WWPA fall meeting

THE fall meeting of the Western I Wood Products Association was a serious, though not gloomy, affair as members continued to cope with pressures from both the marketplace and the environmental movement.

Held for three days in mid-September at the Westin Hotel, Seattle, Wa., the gathering drew slightly more attendees than last fall's meeting.

Board chairman Tom Richards told the annual industry luncheon a dues increase may be necessary if WWPA is to continue its present level of support services to the indusuy. The last hike was 5A per MBF in 1984. Association staff and members have formed teams to increase WWPA membership as a way to spread costs.

The board of directors noted the sound financial shape of the association. The executive committee recommended moving the spring meeting in 1994 to the La Quinta Hotel near Palm Springs, Ca., with the meeting returning to San Francisco the next year. Subsequently the meeting would altemate between the two sites.

In other committee business the WWPA's continued participation in U.S./Canadian expofi tax issues was recommended. The economic services committee noted a projected lumber consumption increase of 2.8Vo next year, (For an in-depth forecast see accompanying story.)

SttoryataGlane Group

in good financial shape . . . spring meetang site may be changed . . dues hike possible more members sought . new species groupings.

The export committee heard a number of reports on Pacific Rim possibilities and noted sales trips of WWPA members to Egypt and Japan are planned for 1992. The marketing services committee recommended filling a staff vacancy in Chicago, while leaving vacancies in Atlanta, Ga., and Southern Califomia. The quality standards committee reviewed the species groupings resulting from the In-Grade Testing program, noting that in the future White Woods stamps will be is- sued only for board grades. Also noted was the expectation that a new grouping, Spruce-Pine-Fir (South), will be created.

Retiring president H.A. Roberts was treated to a humorous and sentimental send-off at a well-attended dinner-dance in his honor.

WMMPA Environmental Policy

The Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association has approved an environmental policy statement. "We believe it is the first definitive environmental statement by a forest products association," said Bemard J. Tomasko, executive vice president.

The statement reads:

The Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association is committed to "Perpetuating America's Forests for Products and the Environment," WMMPA supports a forest policy in America that featurcs a reasonable setaside for enjoyment by people and a balance with other living things. WMMPA also supports the principle of a renewable resource to provide timber dedicated to wood products for the public. WMMPA believes the environment can be served by both. WMMPA is committed to the protection and enhancement of the natural life cycle of our forests.

Wood-Our Only Renewable Resource!

WMMPA is the North American trade association for manufacturers of wood mouldings, door frames, paneling and related wood products. [t also develops indushy standards and functions as the marketing and public relations arm of the moulding and millwork industry.

Toll Free: 1-800-663-8064

Fax: 1-604-8E8-1615

Phone: 1-604-888-3544

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