FXNE GRAIN DOUGLAS FNR

Sales - Bob Nodon Rich Stratton

Phone: (541)874-2236

FAX (503) 874-2123

Box 7

Oregon 97469

SPECIFIED: DENSE #I, SELECT

Building Permits Slide Nationally

The home building industry suffered a nationwide slowdown during the first three quarters of 1995, with singlefamily building permits declining in24 of the top 25 major markets and 47 of the top 50, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The lone exception to the top 25 market-by-market decline was Atlanta, Ga., which issued 26,886 permits for single-family structures from January through September, a 5.9Vo increase over 1994. The second-largest housing market in the country, Phoenix/Mesa, Az., experienced a 3.5Vo decline in permits.

Of the top 50, 27 markets experienced permit declines of ljVo or more and five, including Sacramento and Orange County, Ca., experienced declines of 2OVo or more.

THE INDUSTRY'S largest hardware cooperatives, Ace Hardware, Cotter & Co. (True Value), Hardware Wholesalers Inc. and Servistar, signed with Catelisl lo support the hardlines induslry database program. Promoted by the American Hardware Manufacturers Association, participating vendors will be able to use the database to produce their printed and elechonic media oroducts.