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Chorles D. leMoster 188l-1967

THE RECENT passing of C. D. "Lee" LeMaster, r 86, of The House of Ancients of Hoo-Hoo International, calls to mind some pretty big footprints in the sands of time.

"Lee" had an amazingly varied career, which is outlined in some detail in our obituary columns. Through it all runs the theme of "high standards of business conduct;" "importance of good forest managementl" "conservation and reforestation," and, not least, "cooperation between all segments of the industry to promote better understanding of industry problems." In this latter respect Lee was well before his time.

His death, however, points up some of the giant strides the forest products industry has recently made towards closer cooperation. No longer a col. lection of disorganized individuals, the industry has, as much through necessity as not, strengthened itself by strong leadership in its various trade associations.

These men have seen to it that creative thinking is provided for staffs which they insist must be several steps above the competence level. This same thinking is much in evidence in individual companies, where research departments are now the rule instead of the exception.

The clash between the old and new has never been better illustrated than in the current standards struggle. No matter how it comes out the industry will know a lot more about itself than it ever has before. Sometimes these unnecessary struggles must be gone through before a complete understanding can be reached.

There is no question in our minds that a new concept of who the customer is, and what the pro. ducer is actually merchandising, is better under. stood than it ever has been is due in part to the discussions, (a polite word), that have accompanied the standards debate.

Other illustrations come to mind, the most recent of which is the cooperative advertising effort of the twelve major associations, who will get much better mileage for their money in 1967. The newly formed, very representative, Forest Products Industry Organization Committee hopefully will soon see the industry organized nationally to speak with one voice on matters of national concern.

Yes, the industry has come a Iong way since Lee LeMaster started preaching the gospel. We are glad he lived long enough to see his preachments begin to bear fruit. We honor his memory. He did much to benefit his friends and associates. Now let's carry on. Lee would like that.

Decision Moking

TN THIS issue we are presenting the second in a r series of articles devoted to the desirability and the problems involved in changing from a contractor [o a consumer-oriented business.

The author of this series is Reed Lawton, a professional management consultant and an old hand in the sticky business of changing a business.

The conversion of your operation is obviously not to be taken without due care and caution. Going consumer can be the salvation for some dealers. but it can just as easily spell ruin for others.

'We have always been enthusiastic about the profit possibiliti,es in consumer selling, but make no mistake, it is an area where poor planning and preparation can quickly mean real trouble.

'We don't mean to talk you out of going consumer, but we do want everyone to make the decision, either for or against, on the basis of good information and with full awareness of the factors involved.