century we think it will be more often the standard, than the exception, as it is now. It could be commonplace lar sooner.

Why all of a sudden is a movement to metric upon us? Generally, it's government responding to changing markets. In an effort to make America more competitive overseas, Congress last year passed a Fair Trade bill requiring metric measurement for all products leaving the country. The U.S. Department of Defense will require metric measurement from all its suppliers as of January l, 1990. It is the same date that the

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European Community has established requiring all products sold in the l2 countries that comprise the EC to be in metric measurement.

In 1992 Europe will begin removing virtually all trade barriers between its members, a move expected to produce a business revolution and a boom of sizable proportions. Whether 1992 proves to be all currently claimed for it or not, it will inevitably pressure the United States into greater conformance to metrics,

As the astounding political changes in Eastern Europe and Russia evolve, increased world trade seems a likely by-product. Coupled with the Pacific Rim growth, these factors inevitably mean that further isolation of U.S. business will be shortlived.

Every business of every size in America will feel the impact of these changes. Whether we like it or notand most don'twe'll have to adapt. There is no other viable option.

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Envirormental Awards For Two

Joe Elder, Jr., president of Elder Wood Preserving, Mansura, La., has been cited by the wood preserving industry for his exceptional contribution to environmental education.

Voted Consumer Awareness Program Speaker of the Year, Elder received a handcarved award for addressing more than 400 managers and sales representatives handling pressure treated wood products. The award was presented at the annual joint meeting of the American Wood Preservers Institute, Society of American Wood Preservers. Inc.. American Wood Preservers Bureau. National Timber Piling Council and the Southern Pressure Treaters Association, Nov. 7 through l0 in New Orleans.

Due to a schedule conflict, Ron Higgins, Lowe's Companies, area 605, was unable to accept the award to Lowe's for their outstanding efforts in assisting the wood preserving industry to disseminate information about the benefits, proper use, handling and disposal of treated wood products to consumers. Elder accepted the award on Higgins's behalf.

Engineered Wood Groups Unite

Plans for an organization of trade associations and companies in the engineered wood products industry will be formulated on Dec. l5 in Atlanta, Ga., for presentation to the Engineered Wood Products Group in Jacksonville. Fl.. Feb. l.

John LeFors, Willamette Industries; Michel DeChamplain, Mitek; Charlie Harnden, Alpine; Kay Kahus, Weyerhaeuser; Rip Rogers, Trussway, and Sherm Nelson, Trus Joist, are members of the organizational committee chaired by JeffVan Cott, American Laminators.

Shorter Home Center Show

The March 1990 National Home Center Show will be a half-day shorter, dropping the usual exhibition-ending Wednesday due to a new categorization of exhibitors that allows visitors to see who they want to see more quickly.

Lots of changes ahead

lly Harry A. Merlo Chairman and President Louisiana-Pacific Corporation