NEWS

CHUCK LINK executive director

THE GENERAL consensus at I the recent national lumber dealers convention in Atlanta, Ga., was ftat '81 would still be sluggish due to the volatility of interest rates, uncertainty of what is going to happen to traditional banking channels and, like it or not. the abilitv of the aut6 industry to rebound.

Almost every speaker said 1982 is the year when it will all break loose and when it does, building material manufacturers and suppliers will not be able, in most cases, to meet the demand. The point stressed over and over was that now is the time to "secure your source of supply." The quality. Customers will find it easy to identify and locate products which are labeled as meeting DOE standards.

"bigs" are reportedly directing their purchasing personnel to make deals now for '82 deliveries. It's a complex picture with a lot of uncertainties, but those who are prepared to react quick- ly will be the greatest benefactors when things do turn around.

A brochure available from the Department of Labor explains a private employer can save thousands of dollars in taxes and employee costs. The Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (TJTC), and the On-The-Job Training (OJT) projects are designed to include financial incentives to businesses who hire new employees. TJIC can provide tax credits of up to $4,500 over two years, if you hire individuals from seven targeted groups. The On-TheJob Training Project can reimburse you up ta 5OVo of the costs for training new employees.

Customers who request a home energy audit-one of the RCS utility services-will be told exactly what types and levels of conservati6n materials thev will need to install to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Customers will also be given a list of firms in their area which sell RCS approved products and materials.

In addition, utilities companies will distibute lists of suppliers, contractors and lenders to interested customers. They will also offer to arrange for the installation and financing of conservation measures by listed firms.

Firms providing lumber and building supplies should find this progmm helptul to them.

It appears these efforts by the Department of Labor are sincerely designed to meet the needs of private industry during the present difficult economic conditions. Minimal paperwork and time are required to take advantage of the incentives.

Be sure your budget and planning for l98l recognize the minimum wage increase from $3.10 to $3.35. FICA increases both ways. The base income limit goes up from $25,900 to $29,700, and the rate increases 6.l%o to 6.657o.

Of interest to Oregon retailers is workers' compensation payroll reporting and the "day-to-day ru1e. " Some employees who are not miscellaneous employees may perform duties directly related to more than one payroll classification. An example is an employee who from time to time interchanges between operations subject to more than one rate classification. When there is such an interchange of labor, the entire payroll of employees who interchange shall be (Please turn to page 46)