Hardwood Distributors' Forecast

The Pacific Coast Wholesale Hardwood Distributors Association convened in the Arizona desert for its 72nd annual convention.

During the sectional reports on western business conditions. Gordon Reimer, Reimer Hardwoods Ltd., reported that Canadian business was unchanged from last year, but remained very competitive.

Hal Kerry, Brady International Hardwoods, Renton, Wa., said a2.3%o population growth was fueling Washington's economy while profit margins continued to shrink due to intense competition.

According to Peter Hall, Lumber Products, Portland, Or., while residential starts slumped l5Vo in 1994, Oregon's commercial building soared. He foresees a 5-6Vo increase in business in 1995.

Competition remained fierce in Northern California, said Joe Long, J.E. Higgins Lumber, Concord, Ca., with sales strong and optimism high.

Lynn Monthaven, Lane Stanton Vance Lumber Co., City of Industry, Ca., said increased sales were achieved in Los Angeles County, especially in the office furniture, home center and kitchen cabinet businesses.

ANNUAL PHOTO rilual (front row l-r): Albert Frost, John Fahs, Hal Kerrv. Don Reel. Shirlev Cadwell, Brent Mullen. Seiond row (i-0: Jefi Neidermeyer, Bud Baker, Peter Hall, Joe Long, Jim Spellman, Chip Spellman, Gordon Reimer, Jack Butson, Jim Cadwell. Back (l-r): Larry Thompson, Jim Frost, Jim Price, Rick Bunows, Butch Pope, Jeff Wirkkala, Lynn Monthaven.

In San Diego County, business is slow, said Bud Baker, Baker Hardwood Lumber, National City, Ca.

Jim Spellman, Spellman Hardwoods, Phoenix, Az., said the peso devaluation will affect business, but hopes 1995 will be as good as 1994. Joe Long, J.E. Higgins, was installed as pres., with Jim Price, Emerson Hardwood Co., Portland, lst v.p.; Gordon Reimer, Reimer Hardwoods, 2nd v.p.; Jeff Wirkkala, Hardwood Industries, Tualatin, Or., sec./treas., and Rick Burrows, Plywood Tacoma, Tacoma, Wa., sec./treas. elect. New directors: Hal Kerry, Joe Cortese, John Fahs, Pat Ahern, Peter Hall, Brent Mullen and Rick Burrows.

The convention was held April 2326 at the Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Az. Next year's convention is scheduled for April 2l-24 at the Hotel Palmilla in Los Cabos. Mexico.

ON HAND for Fibreboard Wood Products' 2nd invitational golf tournament: (1) Sid Johnson, Jim Briscoe, Josh Tyler, Dick Smallridge. (2) Brian Frazier, Dean Hague, Tom Von Moos. (3) Bill Nelson, Dan Harp, Joe Martin. (4) Jim Costello, Jack Martin, Bob Shepherd. (5) Ron Cole, Kurt Blagen. (6) Jim Murray, Gordon Roby, Joe Lausmann. (7) Tom Rice, Jack Nizzoli, Pat Mervyn, Rock Belden, Jay Orendorf. Approximately 60 customers attended May 4-5 for a very rainy scramble golf tourney, axe throwing demonshation and lour of the Standard, Ca., company's logging operations.