liibhrh

"I can still make a fairly decent living; the big box stores haven't killed me. But to do that, I'd have to lay off another employee, and I'm already working 70 hours a week. I'm getting tired."

- Leo Reilly, as he winds down 72-year-old Main Street Luntber Yorba Linda, Ca.

Railroad Giants To Merge

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. and Canadian National Railway Co. have agreed to combine their rail systems.

The $6 billion merger will create North America's largest line, hauling cargo such as forest products and petrochemicals fiom Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Los Angeles, Ca., and from Vancouver, 8.C., to the Gulf of Mexico.

Though officials said the deal would create more direct service by eliminating handoffs, skepticism among rail customers abounds due to recent acquisitions that led to delays and freight tie-up.

While the deal is being billed as a no-premium merger of equals, the majority of the new company's board members will be Canadian, as will its top executives.

Likewise, the firm's headquarters rnust remain in Montreal, according to Canadian privatization laws.

Activist Gets Pastry Pasting

The Biotic Baking Brigade has struck again. In a scene right out of a Three Stooges comedy, a brigade member disrupted a meeting on logging restrictions befbre the Santa Cruz, Ca., County Board of Supervisors by throwing a pie at former Greenpeace activist, Dr. Patrick Moore.

Moore was speaking on behalf of Big Creek Lumber Co., Davenport, Ca., when a brigade member called him a traitor, and pelted him with a pie.

After a brief scuffle, the pie-throw-

Western Red Cedar

er, who identified himself as "Sequoia Berry," got away before deputies could arrest him.

The county supervisors were discussing a plan to place more severe restrictions on logging in Santa Cruz County.

Protester Leaves Tree

After two-plus years atop an 18story-high perch, tree sitter Julia "Butterfly" Hill reached an agreement with Pacific Lumber Co., Scotia, Ca., to come down from an old growth redwood.

According to the agreement, Hill and her supporters will pay Palco $50,000 for lost logging revenue. In return, the firm will spare Hill's tree and 2.9 acres around it, plus give the money to Humboldt State for forestry studies.

"We have reached this preservation agreement in order to end this controversy and focus positive public attention on Pacific Lumber's real commitment to the environment. the community, and job preservation," said John Campbell, Palco's president and ceo. "We are reaching out to the environmental community with an out-

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Oregon Sham Man Must Pay

A recent Oregon fraud case illustrates why law-abiding lumber professionals must take adequate precautions for their own protection.

In October, a Lane County Circuit Court judge awarded Empire Wholesale Lumber Co., Akron, Oh., a $253.258.1 3 judgment against Benjamin R. Meyers of Eugene.

The case began in August 1993 when Meyers' now defunct Meyers Lumber Sales, Inc., Eugene, began brokering lumber for Empire, according to Empire attorney Gregory E. Veralrud. Under terms of the agreement, Empire would purchase lumber for Meyers' firm to remanufacture and sell, with both companies dividing the profits and losses.

Beginning in April 1994, however, Veralrud says, Meyers started to fraudulently conceal sales by creating his own customer invoices and factoring them through Eugene Forest Products Inc., without disclosing Empire's interest in the wood. To disguise his ruse, Meyers repeatedly told Empire that the wood wasn't selling due to poor market conditions.

Thanks to a tip from another local broker, Empire confronted Meyers in September 1995 and he confessed. When Meyers farled to repay Empire as promised, the firm filed a complaint. In turn, Meyers flled the first of a series of bankruptcies, according to Veralrud.

The case went to trial in September 1999, where it was soon discovered that Meyers had multiple bad check and felony theft-related convictions, and had served time in jail in the 1980s.

After extcnsive testimony from lumber professionals who complained of financial losses from doing business with Meyers, the defendant was found guilty of product theft, fraudulently entering into a business relationship, and misrepresenting sales figures and profit margins. In addition, he was denied fiom seeking bankruptcy, Veralrud says.

While Eugene Forest Products was ignorant of Empire's interest in the wood products and invoices, the firm was advised by the judge to take the steps necessary to create and perfect a security interest in accounts required by the UCC.

"These legal proceedings have involved a great deal of energy and expense over the past four years," said Harvey Graves, Empire Wholesale's ceo. "It was clear to us that Meyers had stolen from us, and it is indeed gratilying to have the court agree. We were determined that Meyers should not be able to further manipulate the bankruptcy system by using countless delaying tactics, at taxpayers' expense, to avoid responsibility for his wrongful actions."

Worker Seriously Hurt ln Fall

A construction worker cleaning the roof of Home Depot, Twin Falls, Id., suffered serious injuries after plummeting 27 feet to the concrete f'loor below.

Dudley Jacobs, 28, suffered head, chest and abdominal iniuries in the Nov. 16 incident.

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Palco Gets New License

The California Forestry Department approved a two-year logging license for Pacific Lumber Co., Scotia, Ca., in a conditional agreement that lets state officials inspect harvest areas without warning.

Jim Branham, Palco's director of government relations, said the license also contains additional conditions, including allowing forestry officials to attend private company harvest meetings. "They basically have access to our timberlands any time they like and notice beyond what is required of other companies when we are having harvest meetings," he said.

The agreement covers about 200.000 acres Palco owns in Northern California, and stems from a variety of logging violations over the past few years, according to Branham. He added that the firm received 12 violations from the forestry department in 1999. 49 violations in 1998 and 126

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,'SPECIALIZING IN WESTERN RED CEDAR" violations in 1997.

According to Branham, however, the firm's improvement in the past few years led the state to grant the license, which is required to cut trees in the state and will be reviewed at the end the year.

"The department said that compliance had improved substantially since 1997," he said, adding that the agreement also gives forestry officials keys to the company's gates to provide inspectors access to the property at any time. It also makes the company liable for triple penalties for cutting timber in the no-cut zone and requires data to be provided pertaining to threatened wildlife.

Depot Unveils New Programs

In order to keep same-store sales growing as its store count grows exponentially, Home Depot has unveiled its latest growth plans, including:

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.'SPECIALIZING IN WESTERN RED CEDAR'' r In-store tool rental centers, which have proved popular--especially with contractors-in a 150-store test, will be increased to about 400 locations. o More proprietary products will be introduced to differentiate the chain from such competitors as Sears and Lowe's. One new brand, RoboHammer. is a shock-absorbent hammer with a custom grip for either hand. r Home improvement loans, now being tested at 60 stores, will be offered at all U.S. stores next year. Two unidentified lenders will provide shoppers with unsecured credit lines up to $20,000. The origination fees go to Depot, along with the possibility of selling homeowners higher priced projects. whatever it takes. rat's a commitment we've made to Willamette customers for the tter part of a century and that's not going to change. Tell you why. rving loyal partnerships is what we value most. Everything it takes deliver products of consistent quality-traditional and engineered rod-is a Willametle priority. As it should be. Because the customers r work with every day depend on this quality standard to do their rs well. After all, they have a vested interest. Which is why making pital investments in our plants, keeping pace with new product rvelopment, and responsibly managing our forest resources are s0 rp0rtant to the job we do now and in the future. lt's a team effort, rd one we're mighty proud of. lf you'd like to know more, call us at 800-887-0748 ext. 100 or visit us at www.wii.conr.

. By the end of next year, most stores will carry major appliances through partnerships with Whirlpool and General Electric.

Ron Hanson and Dave Yeazell are trading commodities for new wholesaler Pelican Bay Forest Products, Bend, Or. Dave Scott and Sherman Kirchmeier are trading industrials. Guillermo Sanchez has opened an office in Chile.

Grant Sparkes is new to Southern California sales at J.H. Baxter Wood Preserving, San Mateo, Ca.

Charlie Montjoy has been promoted to co-mgr. of 84 Lumber, Rock Springs, Wy.

Butch Abbott. ex-Northwest Wood Specialties, is now with Medallion Millwork, Marysville, Ca.

John Taylor, ex-Weyerhaeuser Co., is new to Louisiana-Pacific as a business development mgr. for siding products.

Jeff Lassle, ex-North Pacific Lumber, and Rick Caudillo, ex-MFP, are now with Western International Forest Products. Portland, Or.

Stu Stewart, ex-MacMillan Bloedel, is now an outside sales representative for International Wood Products. Clackamas, Or. Nolan Chard is new to engineered wood products.

Roy Springer has been promoted to assistant mgr. of Lumbermen's Building Center, Hermiston, Or. Charles Graves is now yard supervisor in McCall, Id.

Pam Barrett is new to inside sales at Landmark Building Products, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. Erica Kell is new to sales at Tri-State Laminating, a subsidiary. Amanda Duke, 19, daughter of Lance Duke, has qualified for a National Hot Rod Association super comp. fuel dragster license. At 155 mph, she recorded one of the fastest times during the strict qualifying trials.

Jeffrey A. Fantozzi has been named secretary/mgr. of the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau, Bellevue, Wa., succeeding George Thompson, who has retired after 44 years in the industry, the last 23 as PLIB mgr. Charles Jourdain, v,p. oftechnical and inspection services, Redwood Inspection Service, Novato, Ca., replaces Thompson as chairman of the American Lumber Standard Committee Enforcement Subcommittee.

Kirk Knapp has joined 8-unit City Mill Co., Honolulu, Hi,, as gen. mgr.

Ernest T. Klinger has been elected to the board of HomeBase Inc., Irvine, Ca. David Lucchetti, Pabco Roofing-Pacific Coast Building Products, Sacramento, Ca., has been elected president of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, succeeding Bartley E. Roggensack, Jr., Johns Manville Corp., Denver, Co., who will continue to serve on the board and executive committee.

Mike Moseby has opened a Redmond, Wa., office for Talpx.

Rene Harris is now with High Desert Millwork, Bend, Or.

Patty Gillcash has been named an accounting/membership assistant for the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau.

Elizabeth A. Nickels, chief financial officer, Universal Forest Products, will resign Jan. 19 to become chief financial officer of Herman Miller Inc. Michael R. Cole, director of finance and treasury, has been named v.p. of finance and actins c.f.o.

Neil Hastie has been promoted to chief information of Ucer of TruServ Corp.

Michael Nicholson, All Coast Forest Products, Chino, Ca., was elected president of the Inland Empire Hoo-Hoo Club. Rodger Morris, Mendocino Forest Products, Riverside, Ca., is v.p., and David Tait, Nichols Lumber Co., Baldwin Park, Ca., is secretary/treasurer. Directors: Ed Russell, Jim Maddox, Tony Campbell, Mendocino Forest Products; Kelly Lyon, Capital Lumber Co., Chino. and Mike Miller, Las Plumas Lumber & Truss Co.. Riverside.

Rich Gutermuth, ex-Triad/CSD, has been appointed director of national accounts and sales mgr. for the Southeastern region for Spruce Computer Systems.

Dr. Dennis Dykstra, president of the World Forestry Center, Portland, Or., and chairman of the Tropical Forest Foundation, will keynote the International Wood Products Association's annual convention April 26-29 in Tucson, Az.

Joseph Hums, Mikron lndustries, Kent, Wa., has been appointed regional sales mgr. for the South Central and Southeastern regions.

Yvonne A. McKinlay has been appointed senior v.p. and president of Norbord Industries Inc./Nextbr's building materials business division.

Gary Baldwin has been named membership director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

James C. Benney, ex-Primary Glass Manufacturers Council, was nirmed director of education tbr the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Russell K. Snyder has been named executive v.p. of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, succeeding Richard D. Snyder, who is retiring after 20 years.

Mike Steager, Sacramento, Ca., received the Top Cun of the Quarter Award from Trus Joist MacMillan.

Bev Sperry is working on a promotional brochure that describes the history, purposes and goals of the National Hoo-Hoo-Ette Club.

Lauren Order has been appointed chief of security at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., succeeding Carey A, Gunn, who was fired, according to owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

Ace Opens Prototype Store

Ushering in the 2lst Century, Ace Hardware unveiled its new prototype "Store 21" in Longview, Wa.

Developed by a core team of Ace managers, multi-store Ace retailers and consultants, the 24,000-sq. ft. store features the standard product assortment. as well as unique merchandise and services previously unavailable in a mid-sized hardware store.

The emphasis is on convenience, selection and information. Store 21, also known as "Your Neighborhood Solutions Place," includes an outdoor garden center with greenhouse and extensive service area, plus a mutltimedia solutions center at the back of the store. Near the center of the store is an area dedicated to presenting product demonstrations, seminars and workshops.

Products are grouped according to how consumers use them rather than by price or product classification. "In-store signage with titles such as 'Water Works' for plumbing prod- ucts, 'Colorful World' for decorating supplies and sundries, and 'Home Shoppe' for housewares and gifts illustrate some of the groupings that comprise the Store 2l layout," says v.p. of merchandising Ray Griffith.

Customers entering the store are greeted by a store representative who will politely ask if they may direct them to a store area or help with any questions. Interlinked by radio headsets, staff can communicate and relay customers to the appropriate aisle or area, where another team member will be waiting to assist them.

The next Store 2l opens later this year in Highlands Ranch (Denver), Co.

Humboldt Crab Feed Filling Up

The 28th annual Humboldt Hoo-Hoo Crab Feed is set for Jan. 2O at the historic Eureka Inn. Eureka. Ca. Seating for dinner at the always-packed event is limited to 310. For more information, call (707) 268-3082.

As in previous years, the Black Bart Hoo-Hoo Club will precede the crab feed with its annual Industry Night Jan. 19 at the Broiler Steak House, Redwood Valley, Ca.

Demo Home Peeks Behind Walls

Building quality, safe, cost-effective homes using engineered wood and innovative construction technology is the subject of a comprehensive educational demonstration project at the International Builders' Show Jan. 14-17 in Dallas.

The project-being promoted as the "Behind the Walls House"-showcases building materials and systems and details installation guidelines for products normally hidden when a show home is on display. The 2,000-sq. ft., two- story open-wall demonstration home will be built in the parking lot adjacent to the main entrance to the Dallas Convention Center.

Project co-sponsors include APA-The Engineered Wood Association and the Structural Insulated Panel Association. Products used include wood I-joists, glulams, LVL, premanufactured building systems, structural insulated panels, plywood, OSB, composite siding and trim, and wood windows and doors.

"Our members' engineered wood products are critical to the strength, safety and durability ofa structure, but they are hidden behind the walls, floor and roof of a finished home," said Dennis Hardman, APA v.p. of mktg. "This demonstration allows us to show builders proper application techniques and innovative building practices, systems and products in a full scale, real-life situation."

Presentations are scheduled throughout the four-day National Association of Home Builders event to highlight many of the design and construction considerations when using building systems and engineered wood products.

The house will be a marriage of open wall panels (with 2x6 framing) and structural insulated panels. The first floor, first floor walls and second floor walls are panelized by American Standard Building Systems, Martinsville, Va. The second level walls and roof use structural insulated panels from the Structural Insulated Panel Association.

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Hayward Lumber's Family Ties

Hayward Lumber Co., Monterey, Ca., celebrated its 80th anniversary by throwing a big bash, complete with wild animals, lumberjack shows, music, food and drinks.

The generous shindig that the six-location firm treated its 289 employees to is another example of why the company has prospered since its humble beginnings in nearby Salinas in 1919.

From the start, founder Homer T. Hayward treated his employees as if they were f'amily, believing all concerned would profit from such trust.

Four generations later, the firm boasts yards in Salinas, Pacific Grove, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz and Santa Maria, Ca., and great-grandson/president and ceo, William E. "BilI" Hayward, continues to put tremendous faith in his employees. "We've always felt as if we are a family business," he said. "We try and take care of people and run it that way. I've taken genuine care to make that a principal focus of the company."

Hayward isn't just issuing lip service. Last year, the firm increased wages and made significant improvements to employee health care and retirement benefits.

HomeBase Must Pay Back Rent

HomeBase has been ordered to pay a former landlord $135,000 in back rent (see Dec., p. 26).

The landlord accused the retailer of underpaying rent for two-and-a-half months after closing its Fullerton, Ca., store. HomeBase countered that it wasn't obligated to pay full rent if occupancy at the retail center fell below 62.5Vo. But the judge ruled that the center's occupancy fell below the level due to HomeBase's closure.

READY FOR ACTION: ldaho Lumberman Pens Book

Bud Filler, co-owner and president, Filler King Co. and Jump Creek Lumber Co., Homedale, Id., has written a book about his days as a smokejumper for the U.S. Forest Service.

Two-Man Sticl< covers the years between 1952-1956 when this controversial method of fighting forest fires was in its infancy. Smokejumping involved dropping men from the skies by parachute to get to ablaze while it was still small. While such operations were dangerous, jumpers have been credited with saving large tracts of inaccessible Western timberlands.

Uorres

Patrick North Peterson. 49. an outside sales representative for Sauder Moulding, Inc., Renton, Wa., died of cardiac arrest Sept. I l, 1999 in Kingston, Wa.

A native of Seattle, Wa., he began his career in the industry with James Lumber Co., Poulsbo, Wa.

In 1987, he became an inside sales representative for Lumber Supply, the former name of Sauder Moulding. He also was a skilled carpenter.

Phil Glenn. 83. a consultant lbr Hammer Lumber Co., Eugene, Or., died Dec. 3, 1999.

He retired from International Paper in 1976 and began working for Hammer Lumber in 1981.

He was an industry veteran of over 50 years.

according to Filler.

The 190-p. hardcover book features many colorful and exciting stories, as well as several photos of Filler's fellow jumpers and the blazes they fought.

"The best part of my life was spent smokejumping," he admits. "All other adventures pale into insignificance."

The book is $25 plus $4 shipping from Burning Mountain Press, Box 45534, Boise, Id. 83711.

Weyerhaeuser lrons Out Suit

Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wa., settled a $105 million multi-state class-action suit filed asainst a roof- ing products company owned by its recently acquired MacMillan Bloedel Lrd.

Big W resolved claims with plaintiffs in 39 states over defective products manufactured by American Cemwood Corp, Albany, Or., which was acquired by MacMillan Bloedel in 1993. The settlement has no effect on the class-action suit filed in Colorado.

Separately, Weyerhaeuer said it has received f'ederal antitrust approval for its planned $720 million acquisition of all outstanding shares of TJ International, Boise, Id. (see Dec., p. 62). Tt:,e deal is anticipated to close early this year.

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