Teaters tackle Problems

I NTENSIFYING problems ranging Ifrom environmental pressures to product liability claims were tackled by the American Wood Preservers Institute at its annual meeting Oct. 30Nov. I at Marriott's Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, Az.

"Product liability is the only section of the law where we are guilty until proven innocent," noted J. HarveY Graves, Empire Wholesale Lumber Co., leading a panel on liability and insurance claims. Especially troubling were the many dozens of lawsuits involving fire retardant treated wood.

Keynote speaker David Cusic, Daniel & Cusic Advertising, addressed "What Business Are We in Anyway?" Robert Hawes, Mellco, Inc.. and Alfred Baxter, J.H. Baxter & Co.. spoke on legislation, urging companies to increase campaign funding.

Story at a Glance

Preservers assoclation discusses growing Problems: environmentalists, legisla' tion, lawsuits, false PercePtions...set strategy for future...Ted Clay, Honolulu Wood Treating, honored.

chairman of the board, was recognized for his industry leadershiP.

Panel discussions centered on cus- tomer needs, moderated by Earl Clendaniel, Koppers Industries; industry challenges and opportunities, led by Jeffrey Bull, Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp.; perspectives from outside the industry, by Bob Oltmanns, SPS, and Hawes; environmental technology papers, by Mike Freeman, ChaPman Chemical Co.; RCRA listing rule, bY Bull; future requirements, by C. Conrad Kempton, Allied-Signal; Plant safety and process efficiency, by Jeffrey Smigel, Atlantic Wood Industries, and a look at six other treating associations.

Also featured were a look at the future by AWPI president Victor Lindenheim, AWPI board of directors/annual membership meeting, and ExPo '91, a one day showcase of environmental and operating technology for the wood preserving industry.