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Timber "Buy Out" Plan Urged
A forest industry representative has urged passage of legislation to permit return of federal timber now under contract at economically inoperable prices to the government through a purchaser "buy out" plan.
John F. Hall, v.p. of the National Forest Products Association, told Congress the most equitable solution to the problem of inoperable timber contracts is "to deal with the reality of the excess volume of timber under contract relative to current and reasonable anticipated market demand."
He supported the concept of contract "buy out," which permits timber purchasers to be relieved of their obligation on payment of a financial premium.
Hall defined the general position of the forest products industry this way: (1) there is a high probability of substantial timber sale contract defaults under current conditions; (2) return of a portion of these sales to the government is necessary; and (3) the overall good of the federal government, the industry, its customers and employees and many local communities is dependent on prompt action.
"Federal timber purchasers were squeezed between high raw material costs, low finished product prices, and prospects of only a moderate market demand," Hall explained.
"As of now, it is unlikely that much of this timber under contract will be economically operable under market conditions likely to prevail in the decade of the 1980s," he noted. Most companies do not believe that wood product prices will become high enough, even during the period of the [government's] new five-year timber contract extension, to make these sales economically operable."
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Vinyl Window Sales Climbing
All-vinyl window sales may reach an all-time high in 1984, if the sales performance established last vear continues its upward trend.
Following a year when competing materials either continued to lose market share or barely held their own, the growing demand for solid vinyl windows is viewed as an encouraging development.
"Based on last year's performance, the vinyl window industry seems well on its way to an exciting future," says Jack McDermott, v.p. of marketing for vinyl windows at CertainTeed Corp.
McDermott expects window sales in the industry to top last year's totals by 20-30V0 based on a projected volume of |.7 to 2.0 million units for 1984.
His optimism is rooted in an expanding economy marked by reduced inflation and increased consumer spending power. He believes vinyl window sales could also be aided bv aluminum price increases projected at l59o on top of the 25-3090 increases in 1983.

"With over 30 million homes and apartments over 25 years old and in need of replacement products, solid vinyl should enjoy an ever-increasing share of the multi-billion dollar window market," he said.
Air Barrier Saves Heating $
A Colorado developer believes buyers of moderately priced homes are willing to pay a little extra for the estimated 3090 heating cost reduction aided by Tyvek Housewrap, an air infiltration barrier made by Du Pont.
According to Thomas Maitland, vice president of Warner Properties, Vail Valley, "Energy saving features are often reserved only for homes where the extra cost can be absorbed easily by the buyer. However, we've found that Tyvek Housewrap is just as appropriate for moderately priced homes where cost-conscious buyers are looking for money saving ieatures. It is only a modest added expense, and homebuyers believe the value outweighs the cost."
Diamonds for Club Guests
Guests at the 3lst annual Inland Empire Hoo-Hoo Club ladies weekend at Palm Springs, Ca., agreed that "diamonds are a girl's best friend" as names were drawn for the lumber fraternity's traditional lavish gifts.
Patsy Stockstill and Eldra Gregson won diamond necklaces with Marlene Tipton drawing a diamond/emerald ring. Wallie Schuh was the winner of a watch while Sara Fisher received a gold bracelet.
For golf prowess, Dorothy Bergstrom, Eldra Gregson, Irene Holquin and Marlene Tipton received golf shirts.
Ron Mason, president, recognized Dwight Hays, 1982 pres., and Terry Patrick, 1983 pres., for their contributions, presenting Patrick with a past president's pin.
Champion Acquires St. Regis
Champion International has agreed to acquire St. Regis Corp. for $1.84 billion. The acquisition, which will make Champion the largest U S paper producer, may require selling certain St. Regis assets including building products operations to reduce the debt.
Andrew C. Sigler, Champion chairman and chief executive. will continue with William R. Haselton, St. Regis chairman and chief executive, becoming Champion vice chairman.
Hardware Mfrs. Eye lmports
Hailing the American Hardware Manufacturers Association's International Tiade Forum as a major step in its commitment to address the trade problems threatening the U.S. hardlines industry, William P. Farrell, AHMA executive director, said "Tiade policy and legislation are now being shaped in Washington which will have an impact on the U.S. hardlines industry for years to come. AHMA is determined to take an active role to ensure that our members' interests are heard and protected."
Aspects of U.S. trade laws and policy directly affecting U.S. manufac- turers were considered at the June l2-13 meeting in Washington, D.C.
Because steel quotas pose a threat to the American hardlines industry, AHMA in further action considered asking President Reagan to reject the International Tiade Commission's recommendation to place quotas on imported steel.
Pacific Northwest Trade Expo
Manke Tiading Co., Thcoma, Wa., will exhibit forest products and wood specialties at the 1984 Pacific Northwest Tiade Expo in Thcoma, accord-