WWPA Early March Meeting

The major issues facing the lumber industry will be among the topics on thc table during the Western Wood Products Association's annual meeting March 4-7 at the Westin St.

Francis Hotel, San Francisco, Ca. Dubbed "Viewpoint 2000," the gathering will include an Issues Forum with the following featured speakers:

. Paul Dodge, v.p., purchasing, Centex Homes ("Building Material Purchasing in Housing");

Jake Kerr, chairman and ceo, Lignum, Ltd. ("U.S./Canada Lumber Agreement: What's Next?");

Bruce Lippke, executive director, Center for International Trade in Forest Products ("Japan, Pacific Rim Wood Trade");

Dr. Eric Belsky, executive director, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University ("Housing in the Future");

. Dr. Ivan Eastin, University of Washington Center for International Trade in Forest Products ("Lumber Substitution in the Marketplace");

Evadna Lynn, editor, World Wood Review ("Financial Challenges Facing Forest Products), and

. Jesse Brand, past chairman, National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, ("Changing Roles for Independent Retailers").

Activities include continental breakfasts, industry and WWPA luncheons, spouse tea and a chairman's reception.

Earnings Rise As Hairs Fall

Louisiana-Pacific chairman and ceo Mark Suwyn gladly made good on a bet last month when the firm doubled its fourth-quarter earnings over the previous year.

Last February, Suwyn told employees that he would shave his head bald if the Portland-based company hit its internal projections. He even enlisted 12 of his top executives in the pledge as well.

When the projections were met, the beaming 57-year-old gladly allowed his blond locks to be shorn while executives and office assistants cheered.

"I must say, the first look in the mirror was a bit of a shock," Suwyn admitted afterwards as he watched a barber shear the remaining heads.

The group then donned shirts that proudly proclaimed them to be "Bold, Bald and Beautiful."