WESTIERN ASS0CIATI0N

Lumber Merchants Association of Northern California offers suggestions for an employee survey which they say is one ofthe best sources of frank feedback concerning business policies and procedures.

It suggests answers in writing to these questions.

Which one of your responsibilities gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

If you were the boss, what changes would you make?

What do you think our customers like least about us?

What do you think our customers like best about us?

What do you like best about working here ?

What do you like least about working

What can we do to help you do your job better?

What task or situation causes you the most difliculty in your job?

What type of education or training would be most useful or valuable to you ?

These open-ended questions should give a good perception of how employees feel about their jobs, the association says. To be most helpful, feedback should be identified by employee name, but extra precautions must be taken to make sure their honesty and frankness do not result in any individual repercussions.

Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association has announced a staffchange and a new emphasis on communications.

Cheryl Maser has been hired to replace Kathryn Smith who resigned to study and pursue interests in conducting town meetings and focus groups.

Maser has a two year degree in photography and a four year degree in newspaper journalism. Skilled in desktop publishing techniques, she has for the past year been editing and producing a newsletter for the employees and retirees of Colorado's third largest newspaper, the Pueblo Chieftan News.

She was selected from a field of more than 70 applicants of which ten were interviewed with two finalists returning for second interviews.

Fred Caruso, executive vice president, indicates a commitment to upgrade and produce the MSLBMD A's Two-ByFour Newsletter on a monthly basis from now through the l00th anniversary ol the association.

They will also produce the Lumberline on a regular three issues a year schedule, according to Caruso.

He intends to generate as much publicity as possible for the trade press and local news where appropriate. "[)ue to the vastness ol our region, I leel the overall, general communications aimed at everyone, no matter how remote they may be, is ol primary importance," Caruso said.

August 199O

New Software Rental Plan

A new computer system concept is being introduced by Dataline Corp. Lumber and building material dealers will now be able to utilize the latest management tools with the latest computer technology on a rental basis.

"The Dataline 4000 System software rental program is a marketing breakthrough in the computer field," said C.J. "Dinny" Waters. "The program provides a cost effective solution to today's management challenges with a guarantee for long term growth opportunities."

"This new method of buying/ renting a system will greatly reduce the anxiety in selecting a system and provide a zeto risk opportunity in getting fully computerized at known prices," Waters explained.

"Few building material dealers are fully functional on a computer system today," Waters emphasized. The program is designed to stimulate a dealer to begin the process of educating managers and employees in the use of a management information system.

The company has nearly 20 years experience in providing management tools for building material dealers. Their systems feature the UNIX operating system and hardware from Unisys Corp., offering the flexibility to mix and match products that suit both the immediate and future needs of a business. Their turnkey approach offers hardware, software, training, installation, service and personalized support. Regional Solution Centers have been established to offer continuing guidance and education to users.

With the new rental program, Waters pointed out, a dealer can buy and install a Dataline 4000 System, knowing that when business is ready, it can move up to the Dataline 8000 System which is a completely automated process.

"Dataline's entire software rents for $5 per port per month. There is no minimum term, and it may be rented indefi nitely. Because off-theshelf components can be used interchangeably with Dataline software, the dealer avoids being locked into proprietary hardware and software," Waters said.