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by BOB McBRIEN executive vice president of the [umber Merchqnts Associotion of Northern Coliforniq 4546 El Comlno Reol, Sultc 0 [os Altor, Colit.91022 (/tl5) 9,al-1617

fT WILL PROBABLY take another few months to determine the r real outcome of the recent industry Congress held in i7ashington, D.C., but one thing is immediately ceriain, it was a big step in the right direction toward solving some of the ills which have beset our national association in recent years

Northern California was well represented at this important series of meetings by President Art Masters, past-presidents Homer Hayward, Frank Heard and George Adams, and myself. Each of us was given the opportunity to express our sentiments on what we believe the national should do to undertake to help us. as well as what we believe the national shouldn't undertake, but rather leave to the federated associations.

There were I55 dealers in attendance at the meetings. They came from across the country and were well armed with suggestion-s that have been made by individual dealers large and small. From these suggestions, the national will now develop a program and submit it to LMA and other federated associations for adoption or rejection. This is a most important progressive steP'

LMA's officers and members fully believe there is a most important role for the national to play: Iegislation. This feeling was expressed and shared by most others. Research is another role which the national can play to the benefit of all.

NLBMDA President James M. Shedden who addressed our LMA Convention is working extremely hard to revitalize our national and direct its course of events. He has told one and all that the national will provide hard-hitting national representation in Congress. And he is trying to re-structure the group so that its finances can make this possible on a balanced budget.

From time to time, I'll try to bring you more details on what is happening in your behalf as regards the national. But for the moment, rest assured that the problems which simmered for so long have been spilled on the table for all to wipe out. No longer are we overlooking them while running to begin another program which in turn will produce more problems. Prop;ress will be made. .. and you

will benefit*from

it:

Back to the local scene, your LMA officers and directors are continuing to explore additional areas of mutual interest and possible mutual cooperation between LMA and the Lumber and Mill Employers Association. As you know, we have adopted a joint insurance trust covering members of both groups. We are hope- ful that other areas of mutual cooperation can be developed which will benefit members of both organizations through bette, service at less cost. And more about this in upcoming issues. In the meantime, if you are not a member of LMA, think for a minute about the work being done in your behalf through our total in_ dustry efforts and then drop me a note.