It was "all systems go" at WBMA's annual convention /mart

Story at a Glance

Western's 71st annual has 30% increase in registration over previous year, comPlete sellout of all exhibit space and S.RO. at the convention meetings E.P. "WoodY" Railey elected the new President for 1975.

Co., Grants Pass, Or. and Ross Kincaid, WBMA's executive director. Opening day Sunday, Nov. 17,

Western Building Material Association

I975 OFFICERS

President

E. P. Railey

Vice Presidents Tom Howell Charles Shafer

National Directors

Directors

ALASKA: Anchorase, Jack Peterson; Fairbanks- Marion Nussbaumer.

IDAHO: Boise, John J. Carr: NampaFldwell, Marion Vance; Ontario, (Oregon), Calvin Hutchinson ; Lewiston, Lorin Papworth; Southeastern, Merlyn D. Jolley.

OREGON: Portland, George Osborn; North Oregon, D. L. Erickson; AlbanyCorvallis, Gary Weatherly; EugeneSpringfield, Moe Moyer; Salem, Tim Weiss, Coos Bay, Cliff D. Furlott; Roseburg, Gordon Gerretsen; Grants Pass-Medford, Charles J. Kudlac; Klamath Falls, Donald Ferguson; La-

W. Stewart Orr Ross G. Kincaid began with the "Quick Pitch" session talks. These consisted of 26 exhibitor representatives, in turn, giving three minute presentations on their particular oroducts or service. It was well ittended and proved an effective exposition for spotlighting products on show in the exhibit booths. The action was moderated by Bob Jones with Lois Bergstrom, Northern Yardsl Carol Shires, McCormick Lumber ; and Margie Olson, Olson Lumber, sitting in as a panel ofjudges.

Grande, J. G. Whittemore; Bend, Donald J. Aitken.

WASHINGTAI: Seattle, Matt Mattson ; Everett-Lynnwood, Chuck Cain; Bellingham-Mt. Vernon, Elliott McCluney ; Tacoma, Charles F. Hoenhous; Bremerton, Neil Werner, Olympia-Grays Harbor, Woody Anderson; Longview, Pete Sylvester; Vancouver, John Kettenring; Wenatchee - Okanogan, John Stoltenberg; Moses Lake, Harold Beckemeier; Spokane, Fay Johnstone; YakimaSunnyside, Dale Knudson; Tri-City, W. G. Kellie; Walla Walla, Bob McPherson.

AT LARGE: Lynn Broadhead, Idan lverson, iranK rowers.

A truly heart-warming event occurred when Mrs. Jerry Williams, wife of the outgoing president, won the grand prize of $500. She and Jerry immediately announced that the money would be turned over to the Washington State Heart Fund. This wonderful act of generosity drew a standing ovation from those present at the final banquet.

The Williams later commented modestly that "It seemed so appropriate. We had been thinking about Arny Kirkebo (a top WBMA staffer now recovering from a SePtember heart attack) and also those long-time members we had lost to heart attacks this year. .Charlie Young of Vancouver and Frank Scheble of Wenatchee."

The inflation rate should droP to 6% by the end of 1975 according to Ray Broughton, v.p. and economist for the First National Bank of Oregon, one of a number of excellent speakers at this year's convention.

His other forecasts: the possibility of a 7t/z% prime interest rate by mid' 1915;$320 per owner-occupied home will be spent this year for renovation and repair compared with onlY $290 last year. Broughton opined that this year will be a year of recession, during which the readjustments for an upturn will be made.

Other speakers included kick-off speaker Dr. Roger Carstensen, president of the Christian College of Georgia, who gave an inspiring and humorous beginning to an excellent convention. The wrap-up job was equally effective as Mike Pekerak, National Cash Register, entertained and enlightened those attending the closing luncheon.

A popular feature of the convention was the mini-session that ran Nov. 19, both in the morning and in the afternoon. The three were: "Market Survey - A Practical Approach," conducted by Bob Jones, president of his own marketing advisory service; "Internal Security - An Increasing Problem," Jack Baker and DeWayne Castel; and "Assembly Line House, Parts & Pieces. Where Does the Dealer Fit In?" Included in the last presentation was Vic Camozzi. Volco. Inc. Tom Maurer, Boise Cascade, and Jerry Williams, Valley Best-Way Building Supply.

The choice of the topics for the mini-sessions were obviously apt as they were all well-attended and obviously of real dealer interest.

The crowded exhibit areas drew well and a number of exhibitors commented favorably on the new program format that provided one evening and the entire following day for exhibit and product viewing.

Other successful events were the Sunday luncheon composed of a series of concurrent roundtable discussions that elaborated on the topic "The Best Sale I Ever Made." An effective presentation on the contrasts between service and self-selling was made that afternoon by speaker Richard Passage of Green River Community College, Auburn, Wa.

In a time supposedly marked by long-faced pessimism, it was refreshing to many observers to note a spirit of enthusiasm and mutuality of interest present at the convention. The sizeable increase in attendance figures by both conventioneers and exhibitors is ample testimony to the strength and vigor of the industry.

Quick Pitches. Louis Bergstrom, Carol Shires, Margie Olson. (4) Bob Jones, Moderator "Quick Pitches" and Ross Kincaid, WBMA. (5) DeWayne Castel of Federal Business Systems, C.E. "Chuck" Link, Boise Cascade, moderator; Jack Baker, Federal Eusiness Systems, at the Mini Session "lnternal Security". (8) Roger Conrad, Coos Bay, Or.; Brooks Robinson, Great Falls, Mt. (7) Dick Passage, Green River Community College, Auburn, Wa.; on "Self Service and Service Selling". (E) Bill Scates, Fred S. James Co. and Larry Knudsen, Lumbermens of Washington. (9) Newly-elecled v.p. Chuck Shaler, lrrigators Lumber, Caldwell, ld. (10) James C. Hayes, Clayton Morse, Ross Kincaid. (ll) Dr. Roger Carstensen, speaker at the inspirational breakfast. (12) Dave and Pete Sylvester of Seaview, Wa. (13) Joe Orem, pres. Jerry Williams and past pres. M.S. Tarte. (14) Newt King, convention chairman ldan lverson and Elmer Field. (15) Bill Plett, Anchorage, Ak. talking to Ted lgl, Pacific Yard Service. (16) Mrs. Jack Connor drawing for prizes with prize committeeman Rick Williams.