Arizona Convention: 1968

There are a 65reat many ways to measure how business is going to be for the balance of 1968 for the dealers and wholesalers across the W'est.

One of the best, we think, is to count heads at the association conventions, talk to the people, and generally just wet the thumb and stick it into the wind.

We did just that at the Arizona Retail Lumber & Builders Supply Association convention held in Phoenix this spring. Diagnosis: All in all, it is going to be a pretty profitable year. No record setter, maybe, but from all we've seen it sure beats last year. At the same time, we'll bet it doesn't do as well the following year. How's that for sticking your neck oul uh"u,l of time ? )

After a last minute change of venue, the Arizona association ended up "roughing it" in the posh confines of Scottdale's Mountain Shadows resort hotel. (lf vou have to rough it out on the Old Frontler, that's the place to do it.)

The annual lumbermen's golf tournament kicked off the first day's activities on May 9. The list of eventual winners looked like this: Bob Ramsey, Keystone trophy; Ken Thompson and Ray Wells for being honest, George Rothfuss, Howard Snell and

Story qt d Glonce

Sales, profits, computerized advice and need for change seen as association convention draws large attendance for a look into the future.

Leo Meyer tied for third low net; Marvin Setzer, second low net; Bill Bell, Iongest drive; Carl Bastian, nearest the pin; Bill Bell, low gross and low net and Allen Thum tied for low gross and low net; John Brecheisen tied for low gross and also won the Woodpecker.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS I968-69 ARIZONA RETAII I.UMBER AND BUITDERS SUPPIY ASSOCIATION

Presidenl lst Vice President

---Tom Frideno, Phoenix Treosurer -----__..-..--_-,_--Morris Turken, phoenix

-----Som Houerl, Tucson Execufive Vice President --Fronk Dcvis, phoenix

2nd Vice President ,-.....-,.Ace Moson, Phoenix DIRECTORS

Gus Bqrlella, Tucson

Douglos Boyle, Tucson

Williom Dcily, Tucson

Cliff Floyd, Chondler

Dick Pickett. Flogstoft

Eorl Grobe, Globe

Don Lue, Phoenix

Bill Wolker, Phoenix

Chorles Roy, Phoenix

Gil Roymond, Tucson

Nofionol Deoler

Direclor -..---------,-----Lorry Hommon, Phoenix

Ed Gibson, Winslow Morc Schworz, Miomi

Bob Silvey, Phoenix

Roy Spelts, Yumo

Ken Thompson, Phoenix

Roy Wells. Phoenix

Gene York, Scotlsdole

Eqrl Heldt, Phoenix

Jim Borlow, Tucson

Morty Wist, Phoenix

Allernole Deoler Director -.-.-.---..--,-.-..-Chorles Monn, Phenix

Weslern Lumber t Building Moieriols

ARLBSA has a particularly effective looking slate of officers and directors scheduled to carry the duty in'68-'69.

Topping the roster are Tom Fridena as president, Sam Hauerto lst vp., Ace Mason, 2d. vp. and Morris Turken as treasurer. Capable Frank Davis continues in his managerial slot as association executive vice president. (See box lor complete list ol oft,cers and direcnrs,)

The first night saw a crowd of nearly 200 attend the big steak fry at Reata Pass. And when we say big steak we mean just that! Large attendance figures were typical of the whole 47th annual convention. The wind-up banquet drew 280. In all, the convention had an over-all attendance of 3r3.

Keynoter Harold Coons fired ofi the first salvo in the business session with his speech, ooReady-Aim-Sell!" His introduction of new ideas, thinking and the plea for flexibility agreed with afternoon speaker Richard Anderson of the American Plywood Association who said, o'Untapped OpportunitiesUntouched Dollars." William R. Smolkin later described the remarkable, computerized advice service that the Celotex Corp. has for dealers. It is called Profitron. It is an apt illustration of how more and more, dealers will need specialized advice, from whatever the source, if they are to continue to profit in the face of increasing business complexity.

The last day opened with a breakfast session featuring a panel discussion moderated by The Merchant Magazine's editor David Cutler that tackled the theme of the entire c6nv6nlien-"d Look Into Your l'uture."

The remarkably knowledgeable panel, which carried the discussion past the two hour mark, was composed of Joseph Hammond, Armstrong Cork Co.; George Benson, Celotex Corp.; Morris Turken, Thrift Builders Supply; Dean Drake, O'Malley Lumber Co.; Bill Walker, Arizona Box; (Continued on Page 1l )