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We at Weber Plywood and Lumber would like to thank all of our customers for supporting the concept that quality and service do make a difference.

This is our best year in the sales of quality hardwood lumber. Again, thank you!

We will always do our best for you, our customers.

lnsulated Panels Up In Commercial

The Structural Insulated Panel Association's annual survey revealed structural insulated panels (SIPs) showed significant gains in light commercial construction.

Generally associated with residential construction, 27Vo of SIPs produced in North America were shipped for use in such non-residential projects as schools, rnotels, assisted living facilities and churches.

The majority of survey respondents indicated a large increase in architectural specifications for engineered wood during the past year,

Designing professionals cited their concern about the quality and price volatility of dimensional lumber as one reason for the change.

Labor shortage was listed as another factor contributing to the increase. "In the western states. the labor issues have been quality as well as quantity," said board member Frank

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Kiesecker. "The commercial contractors out here are seeking experienced, reliable help. Structural insulated panels have helped them compensate for the lack of it."

Benchmarking Wholesalers

The typical lumber wholesaler earns a pre-tax profit of l.2%o by generating $30 million in annual sales, average gross margins of 9.6Vo of revenue, and total operating expenses at 7.8Vo of sales, according to the North American Wholesale Lumber Association's annual member survey.

Among the most profitable onefourth of respondents, average annual sales were about the same as the average for all respondents, but gross margins and pre-tax profit were markedly higher at l2.2Vo and 3.3Vo of sales, respectively.

At 8.7Vo of sales, total operating expenses for the most productive wholesalers were higher than the average for all respondents, likely due to higher payroll expenses. The most productive distributors also had lower interest expenses at 0.2Vo of sales than the group as a whole (O.6Vo).

Of NAWLA's 600 members, 94 participated in the survey.

Georgia-Pacific's CFO Quits

In a surprise move, John F. "Jack" McGovern, chief financial officer, Georgia-Pacific Corp., Atlanra, Ga., resigned effective Nov. I from his post offive years.

G-P's stock price tumbled l3%o on the news.

McGovern, 53, who said he is leaving to pursue private investment opportunities, will be succeeded by Danny W. Huff, 48, the current treasurer.

An employee of Georgia-Pacific since 1979, Huff has worked under

McGovern since 1982. He, turn, will be succeeded by Phillip M. Johnson, currently senior directorinternational development.

Steven A. Coulter, assistant treasurer, will succeed Johnson.