Remodeling seminars, the easy way

dates, there will be a lapse during the busy summer months until the fall and winter months when the seminar program resumes. Many dates are still open.

"Understanding Lumber and Plywood" is a professionally prepared program that is presented in the sponsoring dealer's name by a team of expert representatives of the wood products industry. It provides an opportunity for the building materials retailer to do something about the company's reputationor lack of sameas the supply headquarters in the local market.

ATTBACTIVE invitation is orovided to retailers sponsoring seminars lor remodelers. Response t0 these personalized invitations has been very good.

-OING all the things necessary

Yto arranging and staging a seminar for professional remodelers is a time-consuming task for a retailer. But it's the program content, how it is organized and presented, that determines whether the seminar is successful or not.

Now, with the help of the Wood Products Promotion Council, building material dealers can sponsor a complete lumber and plywood seminar that's specially designed for builders and remodelers. The program has been drawing good attendances and rave notices wherever it has been held. One participant in a recent seminar even went so far as to suggest that it be an annual presentation.

If the WPPC seminar has been so successful, you might be thinking that you're already too late, that there are no more openings on the 1985 program schedule. Not so. After the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, through its regional and state associations, mailed announcements to 17,000 dealers early this year, a number of seminars were held this spring. After a few May

The seminar covers the basic skills and information the remodeling contractor needs in dealing with designers, suppliers and clients when specifying, purchasing and using wood construction systems.

The program is especially helpful to those who find lumber grades and grading systems confusing. They also learn how seasoning can affect lumber. Specialty products, such as siding, paneling and treated lumber, are covered in detail, as well as discussions of structural basics, including joists and rafter spans and span-measuring techniques. A structural panel presentation helps take the guesswork out of material selection and application.

A great deal of ground is covered during the 5%-hour program which utilizes audio-visual presentations and hands-on design examples. Attendees are afforded ample time to ask ques-

Story at a Glance

The industry umbrella group, WPPC provides invitations, teaching team, sludy malerials ...compfete SVz hour program lor remodelers and builders... modest cost to dealer.

W00D PR0DUCTS seminars orovide ideal method of communication because they get the undivided attention ol participants, providing opportunities for hands-on, "shirtsleeve" work sessions. tions. Each participant leaves the seminar carrying a complete reference binder of wood products information and design aids.

While the seminar is a promotional endeavor of the Wood Products Promotion Council in cooperation with NLBMDA, it is presented by a team of specially trained representatives of the American Plywood Association, the Southern Forest Products Association. and the Western Wood Products Association. all members of the WPPC.

Because "someone has to take charge," the various WPPC association members take turns in assuming the lead responsibility for programs undertaken byWPPC. WWPA has the lead responsibility for the planning, developing and scheduling of 1985 seminars for remodeling contractors.

Present plans call for another NLBMDA mailing this fall to building material retailers. Since programs will be scheduled and meeting dates will be assigned on a first+ome, first-served basis, dealers who respond early will have the best chance of sponsoring seminars and getting their desired dates. According to Vic Riolo, WWPA field services manager, as many as 50 seminars will be scheduled for the fall and winter season. "We

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Computer Custom Designs Kitchen

Designing a new or remodeled kitchen can be a matter of minutes rather than days for the homeowner using the Comp-U-Kitchens computer design service being tested by Wickes Lumber in seven locations across the country.

Wilmington, N.C., College Park, Ga., New Braunfels, Tx., Baton Rouge, La., Bakersfield, Ca., Endicott, N.Y., and Exton, Pa., stores have been testing the design system for about nine months. Future plans call for expanding the service to most other major markets throughout the country.

Comp-U-Kitchens enables homeowners to select from a variety of cabinet sizes and styles and then position them to accommodate appliances, sink, doors and windows. Modifications can be made instantly in the store with the assistance of a Wickes sales professional if the initial floor plan does not meet the exact requirements of homeowners.

A detailed floor plan, an elevation drawing showing actual selected cabinet style and an itemized printout with a complete list of all cabinets and accessories required along with current pricing for the materials are included in the package.

According to Wickes Lumber, Comp-U-Kitchens can save homeowners $50 to $100 in design fees and a week in production time for drawings when compared to services typically offered by custom kitchen dealers.

To begin, homeowners receive a six-page worksheet of instructions for measuring all kitchen components. Included is a sample sketch of the step-by-step sequence of eight calculations needed to assure that all cabinets and appliances are precisely fitted into the kitchen.

The worksheet also offers advice on laying out the kitchen efficiently, how to position the sink, range and oven for maximum safety, how to insure that doors do not conflict with work areas, and help on using all corners so there is no wasted space.

After homeowners measure all components, including doors and windows and the direction of the door-swings, the figures are entered onto a graph and fed into the computer. In minutes, an accurate floor plan and detailed elevation drawing of the selected cabinet style is ready. The computer also can show how any one of six other cabinet stvles will look in a new kitchen.

"Depending on how elaborate the kitchen will be, or how many changes are entered into the computer, it is not unusual for homeowners to have a customdesigned kitchen completed in less than 30 minutes," said John R. Wicks, merchandise manager of kitchens, baths and appliances for Wickes Lumber. "Changes can be seen immediately. Being able to see what the kitchen will look like gives homeowners confidence that they have made the right decision before leaving the store."

75 Years of Wood Products Research

A celebration at the Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wi., June 3 and 4, will recognize 75 years of wood products research and provide a glimpse of future opportunities.

Founded in l9l0 on the University of Wisconsin carnpus, the laboratory serves as the national center for wood utilization research. Early research at the laboratory helped establish American industries producing lumber, structural beams, plywood, particleboard and wood furniture as well as pulp and paper.

Glulam timbers were one of their pioneering efforts. In the early '30s, they worked to develop timber lamination, building experimental arches and testing them in their laboratories. In addition, they maintained a close watch over the first commercial application of structural glulam timber in the United States at Peshtigo, Wi. (see photo) Their work was an incentive for the acceptance and application of structural glued laminated timber by the building industry.

Today, FPL is still seeking new ways to use wood wisely and effectively. They are increasing the understanding of wood and its use as an engineering and industrial material and as a source of chemicals and fiber. New concepts for processing and protecting wood are being researched. Economic principles are being extended to provide a basis for technological decisionmaking, all aimed at meeting tomorrow's need for wood through sound, economic resource use.