Portland hosts WWPAs 2011 annual meeting

ponrlnNp, On., will play host to the western lumber I. industry for the Western Wood Products Association's 2011 annual meeting on March 14.

More than 200 of the region's top lumber professionals will gather at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Portland. The long-time meeting brings together western lumber c.e.o.s, senior executives, sales and marketing professionals, and quality control managers, as well as wholesalers, retailers, transportation representatives, and others doing business with sawmills.

The meeting offers a unique opportunity for suppliers and others doing business with western lumber mills. Along with a number of social events that allow time for

Binam to Lead WWPA

Western Wood Products Association's board of directors has selected Kevin Binam as the new president and chief executive officer of the lumber hade association.

Binam took over Dec. 1, succeeding Michael O'Halloran, who was to retire after the first of the year.

A 12-year association veteran, Binam has been quality services director since 2008 and oversees lMffPA's lumber grade inspection and quality controlactivities. He also served as economic services director for 10 years and was in charge of the association's business information activities, including statistical reporting and forecasting.

Before joining VVWPA in 1998, Binam held positions at a number of westem mills in lumber grading, quality control, and mill management. He holds a bachelor's degree from Humboldt State University and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

networking, WWPA provides two ways for companies to get their products and services before western lumber professionals: The Exchange Show and event sponsorships.

The WWPA Exchange Show will be held in concert with the chairman's reception on Monday evening, March 4, and will feature tabletop displays for participating companies. A tabletop can be reserved for just $150, or $75 for WWPA Distributor and Service Associates.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available to promote your company to western lumber mills. A number of the meeting events on the schedule are available for sponsorship, with fees ranging from $1,750 to $6,500.

For further information on the WWPA Exchange Show and sponsorships, email your request to info@wwpa.org.

Registration fees are $290 for WWPA members, $350 for WWPA distributor and service associates, and $425 for all others. For those who would like to just network with industry folks, WWPA is offering a special registration for the chairman's reception only on Monday night for $100.

Registration and hotel reservations for the meeting can now be completed online, using links on wwpa.org. The association has secured a small block of rooms at the Embassy Suites, so those needing overnight accommodations are urged to make hotel reservations early. You can call the hotel directly at (503) 279-9OOO. Be sure to mention you are attending the WWPA annual meeting to receive special room pricing.