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That Extra So meth ing

A NUMBER of recent happenings un- I r doubtedly will have a great influence on lumber and building materials dealers in the months ahead. Certainly each of these situations bears day-to-day following plus action where required.

The most noteworthy developments I am referring to include President Nixon's call Ior a 75/o reduction in public construction, a drop in new building contracts during August for the third straight month, and the current mortgage money situation which has helped to put new apartrnent construction ahead of new single-family starts in July for tlle second month in a row.

Retail dealers would be well advised, it appears, to keep a closer watch on accounts receivable from contracting firms as all indications are that money will become even harder to obtain in the months ahead. I realize this is a ticklish situation at times when it comes to dealing with builders and contractors, but prudence should reign,

Another thought is the importance of general retail sales to homeowners. Without these sales, many will tell you" there will be fewer lumber and building materiaf dealers tomorrow.

To see the recent effect of "tight money,' you need only to drive up and down the streets of the medium-priced neighiorhoods in your area. As you are doing so, note the lurge nimber of _remodeling projects that have been completed recently or are still under construction.

Homeowners faced with needs for more space are adding rooms at a rapid pace. They are converting garages to family rooms. They are adding carpetg etc.

It's been said before, but certainly bears repeating at this time-take a new look at your homeowner trade and see what you can do to increase sales in this direction.

Montqnq Building Moteriol Deqlers Associqtion

325 Fuffcr Avcnur. Hclcnc, lilontono 59601. 11061 1,,.2-2120 1-.1,,e-

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