Gommunications key to industry image

r r I NDUSTRY MUST link itsetf I to the public interest. The need is greater than ever for a modern and efficient industry-wide communications program," Robert Lehrman, executive v.p. of the American Forest Institute. told Western Wood Products Association members at their fall meeting in Scottsdale, Az.

Resource shortages, decentralization of people's intErests and actions, demands for corporate and business accountability, and the proliferation of communications were pointed out by him as the four trends that will dominate this decade. "Each of the trends," he noted, "will have a major impact on public acceptance of our industry and will influence the communications processes we use to earn a favorable climate of opinion. "

Research to gauge public concerns and educational programs to inform as well as alleviate problems were cited as ways of employing corununication techniques to deal with these trends.

Among action taken at the meeting was the decision to raise the cost of grading services to subscribing mills to 24( per MBF. The increase is based upon documentation of rising costs, especially in travel. The board also proposed a three-stage increase in dues for members.

A recommendation was made for a study of effecs on export programs by the proposed changes concerning the National Forest Products Association international hade comminee. Agreement was reached on amending the Export Administration Act of 1979 to avoid interference with the export trade of Western red cedar lumber. Among other actions was direction to prlpare testimony for Senate hearings on the Resources Planning Act.

Considering market services, directors decided to initiate a l98l-90 program planning in the residential, nonresidential, industrial, remodeling and export markets. They also approved unanimously plans for a seminar directed to supervisory-level quality control personnel under the sponsorship of the association. Louisiana-Pacific Corp will host the pilot seminar at Tillamook, Or.

In reviewing resources including index changes, timber appraisals, log scaling, resource planning, Forest Service fire policy appropriations and issue coordination, the board passed a resolution opposing the California RARE II biII.

Other meeting business dealt with occupational safety and health, machine stress rating, technical r,eports, transportation including a detailed presentation on the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, and revisions in economic service publications.