Exciting news from The Merchant and NAWLA-the North American Wholesale Lumber Association

CTSBER HAS BEEN an exciting month at The Merchant MagaZine and sister Llpublication Building Products Digest as we see the industry evolving and regenerating after one of the longest downturns in history. capping what has clJarly been a better year for all of us, our last issue-ramping up to the NAWLA Tradeis Market-was our largest in five years, as companies began promoting themselves again in a very different marketplace than at the start of the downturn in 200612OOi. All businesses will continue to face challenges as it will not be smooth sailing and there will be speed bumps along the way'

We have noticed over the last five years that the thirst for industry news has intensified and education has come to the forefront. Knowledge has always been powerful and one of our longtime association partners, NAWLA-the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, whose wholesaler and manufacturer members account for a large part of our readership, has taken a lead in education of its members and partners. For many yeafs, we have supported The NAWLA Traders Market with a special issue each October. A few years ago we launched a special section centered on NAWLA in our May issues. Based on that success, I am now pleased to say that we have made a mutual decision to take our long-term partnership a logical one step further.

I am excited to announce that Cutler Publishing and NAWLA have signed a joint publishing agreement for The Merchant Magazine and BPD to become oIIi' cial publications for NAWLA and a voice to NAWLA members-an extension to the community we have served since 1922.

To that end, in the future you will see articles and news direct from NAWLA that will be timely, interesting, authoritative and educational, targeted to both members and non-members, wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers.

We are also determined that every NAWLA member receives one or both publications, so please let us know if we have missed you.

Our goal has always been to inform and educate our readership. To that end we work with many fine industry associations. We are delighted that this new relationship with NAWLA will support the channel that supports their members, as well.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in a few weeks, this new relationship is perhaps timely to recognize, finally, the industry upturn. Yes, not where we would all want it, but we have seen the turn of a very deep "U" shape depression curve and are positioned to start the growth that we all have been waiting for. It's good to once again see smiling faces and people getting out to meetings.

Next year looks to be heading even further north. While the industry will still have its ups and downs and growth will bring its own issues, a much better place. But-shhhhh-let's enjoy it again regardless' We, as a leader in the industry, will continue to bring you the most news, latest product announcements, and some of the best editorial in the business, all to help you and your companies become even more successful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

Alan Oakes, Publisher aioakes@aol.com

www.building-products.com

A publication of Cutler Publishing 4500 Campus Dr., Ste. 480, Newporl Beach, CA 92660

Publisher Alan Oakes ajoakes@aol.com

Publisher Emeritus David Cutler

Director of Editorial & Production David Koenig dkoenig@building-products.com

Editor Karen Debats kdebats@building-products.com

Contributing Editors Dwight Curran James Olsen Carla Waldemar

Advertising Sales Manager Chuck Casey ccasey@building-products.com

Administration Director/Secretary Marie Oakes mfpoakes@aol.com

Circulation Manager Heather Kelly hkelly@building-products.com

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Ghuck Casey

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David Koenig

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