NAWLA programs help i ndustry survivors thrive

tTt"a wHoLESALE LUMBER INDUSTRY

I- has undergone transformative change over tf,e last few years. It seems, however, that the economy is finally recovering, if slowly. It won't be the same as before, and companies will need to position themselves to succeed.

At this point, a company that made it through the recession is leaner, more efficient, and operating at lower cost. Normally, those improvements would give a company an edge over its competitors. This time, however, almost every other company has gone through the exact same improvements at the same time. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made it. This means that companies will have to work ever harder since their competition is stronger too. This is where the programs offered by the North American Wholesale Lumber Association can help the industry.

Webinars & Distance Learning

Since so much in the industry has changed lately, NAWLA has recognized that its members and the industry are looking for ways to learn about current issues. In 2010, NAWLA recognized this and for the first time focused its education programs around four pressing topics: finance and credit availability, green building, workforce training, and the global supply chain.

"We took a hard look at what we were providing our members and decided we want to get ahead of the curve," says Gary Vitale, president and c.e.o. of NAWLA. "The industry is hungry to learn about specific topics that impact operations and our education program is now designed to provide that."

NAWLA says its webinars have been particularly effective lately, as companies have cut back both their travel and training budgets. "The webinars allow employees to get the information they need without having the time and expense of an onsite program," Vitale says. "It also has enabled companies to have multiple employees attend, which always helps with the takeaways and long-term implementation of the knowledge."

Over the last year, NAWLA's webinar topics have included credit availability. China's economic surge. the softwood checkoff, and new trucking regulations. NAWLA is already building on this foundation by hosting a webinar on May 19 with an economic forecast by Lynn Michaelis of RISI. Other topics in development include updates on China, transportation, and more green building.

"We are particularly looking at the trucking industry. With the new safety regulations and the price of gas, the lumber distribution industry could see a substantial impact," says Vitale.

Right Information at the Right Time

The industry is moving fast and so is NAWLA, to make sure you keep up with it. Today, information moves at the speed of the Internet, but companies don't always have the time to look for relevant issues. Companies looking for fresh, innovative, and relevant information can turn to NAWLA for help.

The lumber industry encompasses many business types, from manufacturers to distributors to service providers. But they all have two things in common: they are generally focused on lumber products and they all have to manage a business operation.

NAWLA is in the process of providing in-depth, detailed reports on a

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Vitale notes that these reports will address issues affecting both the lumber industry and small businesses. The first two topics will be the dramatic increase in China's demand for wood fiber and the impact of California's Cap & Trade Program. Future papers will include economic reports, business practices, and legislative reports.

"The inclusion of legislative reports may surprise some people, but those have a major impact on how we all do our business," says Vitale. "For example, how many people in the industry know that the current administration has proposed to eliminate LIFO (Last In First Out) accounting practices?"

NAWLA has indicated that they aren't trying to influence legislation and regulation, only to inform its members of what they need to know. NAWLA has long been a member of the National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors, and it uses that resource for much of its information.

Workforce Development

A company is only as strong as its employees. With the lumber industry undergoing so much change, NAWLA is building on its strong foundation of workforce development to meet the needs of the industry.

For decades, the Wood Basics Course has been the flagship education course in the industry. Many of today's leaders got their start there, and companies continue to send new employees to learn how the industry works.

NAWLA offered the Wood Basics Course in March 20ll at Mississippi State University, the first time in years that it was held in the Southeast. The class was one more step in the growing partnership between NAWLA and the College of Forest Resources at MSU. In May, the school will host the first-ever career exploration workshop for the NAWLA Education Foundation.

includes perspectives unique to the region, and by increasing our presence in the Southeastern U.S., we can better meet the needs of the industry and our members there," says Vitale.

The next Wood Basics Course will be held at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Or., Sept. 12-15, and registration has already opened.

While the Wood Basics Course offers introductory education on the lumber industry, NAWLA has recently recognized the need for a next level of training. One idea they are considering is to create a second level lumber and management education program, which would create another layer of management training to the basic curriculum.

"This possible new course will target managers who are already familiar with the industry. The focus won't be production and sales, but distribution and operation," says Vitale.

Global Networking

Export Council and the American Hardwood Export Council. By being a member of both organizations, NAWLA hopes to provide its members with the tools they need to succeed in the global marketplace.

"Our membership in SEC and AHEC is already paying dividends. Last year, nine countries were represented at Traders Market, from four different continents," Vitale says. "This year, in conjunction with SEC and AHEC, we've already met with companies from China, BraziI, Pakistan and the Mid-East about attending the show in Las Vegas."

The 2011 Traders Market will be in Las Vegas Oct. 19-21 at the Mirage Resort & Casino. Registration has already opened, and NAWLA says that the number of exhibiting companies registered is outpacing the last few years. The addition of more global buyers and suppliers to an already strong show should increase its value to everyone attending.

NAWLA is probably best known The industry has changed the last for creating networking opportunities few years, and so has NAWLA. for its members. Companies know Companies looking to find that extra they can go to NAWLA to learn more edge should consider what NAWLA about national and regional network- has to offer. Their established educaing, but they can now use their mem- tion, networking, and information probership to help with global networks. grams can often make the difference.

NAWLA members are involved in both export and import activities, and detailed information on the serc€rrry a variety or p-ao"tr.' ;;;;;; uices and prosrams offered bv the North NAWLA becomelhe *iv

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