Hardwood distributors break tradition

E OR the first time in its long his- F to.y, the Pacific Coast W-hoiesale Hardwood Distributors Association elected a woman president.

Shirley Reel, Reel Lumber Service, Anaheim, Ca., won the top spot at the 69th annual convention. Lynn Monthaven, Lane Stanton Vance Lumber, City of Industry, Ca., is lst v.p.; Jim Frost, FrostHardwood, SanDiego, Ca., 2nd v.p., and Joe Long, J. E. Higgins Lumber, Concord, Ca., secretary-treasurer. Jim Price, Emerson Hardwood, Portland, Or., is secretary-treasurer designate. Directors: Brent Mullen, Peter Hall, Hal Kerry, Joe Cortese, John Fahs, Pat Ahern and Gordon Reimer.

Guest speaker "Pete" Petersen, Columbia Plywood, said that while market conditions had improved since last year, supply was a serious and very real problem. He noted his firm has had to import spruce from Canada as raw material for some of their panels. "The key to the situation is availability," Petersen said.

A major feature of the convention is the sectional reports, presented this year by eight members from various westem areas of the PCWHDA. Gordon Reimer, Reimer Hardwoods, Ltd., described western Canadian market conditions as mixed, marked by bad debts, slow receivables and decreased margins. Red oak is the most popular species, with poplar filling in for pine and hemlock, due to shortages.

The Washingtonreport was by Rick Burrows, Plywood Tacoma, Tacoma, Wa., who said they were encouraged by improving business conditions throughout the state, especially in the tri-cities area. Financial controls have

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Etoryat a Glance

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Conditions in Oregon were described by Jeff Wirkkala, Hardwood Industries, who said "market growth had been eaten up by increased competition, some from softwood people invading traditional hardwood areas. Collections were the worst in our 10 yearhistory, but we did better than most."

A write-in report from Higgins' Joe Long characterized the Northem California market as very poor with sales off IO% -2O% and credit tough. He foresees late l992learly 1993 before better times return.

Shirley Reel said Orange County, Ca., sales were slightlybetter than 1991, but spotty, with smaller orders, fierce competition, more just-in-time deliveries, a trend to lighter woods, supply problems and formerly good customers falling into slow or no pay categories.

"Bud" Baker, BakerHardwood, San Diego, was hopeful his local market had bottomed out and that 1992 and into 1993 would see a gradual recovery. "It's our worst recession since the 1930s," Baker said. Remodeling was the only bright spot; commercial real estate loans are difficult to secure.

It will be early 1993 before the Los Angeles market get appreciably better, Lynn Monthaven told the group. Cabinet shops have been severely affected with office furniture operations off 50%-60%. Maple and cherry are hot species, with supply short and prices rising. He noted as did others, the increasing burden of government regulations.

The Arizona market was described by Jim Spellman, Spellman Hardwoods, Phoenix, as steady, with bankers inhibiting growth. Lighter woods are enjoying greater popularity, customers are very demanding, collections are not too bad and more cash business is being done.

The convention was held at the Kaluakoi Resort on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, March 15-18. Next year's 70th annual will be at Meadowood, St. Helena, Ca., April 4-6.

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HAWAIIAN hiatus:(1) Don & Dorothy Reel, Jim Caldwell, Shirley & Gayle Reel, Albert Gualardo, Doreen Reel. (2) jim & Anne Spellman, Gil Reel. (3) Dorothy & Al Frost, grandchildren Kayla, Nick & Ryan Frost. (4) Susan & Pat Ahern, Francoise & Hal Keny. (5) Jack & Lowell

Butson. (6) Diane & Gordon Reimer. (4 Betzy & Bud Baker. (8) Jaynie & Jeff Wirkkala. (9) Suzanne & Jim Price, Dian & Rick Bunows. (10) Kim & Jim Frosl. (11) Pete & Barbara Petgrsen. (12) Jason, Judy, Michael, Brent & Tyler Mullen. (13) Lynn & Anne Monthaven.