Western Association News

(Continued from page 23)

Compete with the Big Chains," covering merchandising and pricing strategy. Mike Henning, Henning Family Business Center, Effingham, Il., will cover "Preparing for Management and Ownership Transition in the Family Owned (or Closely Held) Business."

Three roundtable discussions including dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers will be held. Deadline for reservations is April 18.

WBMA Building Material Marketing Course certificates were presented to 26 at the conclusion ofthe l8th class held at the WBMA Learning Resource Center, Olympia, Wa.

Certificates went to Ian Croley, Mir chell Lumber Co.; Daryl DeMills, Marvin Windows; Kristy Funkhouser, Teresa

Home Center Merchant

(Continued from page 22)

Customer Advisory Boards

Organize a consumer panel to keep your finger on the pulse of the marketplace. Watch how last the word spreads that "you care!"

Clinics And Demonstrations

Retailing is show business. Entertain and sell by providing do-it-yourself information with clinics in the evening and demonstrations on the floor during peak selling times.

Welcome Neighbor Promotions

Retain the service ol Welcome Wagon or one olthe other service organizations that greet new move-ins. Offer a

Swick & Associates; Eileen Grimnes, Stouffer, Inc.; Roger Hasper, Bellingham

Sash & Door; Gerry Hiley, Betlingham

Sash & Door; Kris Hislop, Bellingham

Sash & Door; Alan Hogan, Stouffer, Inc.; Kraig Lang, Knoll Lumber; Kirk Larsen, Chinook Lumber; John Leslie, Builders Lumber Supply; Duston Knight, Builders

Lumber Supply; Pat Martin, Van Well Building Supply; Mike McDaniel, Stouffer, Inc.; Rob Palaniuk, Knotl Lumbert

Julie Robinson, Mitahell Lumber Co.; Andrew Romanyshyn, Bellingham Sash & Door; Ron Sather, Thomas Building Center; Craig Shertzer, Thomas Building Center; Michael Stallings, Gerretsen Building Supply; Mike Steinhauer. North Cascade Building Materials; Russ Vance, Gerretsen Building Supply; Dan Varner, Witts' Home Center, Inc.; Mike Watilo, Palmer Lumber, and Paul Weedman, Weedman Lumber.

Instructors were Dick Anderson, free premium for the first time shopper.

Richard E. Anderson Consulting, Inc.; Herman Kleiner, retired, Model Lumber Co.; Norman Sievert, Western Wood Products Association; Rick Tanis, American Plywood Association; Kyle Kincaid, Knoll Lumber Co.; Tim Eggers, Crestline, and Jim Bender, Robinson-Bender & Associates.

Lumber Merchants Association of Northern California will hold a management seminar in conjunction with its 5lst annual convention, May 5-8, at the Doubletree Hotel, Monterey, Ca. (see p. 4l for complete story).

Western Hardwood Association's spring meeting April 25-27 at the Ashland Hills Inn, Ashland, Or., will present a program arranged by Ken Christensen, Humboldt Bay Forest Products, Fields Landing, Ca.

Be Courteous

Just being "nice people" can put you ahead of your competition.

Store Hours

It's simple. lf they're working while you are open and you're closed when they have time to shop, they shop elsewhere.

There are other services that some customers consider important: descriptive signing, clean rest rooms, take home literature, video tape lending library, tying materials, red flags, free cartop carriers, ample floor help. Some of these add expenses, but most have little cost. Management has only to make everyone aware of their commitment.