LMA shakes San Francisco

Explosive growth and big changes marked the Lumber Merchants Association's 57th annual convention in San Francisco, Ca., its best attended convention ever.

During the Nov. 9-11 convention at the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf, LMA announced that it had reached its highest membership ever, with 289 total members (115 regular members, 90 associates, 17 branches). The growth was aided by an aggressive push into Southern California, where at least two other companies have since enlisted.

Executive director Jan Hansen also introduced her recently expanded staff, comprised of business manager Don Callison, membership director Jean Henning-Brunton, and administrative assistant Susan Bobbin.

The team will produce 11 newsletters next year, up from six, as well as a buyer's guide, due in April. The video lending library has been reinstituted, and opportunities on the Internet are also being investigated.

Bob Rossi, Rossi's Building Materials. was installed as LMA's new president, succeeding Kathleen Pat- terson, Central Valley Builders Supply. Bill Sullivan, Tynan Lumber, is lst v.p.; Al Stockton, Jr., San Bruno Lumber, 2nd v.p., and Gary DeYoung, Corning Lumber, treas.

Directors: Rick Roberts, Sunnyvale Lumber; Don Fischer, Fischer Lumber: Tom Janousek, B&C True Value Home Center; Steve Stevenson, Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Co.; Augie Venezia, Fairfax Lumber, and, representing the newly added Southern California region, Bert McKee, Imperial Valley Lumber Co.

Kris Spickler, TrusJoist MacMillan, succeeds Clay Ray, Weyerhaeuser Co., as chairman of the associates council. Mike Palmer, Martin Forest Products, is vice chair. Insurance trustees: Bob Jessell, Central Valley Builders Supply; Phil Larios, Payless Building Supply; Barbara Thomas, Minton's Lumber & Supply, and chair David Jones, Foster Lumber.

Frank Solinsky, Payless Building Supply, received the President's Award.

Next year's convention will be held Nov.7-9 at John Ascuaga's Nugget, Sparks, Nv.