[,@tters

We welcome your letters to the editor. Just FAX your comments about the magazine or particular articles to 714-852-0231 or mail to Editor, The Merchant Magazine, 4500 Campus Dr., Ste. 480, Newport Beach, Ca.92660.

Weathering The Storms

I have come to count onThe Merchant Magazine for interesting and factual information about the building products industry and the people who make it work.

Unfortunately, an item in your Sept. 1996 issue is off the mark. In your article titled "CSI Introduces Olympic Brand Treated Wood" (p. 28), you state that "...CSI is combining its chemicals with Olympic MP5 waterproofing formula to provide a brand name product said not to crack, split, warp, twist or rot."

While the introduction of a waterproofing agent, such as our UltraWood additive certainly improves the weathering characteristics of wood used outdoors, we have always been very carefulnot to guarantee that these products will not split, crack and warp. These products are guaranteed against rot, decay, termite attack and to meet industry standards for water repellency.

Products like UltraWood water-repellent wood and new Waterproofed Pressure Treated Wood with Olympic protection offer consumers a low-maintenance alternative, but splitting and warping have not been eliminated entirelY, Yet.

I believe it is important to correct any misconception that this statement may have caused in the minds of lumber retailers and their customers. I always look forward to receiving your magazine and the good information that it provides'

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in maintaining the reputation of the pressure treated wood industry and the excellent products that it provides.

Thomas A. Bailey

Chemical Specialties, Inc.

One Woodlawn Green, Ste. 250 Charlotte, N.C. 28217

The Merchant Magazine regrets anY misconception that this statement may have caused.Editor

Water Cooler Wars

Since 1994, l3%o of comPanies have had a fistfight at the office, according to the SocietY for Human Resource Management.

About 22Vo of HR managers reported pushing and shoving, while nearly a quarter of all threats or attacks were committed bY women.