NNONTANA NtrWS

By R. V. PETERSEN executive secretary

NITED States Census reports re' lL,/ veal many comparative data regarding house construction throughout the nation.

For the period 1963-1973, figures pertaining to Montana and adjacent states in the Northwest show us to be fairly well down the ladder. Based on building permits, analyses show comparative values of housing and of number of units.

For that decade, the value ofhousing units authorized for the country a a whole shorved an increase of 122.5'/o. South Carolina ranked at the top in both categories with a value increase of 6639% and units increased by 376.2%. More than halfway down the ladder, Montana came in with 29th place114.3% increaseon the basis ofvalue, but (understandably) could do no better than 47th in the number of units.

By comparison, Wyoming rated 25th in rate ofincreased value, 32nd in rate of increase in units. But on both scores - value and units cumulativelyWyoming could do no better than 49th. (District of Columbia figures are included to account for 49 contiguous states).

Idaho fared somewhat better, rating l6th in increased value at *1757o, even though only 45th in cumulative value. On the basis of units, the rankings were 12th and 44th respectively. Washington checked into 40th place on rate ofvalue increase, while Oregon was up the lad.ler in l3th place. In number of units, Vi'ashineton scored 42nd while Oreson was in i5th place.

All of which data simply proves that opportunity, too, is comparative. And that the individual dealer's position on such a statistical ladder is in direct ratio to the application of initiative, inspiration and perspiration to available opportunity, ing members. Work with government agencies on controls.

(3) Review marketing areas where members can benefit in sales.

(4) Work with manufacturers on product shortages.

By R0SS KINCAID executive vice president

BMA and its members are inConference. For full coverage on the event. see page 6 ofthis issue.

Over 39 years ago. Jerry started his career in the retail lumber and buildins material business in Soda Springsl Idaho.

He has been in the industry throughout those years in various capacities and is presently president of Valley BestWay Building Center which was formed in Spokane in 1968.

To his fellow building material dealers and friends hg says:

"I started work in the lumber business when I graduated from high school in 1934.I woitd like to say to t-he young people who are now engaged in this bus- iness, if you will give your best each day of your lives, you will be paid many times for your efforts."

If you sold gypsum products during the five-year period from January l, 1963 to January l, 1968. you are entitled to participate in the Class Action Suit against gypsum manufacturers. If you have not yet taken action, we urge you to contact the WBMA office.

How about the energy crisis? What will be the effect upon our members? How serious? What problems . what opportunities? These are the questions considered by two decision-making national committees in Chicaeo. The legislative and government affairs supervisory committee (of which yours truly is a member) and the NLBMDA executive committee (of which Bob Slettedahl is a rnember) agreed that certain steps should be taken:

(1) Development of an Energy Alert Bulletin. Develop press releases and customer brochures.

(2) Prepare clarifying reports on legislation and regulations affect-

NLBMDA and WBMA are pushing for House passage of a provision in a Senate-passed bill (52589) entitled the "National Energy Emergency Act of 1973." This contains a tax deduction amendment up 1o $1,000 in a taxable year for expenditures by home owners for energy conserving residential improvement expenses (i.e. insulation, storm windows, caulking, humidifiers . .). A provision is included for low interest loans through FHA and SBA. While there should be an avoidance of "over-reaction" you should know that we feel energy developments and their possible impact on this industry are association priorities at this time. We will keep you informed.