WWPA gets set for'74

ITH one eye apprehensively on 1974. the Western Wood Products Assn. met in late September to consider some 52 separate issues before numerous committeeso plan for the coming market changes and continue its determination to run lean in the face of reduced association income.

WWPA president Robert F. Higgins, speaking at the general assembly Sept. 25, at the Newport Beach, Ca., meeting, noted that they were operating within their budget, except for two special funding requests, had trimmed the payroll to below the budgeted level, and had obtained 20 companies as new, full members.

Noting that the extensive work done by the staff can easily go unnoticed, as much is essential, lowkey, non-dramatic, day-in-andday-out work, Higgins ticked off a number of WWPA achievements since their last meeting: n Their efforts in getting the Price Commission and the Cost of Living Council to remove price controls; n The turning backat least for nowof export limitations; n New markets created for utility 2x4s as a result of their Stud Wall Study:

! Corrections effected in standards on log handling equipment and guard rails;

E Financial success of the Western Woods Use book;

! Modifications of stringent proposed regulations on pollution requirements.

Money was the main problem facingthe marketing committeeo chaired by American Forest Products' Jack Ford. It boiled down to continuing their present advertising and PR budget of $150,000

(upped to $165,000 because of inflation) or of somehow findingthe funds and really doing it right. Doing it right, in this case, was expected to

Story at a Glance

Planning for 1974's different market conditions, WWPA's Fall meeting dealt with more than half a hundred important issues... some forecasts for next year were made as well as a warning about the threat of "public interest" lawsuits.

come in around $300,000. It was pointed out during their deliberations that a great deal of the available marketing funds had been drawn over to the forestry side of WWPA in an effort to counter the efforts ofthe preservationists, ecology freaks and assorted other types set on hamstringing the WWPA's members.

A final decision on the marketing budget is expected to be made following a special meeting set for early December in Portland.

H.A. "Bob" Roberts, exec. v.p. of WWPA, told the general assembly "shipments will be down this year, though not as much as we expected some months ago. In 1972 Western mills shipped 19.7 billion bd. ft. In 1973 we expect to ship 18.9 billion and in 1974 about 18.2 billion1.5 billion or 87o off the 1972 pace."

"If it weren't for some bright spots, 1974 would look very dismal. But, repair and remodeling demand should be good, industrial construction looks promising, materials handling looks strong and we expect export demand to be up again as it has been in 1973." He predicted housing starts in 1974 at about a 1.6 million frequency in the first half, with the second shooting up to 2 million with the final figure coming in at about 1.8 million.

D. Christoper Whittle of the American Bar Assn. ruined more than a few desserts when he told the Monday lunch that America's industry was about to become engulfed in what he described as a "litisation landslide."

He cautioned "All of you, who are genuinely concerned about how the public regards your business, should be fully aware of this. [n another year or two, it threatens to engulf the business community in extremely costly and complex legal problems. [t already has, in many instances."

"Law has been rediscovered as a powerful instrument for social change. It is being applied successfully by public interest groups that previously voiced their displeasure only at stockholders' meetings or by picketing at a timber cutting site. Today, causes are being tried in court, and are being won, as dissatisfied groups are learning to work within and to use the legal system successfully for their benefit," said Whittle.

He advised corporate executives to react quickly, sincerely and effectively. "I know, as you do, that pubIic relations programs and acts of good citizenship cost a great deal of money. But public interest law suits can cost a great deal more than that," he stressed.

In addition to the committee meetings and speech making, members enjoyed a refreshing Hawaiian luau poolside, complete with show. (For some pictures taleen that night, see opposite page).

A Hel-r-oozeN Western states lL were represented at the recent Shasta Lumbermen's Golf Tournament as railroaders joined lumbermen at the Riverview Country Club in Redding, Ca., for a day on the links followed by cocktails and drinks that evening. "Now, lhis is the way to spend a business day," enthused one contented railroader at the conclusion of the day's activities.

Ralph Lamon, Lamon Lumber Co., San Francisco, carried off the honors as first flight winner when all the golf scores were toted. Don Cherobsky and J. Robbins followed