NNONTANA NtrWS

By R. V. PETERSEI{ executive sectetary

A SIGNIFICANT factor in the 1970 ^ homebuilding program in Mc,ntana was the Farmers Hdrne Administration through its credit services for new homes and home imProvements. FmHA reported last year that half of the substandard housing in the country and half the national housing goal is in the rural areas. (See related. story P. 1l' of this is' sue.)

With vastly increased fun<iing available for 1971, FmHA is gearing up to double its housing services from last year. This should have tremendous significance to most Montana dealers who must reach into rural areas for a substantial part of their sales opportunities.

As of this writing, Montana's 42nd legislative assembly is in full session. Primary concern revolves about consideration and discarding of revenue proposals with exhortatory pressures mounting for sales tax or increased income tax, depending upon the political color of the proponents - gyrations that could well result in a complete impasse on revenue measures.

Meanwhile, a group of MBMDA members from Helena and Great Falls areas converged on a house committee hearing on lien law amendments and was highly instru- mental in helping kill legislation which would have provided major headaches for the dealer. The entire membership owes these dealers a vote of thanks and appreciation.

It seems strange, at this time of year, not to be on the verge of the annual convention. I"or 197I, however, the convention committee is innovating by scheduling for midJune and a resort-type atmosphere. All members are urged to start planning for an interesting session at Glacier Park, June 10-12.

The roster of MBMDA associate members has been extended bY the addition of Robert P. Scilley, Fiberglas Supply & Contracting Division, BiUinss.

With regret we report the tragic death of long-time friend and MBMDA member, L.A. "PollY" Wallace of Great Falls in a highwaY accident. From many years experience as a salesman of building materials and as a lumber-dealer member of MBMDA, Polly was known and respected throughout Montana. ; and in this unfortunate situation they have done an outstanding job. Some lengthened working hours to accommodate their customers.

By WAYNE GARDNER executive vice president

ITEBRUARY 9, l9?1, will be long - remembered in the Los Angeles area. On that day, at 6:00 a.m.' an earthquake of considerable magnitude shook the area, centering its destructive force in and around the community of Sylmar and the town of San Fernando, both located on the north side of the famous San Fer-nando Valley and some 22 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

There are several lumber dealers in the area affected. So far as is known, no structural damage was sustained by any of thern. Most of their buildings are wood frame, but one was housed in an eight year old concrete block building.

The insides of most of the stores were badly affected, with merchandise knocked from the shelves and scattered ovel the floors. Lights were knocked down and standing displays toppled. In one instance a larg:e safe strlftea to a position that prevented opening the front door.

Paint, hardware, doors and upper' grades of lumber were the items which sustained the most damage'

In the yards, lumber Piles were knocke<l over and the contents splead over the yard. Plywood stacks suffered the same fate. High piled lumber and plywood near fences was tipped into the streets and onto the sidewalks. A certain amount of loss was sustained due to breakage. The major loss was in time taken to separate the tangled heaps and restack the lumber properly.

But all the yards were open for' business that day to help the other affected members of the community. Truly, the building material dealer

A number of years ago the lumber association, through its insurance broker', Bayly, Martin & FaY, Inc., introduced a comprehensive business package policy for members. Coverage included fire losses to buildings and inventory, as well as comprehensive liability. It also included an all-floater coverage which includes but is not limited to burglary, robbery, thef,t, glass damage, fidelity losses and transit coverage, which includes damage sulTered to merchandise in transit if the damage is the result of an earthquake.

The coverage does not include damage to structures, etc., caused by earthquakes. Although insurance is available against this type of loss, not many have it because severe earthquakes are not as frequent in occurrence as are severe fires, So it is not considered worthwhile, especially with the deductible clause.

Bur:eau l00d/a average clause earthquake rates are: wood frame buildings-13d per $100 value; stock & equipment-9y' per $100 value.

N6m#ffi'wtr6#"''M

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By ROSS KINCAID executive vice president

A T OUR recently conclud'ed 68th ' ^ annual exposition/convention, "Ike" Parker, our newly elected president' pointed out something we all think is very true. "We are really going to have a great year. We have a plan' one that we think is the best in some years," Ike said.

"We are going to work to increase the number of members, improve our educational and legislative pro- grams. One-day seminars will also be stressed."

Other new officers elected are first vp. Bert Kinzig and second vp. "Chuck" Link,

The following districts elected their directors for 3 years: Alaska-Anchorage, Wilbur Plett, International Building Supplies, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska; Fairbanks, William Brand, Plywood Supply, College, Alaska. Idaho-Boise, Robert G. Linville, Boise Building Supply, Boise, Idaho; southeastern, John Simianer, Bestway Building Center, Boise, Idaho.