TH E SO UTH LAN D

By WAYNE GARDNTR executive vice president

fr REETINGS to all Tlrc Merchan, sub- scribers and readers. This is the first venture into journalism for the Lumber Association. o{ Southern California and perhaps is most fitting and timely since the association is about to embark on some other firsts in its sphere of influence.

In July of 1969 the Lumber Association of Southern California acquired the liter' ature tlat the Wood Information Bureau had been sending to those requesting it' and since that time LASC has endeavored to answer all requests either by phone or mail. Those contacted are now aware that LASC performs the function of an information source for southern California, but many specifiers, designers and users of wood have not been contacted and are not aware of the association's existence.

Starting in May or June, announcements of this service will be carried in those publications reaching that segment of the industry. Other publicity on behalf of the wood and building materials industry will be directed to consumer oriented publications.

Numerous committees of lumbermen function on important projects within the association and one which is new this year is tlle education committee, chaired by Bi[ Tflyland of Pine Tree Lumber Co., Eseondido. Under Bill's guidance a training program for countermen will be started soon, giving new and old employees edu' cation in product knowledge and basic sell' ing skills. Once this program gets under' way, other areas of training will be started for all personnel within the lurnber and building materials operations.

Over the past seven years, much time and energy has been devoted to disserta. tions on the pros and cons of a proposed new standard for lumber. After these many years it appears that the standard will become reality on September 1, 1970. In view of this. a tremendous information and educational efiort must be put in mo' tion to acquaint designers, contractors and particularly retail and wholesale lumbermen with the provisions of VPS 20'70. Although some dependence can be placed on manufacturers, it appears that the LASC will and rightfully should be, the major source of information in southern California, just as any association should be the agency to inform members of the facets of the industry it purports to rePre' sent. This program will be started in southern California by mid-year.

About the time this column is being read, area meetings will start for all members o{ the industry in southern Califor' nia. The subject will be, generally, on prefabricated and modular housing in southern California and the markets it ofiers to rctailers and wholesalers,

At about the same time, some participants in the Workmen's Compensation program of the association will be receiving dividend checks representing their portion of $82,940 the association rcccived from the carrier, through Bayly, Martin & Fay, Inc., insurance brokers. This represents the largest dividend paid to the association in recent years. This is not a new program for members but one that has increased in participants with each year's renewal period.

On May 1, a general membership meeting will be held at Ojai Valley Inn and Country Club, with the program featuring "VPS 20-70 and the Retailer.o'

Aids To Selling lmprovemenls

A homeowner often needs help in visualizing how pleasing and practical an improvement project can beespecially one that rvill give his family more living space. The lumber dealer who's prepareil to fill that need is sure to win his cut of the growing remodeling pie.

Add-A-Room promotions rate a high priority nationally with the wood products industry, and they're designed to pull the homeowner into the store. The sale is then up to the retailer, of course, but the materials maker is at his elbow with a wealth of merchandising aids.

One of the best proven arrays of remodeling sales aids for dealers is the Add-A-Room literature supplied without charge by Western Wood Products Assn. Distribution of the key item, a l6-page color brochure depicting five architect-designed room projects, is nearing the 200,000 mark, mostly through retailers across the nation. Concurrently, more than 90,000 of the foldout plans have been ordered.

A free dealer kit includes idea booklet, plans, envelope stuffers. in store banner, four ad mats, and order forms for TV slides and script. Kit orders may be mailed to Western Wood Products Assn., Dept. MK-10P, Yeon Bldg.. Portland. Ore.97204.