Palm tailer

gram, providing 24,000 rare and endangered species of conifers to dealers across the country who delivered them to local schools.

The seedlings were selected for each school's specific location. Teachers received the trees in clear plastic tubes identified by the name of the tree, as well as information on its discovery, geographic location, current state of its habitat, growing habits and planting instructions.

o No Staining o No Streaking o Slender shank and blunt diamond point r Self-counter sinking bugle and trim heads o Square drive recess eliminates driver bit cam-out Sharp point for quick penetration with minimal oressure

Highesl qualily nails for cedar, redwood and other llne wood materials.

Diamond pattern head blends with wood texture. Small head diameter permits face nailing and blind nailing o Annular ring threads oreclude nail head popping and cupping of siding boards. AlSl Grade 304 nickel/chromium alloy.

Self-tapping coarse threads Coated with non-stick, dry lubricating film o Solid nickel/ chrome stainless steel for superior corrosaon resistance .6 lengths: l" through 3"

For additional data and dealer information:

How To Hone Your Phone Skills

The image you project over the phone tells the listener what to think of your company. Polish your phone etiquette using the following tips provided by Meeting News Magazine:

(1) Be Ready to Talk - Paper and a pen or pencil should always be at hand. Focus your attention on callers, just as if they were important people entering the store.

(2) Image Is Everything - Your voice will create the caller's first impression of your company. Take a deep breath. Shrug your shoulders to relax. Put a smile in your voice.

(3) Use an Appropriate GreetingIf your business is large, say, "XYZ Lumber, how may I direct your call?" Smaller stores can use a more personal

Home lmprovement Sales Up

Horne improvement salcs climbed 9ok over 1993 to $ l2-5.8 hillion rn 1994, accorcling to rcvised t: stimates by thc Honrc Improvemcnt Rcscarch Institutc.

Sales in 199-5 are projected to rcach $l3l billion, up 1.21/r,. Consurner markct activity is forccast to climb

"XYZ Lumber, this is Joe, how may I help you?"

(4) Get Personal - Write down the caller's name at the start of the conversation to use during the call.

(5) It's You-Know-Who - Introduce the caller and the subject of the call when transferring. It is very professional when the client does not have to repeat the inquiry.

(6) Beware of Subtle DistractionsIt's easy to be distracted by co-workers, paperwork or other tasks. Don't attempt other work or communications until the call is complete.

(7) Don't Smoke in Their Ears - To really blow your image, smoke, type or chew while talking. Give the call your complete attention.

4.4o/o to $9 I .5 billion with renrodeling sales up 3.91/t, lo $39.5 billion. Honre improvemcnt product sales are anticipatccl to climb 3.9o/c wilh existing home sales slipping 6.t)%' to $3.7 billion. In 1996, existing home sales should rcbound by 10.6olc, stimulating a l.l% increase in the prof'essional market to $i42.6 billion.

(8) Don't Put Them "On lgnore"On hold is acceptable for 25 to 45 seconds. If the wait will be longer, be specific (two minutes?) and give the caller the option of holding or leaving a message.

(9) The Angry Caller - Apologize... regardlessl Let them vent their anger without intemrption. Don't blame anyone or expect them listen to logic. Listen. Empathize. Keep your cool.

(10) Develop Your Own Phone Procedures - Few businesses have a written list of phone procedures, but it is important for new employees and as a review for old-timers. Send key call handlers to a phone skills seminar. Use the seminar information to structure your policy.

Total market salcs are expcctcd to reach $161.3 billion hy 1999, outpacing total retiiil sales grorvth.

Projcctions through l999 show growth in all areas of thc horne improvcment ntarket, with total consumer sales reaching $112.3 billion and professional renrodcler sales climbing to $49 billion.

HYgroscoPicfi ' Conosion Cutting'BiPPing

In business since 1955, HooverTreated Wood Products, Inc., is the premier full-line pressure treater in North America. In addition, Hoover's fire retardant formulations are licensed to a select group of licensee treating plants.

Hoover has had the same American ownership since 1983 and the same executive team for over 20 years. Stability and experience assure the industry's most effective products and support.

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Easy Joist Hanger Setup

A new joist hanger positioning tool from Tor Tool Works reportedly speeds hanger installation by SOVo. Designed to hold the hanger in place using high-energy, shock-proof magnets, Joister enables the carpenter to nail the hanger in place.