lmporters working on new standard

A proposed product standard is current' ly being hammered out by members of the Imported Hardwood Products Association and all parties concerned with the manufacture, distribution and use of imported hardwood plywood.

After nearly 3 years of research, testing and development, IHPA {ormulated the proposed standard early this year and is currently canvassing all interested parties for further refinements and adiustments to the satisfaction of all concerned. IHPA hopes to initiate formal procedures with the Department of Commerce for the ultimate promulgation of the proposed product standard as a definite U. S. Product Standard later this year, according to IHPA president Jack Baser of Los Angeles. ance of IHPA's standard by the Department of Commerce would constitute the first such U. S. Product Standard for any producl of {oreign manufacture."

"It is our understanding," Baser further noted, "that our proposed standard is a 'first' in tJre history of the import industry. We have been advised that accept.

Outside observers also noted that IHPA's effort to achieve a product standard is particularly noticeable in view of the U. S. lumber industry's inability to arrive at a uniform product standard of its own.

The proposed standard is contained in a 30 page booklet covering all grades, sizes and species of imported hardwood plywood and IHPA is making every effort to harmonize existing overseas standards and practices of manufacturing with the needs of buyers and users in the United States.

The Imported Hardwood Products fusociation invites all comment and objections from interested parties in order that the proposed standard will have the solid backing of all concerned when it is submitted to the Department of Commerce.

Copies of the proposed standard may be obtained by writing IHPA executive secretary Charlie Schmitt at the \fforld Trade Center, San Francisco, California, 94111.

Gloze Heods New Districl

G. A. Glaze has been appointed to head a new district called Los Anseles North for the Celotex Corp

The new district is an outgrowth of the company's districts in Oakland and Los Angeles.

Glaze was formerly assistant manager in the Oakland Districi and has been with Celotex since 1955.

fhof's How lf Goes!

Industry Geors Up for Urbqn Renewql

The Western Wood Products Association has taken a purposeful step forward in gearing the lumber industry to meet the long-term needs of the nation's urban rehabilitation program now generating a head of steam under federal sponsorship, according to Wendell B. Barnes, WWPA executive vice president.

Barnes said the WWPA's urban rehabilitation committee has met. to lay plans for coordinating its efforts with the government and building material associations.

The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (the administering agency), the Federal Housing Authority and the New York City Rent and Rehabilitation Administration now have an experimental slum renovation program underway in New York City with emphasis on speed and economy.

More than $21 million worth of rehabilitation projects are under'way in New York City, Chicago and Pittsburgh, and the FHA has reserved another $35 million for similar programs.

Ramifications of the program, however, reach into every urban area in the nation through federal commitment to a gl00 billion urban rehabilitation program over the next decade. This compares with an anticipated cost of $I3.8 billion for new residential building next year, he emphasized.

The government, through its anti-poverty program, has indicated a long-term commitment to funds for experimentation, construction, low-cost loans. and rent subsidies to renovate privately-owned dwelling units.

The need for building materials of all kinds will be staggering, gaining momen- tum as the program progresses. WWPA is gearing itself to open lines of communication and taking an inventory of existing and potential products and services to meet this vast need to improve urban housing, Barnes added.

Other melnbers serving on the WWPA committee in addition to Richard Neils, chairman, are Don Dier, Setzer Forest Products, Inc., Sacramento, Calif.; Verne C, Gardner, General Box Distributors, Fresno, Calif.; Donald Higgins, Fruit Growers Supply Co., Hilt, Calif.; Charles M. Kreider, Brooks-Scanlon, Inc., Bend, Ore.; James E. Lambert, Crown Zellerbach Corp., St. Helens, Ore. and W. R. Williams, Kimberly,Clark Corp., Anderson, Calif.

Weyerhoeuser Fiinqnce Chcmges

A major revision in the financing part of the W'eyerhaeuser Registered H o m e (WRH) program will make the plan eas. ierfor builders and loan correspondents to handle and more appealing to the newhome buyers.

Under the new plan, VRH financing is on a simple first and second mortgage basis. The move will hasten loan approvals for builders, cut paper work and handling time by more than half for loan correspondents and give immediate title to the new home buyer.

Through the WRH program, more than $50 million is available for new-home commitments this year.

Northwest News

By R0SS KINCAID executive vice president

fT HAS BEE\ said bY manY PeoPle that I the lumbel and building material industry can claim a finer and more genuine group of people than any other industry.

We think that is true and goes e v e n more so{or the fine people o{ The Western.

The hospitality our Alaska members showed when we visited them on our eightday Alaska Centennial Potlatch tour was overwhelming. It's difficult to express adequately our appreciation to our Alaska members.

The following schedule will s h o w you what I mean.

Y/BMA director Jim and Joyce (Mrs. Anchorage) Campbell, Jack Petersen of Arrow Lumber Co. and other members and their wives provided convenient transportation to and from the airport, an interesting sightseeing tour of Anchorage and a delightiul cocktail party at the Campbells the first evening with the cooperation of the Midnight Sun Hoo-Hoo Club.

The second evening about 70 people enjoyed a dinner and potlatch.

The third night was spent at Land's End near Homer after an eventful day of fishing at Jim Campbell's nearby summcr place. A most scenic and enjoyable trip by school bus from Homer got us back

Weslern lumber & Building Mqteriols MERCHANT to Anchorage the next evening. The Bantas of Banta Building Supply, Ninilchik, provided the bus with Elmer driving and Barbara telling about the history and features of the area in a manner befitting the best of pro{essional tour conductors.