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by BOB McBRIEN cxecutive vice prerident of the lumber Merchqnls A*ociqtion of Northern Colifornio

p)RESIDENTS of the United States are perhaps the most-quoted ! men in all history, as well they should be for the influence they exert. Often times their words fall on deaf ears, but tfren again, sometimes their uttered beliefs cause man to move in a direction of benefit to his fellow man.

WEtl..llESERYE0 pra is e forthe movers andshakers from Bob McBrien, as he thanks them for a good job.

It's just such a saying by Theodore Roosevelt that comes to mind as I look upon a list of our outgoing officers, ex@utive eommitteemen, board members and committee chbirmen. Tq quote Roosevelt: "Every man owes a part of his time and money to the development of tlle industry in which he is *engaged." *

I feel most certain that whether our out- going leaders have ever seen this quote or not, they share these sentiments. These men have contibuted countless hours to making their industry a better one for all. Ofiten they put themselves completely in the background in order to make decisions that would enhance the future of others.

Not too often, I believe, do we really take the time to appraise the unselfish efiorts of LMA officers, directors and other leaders. Thee men give of both their time and money . many times for dealers who unfortunately take little active part in promoting their industry. Ye! the leaders well realize that the job must be done and they go about doing it in their individual quiet way.

As I write this column many thoughts rush to mind-thoughts and ideas expressed by President Homer Hayward, Vice President Art Masters and otler LMA leaders who have not bee,n content to be named to an ofroe only to rbask in the glory of the ofrce. These men have generated new thinhing among building materials dealers-thinking that has produced new programs, that has helped to change business direction, that has opened new doors to| areas of mutual interest among manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers and others.

None of us lives in a vacuum, although it is mo6t easy to create one if we set our mind to it. We can stew in our own juice, or we can take a new loolc, a progressive look and then get with it. Those who do, those who participate in LMA, thoee who give of their time and talents to help their industry-they are moving ahead. Those who contemplate only what immediately surrounds themthoy are dying whether they realize it*or not.

All of you know,my feelings about LMA and its value to all dealers, but again I believe a President has stated it in a most memorable way. To quote Herbert Hoover: o'They (trade associations) are tle safe guards of small business, and thus prevent the extinction of competition. With wisdom and devotion, their vduntary fo_rces can aceomplish more for our country than any spread of the hand of gwrlrnment." r r

This I believe . as do the many men who have labored so hard and long for LMA and its causes. My hat is ofi to our out going leeders! Thsnks to each of you for a great job well done.