LASC's 41st Annual

would provide free counseling for dealers seeking advice and assistance. It could be administered throush LASC, Slettedahl said.

Tom Steiner, the first of two excellent and very funny luncheon speakers at the conference, said option thinking was the way for the 1990s. He called on dealers and wholesalers to find ways to cooperate as well as compete. "Find new ways to look at things," he advised.

Accompanied by a Dixieland band, members adjourned from lunch directly to a nearby ballroom for an afternoon contact session. More than 40 table top displays and exhibits were featured along with a series of Quick Pitch presentations. These were limited to three minutes, so presenters either told their story pronto or were halted by the ringing of a large bell. The new convention feature was well received and is expected to be included in next year's activities.

Next day, Friday morning, a breakfast meeting discussion of worker's compensation was followed by a talk on estate planning by Doris Steussy. She related her story as a widow beset by flawed estate planning and fraud and urged all to take steps to avoid what she eventually survived.

Califomia Forestry Association v.p.

Don Zea then told dealers to get involved at all levels in telling our industry's story in an effort to counter the destructive efforts of the preservationist lobby. T,e,anoted that materials, speakers and advice are available for the asking from the CFA.

Advice on borrowing money themed the next panel discussion. CPA David King, King, King & Alleman, noted changes in accounting and forecast an increase of CPAs in consulting and more use of electronics to speed paperwork. Bud Alleman, a CPA from the same firm, related ways preparation of complete company information with your accountants prior to seeing your banker can aid in borrowing money.

Banker Matthew S. Thoreson, Community Bank, urged dealers to "know your bankers, and keep them well supplied with regular factual updates. Don't hide the facts," he counseled.

Terry Paulson, the keynote speaker at lunch, stressed that course corrections must be continually made on the way to reaching both customer and business goals. "Be flexible," he observed. "Some days you'll be the bug, some days you'll be the windshield."

The under-4O group within LASC, the Second Growth, then presented a panel on change. Randy Jackson, Fremont Forest Products, said that organizations need to be prepared for change before it happens. "Be pro-active, not reactive." Kelle Vollkommer, Home Lumber Co., outlined the relationship between sales and credit noting that everyone needs to be involved in the credit transaction. John Jenkins, Boyd Lumber, emphasized that hiding from change signals the end of a business. He noted that retailers have a heavier burden of govemment and legal regulations and must function in a far more diffi cult environment today.

The casual dress of the 1950s was the order of the day at the annual dinner dance. The relaxed atmosphere proved popular as members "prepared" for next day's golf and tennis matches. Activities concluded with the annual Winners Circle cocktail party for game winners sponsored by Fremont Forest Products.

The conference was held Thursday, Nov. 7, through Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Stouffer Esmeralda Resort, Indian Wells. Ca.