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VERYONE loves a winner . and there are seven new ones in the Sacramento area these days. Six model homes and a striking apartment complex have been selected by the American Wood Council for their outstanding applications of wood in various phases of construction.

As a member of the judging panel, I had the opportunity recently to visit a number of homes in the Sacramento area. For the most part these homes were most impressive. They reflected good design, good floor plans, careful attention to *detailoand g*ood workmanship.

Markets may vary from area to area, but in one approach they usually bear great similarity-if they are successful, they are using new and better products and materials. The Sacramento homes selected for American Wood Council awards certainly fit this description.

More attention is being given to the use of wood siding and wall paneling. More and better-designed cabinets are used throughout the home with carved panel doors for both entries and garages. All of these are evident in the Sacramento award homes. And these products are attracting homebuyers.

The building material dealer's role in creating a better housing market is more important today than it has been in recent years. The successful dealer has found that builders are anxious to use materials which will insure sales. The dealer in most instances has these products, can provide additional services and help the builder in many ways. Naturally, the dealer expects a fair return on his efforts.

As part of the American W'ood Council promotion, there is the definite goal to bring builders and dealers closer together. It's a worthwhile goal and I hopeyou share it.

All the word from Sacramento isn't favorable. however. The much-desired Senate Bill 1310 which would have broueht dealers relief on excess lumber held durins the many -onth. of bad weather has been killed in the Revfnue Taxation Commiftee.

Endorsed by the W'estern Building Material Dealers Association, SB 1310 lacked committee support for fear of precedent on bad weather and secondly because it was termed ooclass action" in that it would help only building materials dealers and not other industries who may also have been hurt by the long rainy season.

Good Guide to Low Income Housing

An excellent plan of attack for the dealer who wants to get into the field of low and moderate income housing is set out in depth in a booklet by the Retail Lumber Dealers Foundation, an offshoot of the Northeastern Retail Lumbermens Assn.

John Dickerman, a long-time housing industry consultant, is the author.

Those interqsted may contact the RLDF, 339 East Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14504.