Pacific Coasf Yellow Cedar

James E. Norton has resigned his post as exec vp. of the Lumber Merchants Association of Northern Califor' nia, it has been announced by LMA president Duane Bennett. Norton has not announced his future plans nor has the association announced his replacement.

ITH THE holiday season past once more and activity al' Yv ready building up in another new year, itos an excellent time to pause for a few minutes and reflect where we are headed and just how we intend to get there.

Most economists and industry leaders continue to say it will be a tough first quarter as far as availability of mortgage money' which is certain to have a profound efiect on housing starts. Some industry leaders go so far as to say this situation will not bottom out for some 18 months!

Regardless of whether the predictions hold, I believe that the housing industry is on the threshold of some most important changes. 'We don't have to look very far to see some oI the largest builders in the country becoming subsidiaries oI major U.S. corporations. And at the same time, more and more emphasis is being placed on modular construction, in-plant production, new building systems, etc.

With all these changes confronting us as retail building materials dealers, it behooves us to study the situation very carefully and attempt to identify trends which will afiect our business. We can't sit back and ignore what will be happening to our industry or it simply will pass us by. in a hurry.

On February 15, at Asilom&r near Pacific Grove, the Lumber Merchants Association will hold its annual Top Management Seminar. This meeting will delve into the money situation in depth and will afford dealers an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand just what is happening. I encourage you to attend this conference whether )tou are an LMA member or not, and whether you are from northern California or elsewhere in the West. You'll find nrcre details on this Top Management Seminar elsewhere in this issue of Tns Mnncxlwr. Plan now to be with usyou'll be glad you did.

to more qnd more Coliforniq deolers ond disfributors. For yeor oround supplies of dimension lumber ond precision-trimmed studs, depend on D & R.

Old Growth'Fir Dimension from F.S.P. Lumber Co., Port Orford, Oregon

Hemlock Studs from Worrenton Lumber Co., Worrenton, Oregon

Hemlock Dimen:ion from Westport Lumber Co., Westport, Oregon

Fast, regular ocean shipments by barge lrom Southern Oregon and the Columbia River direct to Southern California.

Now, over 5,000,000 feet of dimension lumber and studs monthly. manufactured especially for Southern California construction needs.

Art Neth would appreciate an opportunlty to tell you how you and your customers wlll benefit from using dependable D & R dimenslon and studs. You can reach him by calling 872-1N or 783-0544.

Sila 1875