THE SOUTHLANDffi

Wayn E

executive vice president

THE BOARD of Directors at their last I meeting voted to accept the applicationsof four firms for membership.

They were Peterson Lumber & Supply Co., Van Nuys; Reynold Park Lumber Co., El Monte; Timm-Wenholz Lumber, Inc., Hawaiian Gardens; and OwensCorning Fiberglass Supply Division, City of Commerce.

All the attention of the program committee is now placed on the 35th Annual Management Conference. The theme for 1985 is "Focus on Success." What would be more appropriate for members of the lumber industry in Southern California, or for that matter anywhere? But Southern California is a particularly difficult marketplace. It seems that most innovative marketing techniques are tried here first. That means we have leaders, industry leaders. Because of this, the competition is strong. So to be successful, you don't do it by accident-you really have to focus on it. If you don't-you just won't be in the marketplace very long. So to keep the members of LASC thinking about success, the conference will be focusing on "success." How to achieve it and, just as importantly, how to stay up among the leaders once you have reached that level.

Marketing, merchandising, employee relations, political action, personnel training, money management and all the facets of running a successful lumber and building material business will be discussed at the Palni Springs conference. The first and second registration forms are already on the members' desks. For more information call the association office.

A few years ago a group was started within the Lumber Association of Southern Caliiornia very similar in nature to those in other western associations. LASC's group is known as Second Growth and encompasses those members of the industry who are 35 years of age and younger. The group started small and grew to around 100 members.Attritionhas set in as those in the original group have reached the magnificent 36. It makes one wonder if we are in a low spot in the cycle or if fewer young people are coming into the industry. Or have we failed to meet the needs of the younger group and they have lost interest. Most feel the programming has been very good and the meetings very worthwhile. 2nd Growth can be a great educational experience for those young people in your operation. The September program in Los Angeles was on "Countervailing Duty on Canadian Lumber." Allan Sinclair from the British Columbia Forest Industries Council presented anextremely fine program on the Canadian lumber situation and the effect of a countervailing duty.

The San Diego group met the same evening and heard Stan Cochran from Capital Lumber Co. Stan's presentation on cedar was excellent.

Programming is good. Participation has fallen from 100 at a meeting to 35. The philosophy of a 35 and under group is great. But without support it can be nothing. Look around. Do you have some 35 and under people whose careers with your firm could be enhanced by attendance? Sign them up for the next meeting in December.

The association members have been faced with more and more law suits as society becomes more litigious. One of the

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