Distributors See '78 as a Fine Year

Frank E. O'Dowd Executive Vice President National Building Material Distributors Association

Story at a Glance

The pace may slow from "sensational to satisfactory" . . another good year in both single & multi-family housing starts . home improvement looks as solid as ever.

In this frame of reference, NBMDA chose "Let's Keep It Going" as the convention theme of our annual fall meeting. It was not a frivolous thought or false hope. There is continuing substance and depth to the building material market as we approach 1978, although we readily acknowledge that the pace may slow from 'sensational' to 'satisfactory,' which for some exhausted retailers and wholesalers will be a welcome relief.

We expect a good year in both segments of the building material market. New home construction may well be down around 1976 levels, but 1,600,000 total units, including another 1,000,000 single family homes is about all a prudent homebuilder could ask for. After all, he probably won't finish up all of his 1977 units until well into the first quarter. Home improvement looks as solid (Please turn to page 62)