0nthe ball.r

I ing Materials Dealers Assn., has made great strides during the past year

In May, the second annual dealers

L-- .,t+ marchion Washington was organized F? and nearly 500 deilers from acioss the € 1 nation att-ended. The critical part of the i program was the dealer visit to their ir:R:'1,':"11,1 l,:o;"sJ,lllt".'xt'.9::l s*t i'.?l::'l;,s1'- :3;ixTF".'J"i,"'i#,H: After the dealers march on Washington, Congress made it known that they knew the building materials dealers were in Washinston. The sarne attitude orevailed after the 1974 meetine.

As a result of those of you taking the time and expense to join in the march the industry was able to gain passage of the Humphrey-Rarick Timber Management Bill and have it signed into law. This bill in itself will serve as a monument to our industry for future generations. At last the federal timber lands and lands capable of producing timber will be managed through a system that will insure a plentiful supply of timber for future senerations.

Another hallmark for our industrv was the oassaqe and signing into law of the Omnibus Houling Bill. AlthouEh this bill will have no immediate impact on our business because of the purposely dampened housing market, the eventual increase in housing starts, remodeling, and redevelopment will insure a need for the building materials dealer for years to come.

Only through the astute leadership of our National president, Hubert Walker, and the assistance of the many dealers who served on National committees and spend countless hours developing contacts with government agencies and Congressmen has the NLBMDA been able to accomplish two major achievements during the year.

It was gratifying to learn that it has become accepted by the various government agencies and is asked to provide advice. The valu-e of our Natidnal to government agen^cies was recently evidenced when Hubert Walker was requested to visit with Secretary Lynn and develop a study group to assist in finding solutions to the housing problems. This singular advent is indicative of the importance our National Association can play at the federal level.

Those of vou beloneins to the Lumber Merchants Association of N6rthern CaTifoinia are automaticallv a member of National and you can look with pride on the wdrk National is doing lor you. Those ofyou not belonging to a federated association think you may be getting a free ride. You're not! Sure, National works for the industry as a whole group, as does your local association but from that point on you are in the dark. You are not aware of bills as they are being signed into law nor are you aware of the assistance from local associations that will help in your decision making process.

There was a day when dealers belonged to their trade association because they earned their living from the industry and wanted to support the industry that supoorted them. In recent years the attitude has changed to how much can I milk from the industry. or what can the industry give me. In more recent months there is an air of flag waving aid a desire to return to the good old days. Whether it is the realization of inflation and recession or an honest desire to get back on the moral path, no one will hazard a guess. We hope this new attitude will prevail. In the meantime, every dealer must participate in a strong association and realize his livelihood depends on the total strength of his industry and the ability to be heard.

Redwood, pine, hemlock, cedar and fir* are right up our alley. One call to Hobbs Wall gets the ball rolling at once. lt puts you in touch with the output of over one hundred Western mills. for the right grades at the right prices, and the right

Monlons Euilding llioteriol Deolers

325 Fullcr Avcnvc, Hclcno, l{ont. 59601, (106)