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Arizona Retail Lumber Dealers discovered "llow To" do everything from "Living with Building Codes" and "Steering a Steering Committee" to "Prornoting the Greater Use of Wood" at their annual convention, held l\[av 3, 4, and 5. 1962 at the Hotel Suoersf tion Ho, Apache Junction, Arizbna.

The successful 3 dav meet. themed rvith a program of subjects on "How To," opened on the Golf Course of the Apache Country Club where more than fifty enthusiastic golfers rallied down the fairways demonstrating "How To" raise their coveted averl ag'es.

Thursday afternoon, however, the progratn began in earnest with a welcome address by William Haus, president of the Apiche Junction Chamber of Commerce and a member of the law firm Haus and Valentine. President Jack Sullivan presiding, then introduced Rod Buchan oi the National Lumber Manufacturers Association who spoke on "How to Live with Building Codes."

The very enlightening talk brought to dealers'attention the fact that building codes, while essential, could work against dealers if not examined care- fully and if they were not thoroughly understood. He advised those preient that they should watch not only building- codes, but fire zoning, particularly as it applies to commercial- and induitrial areas and changes in zoning which have to do with height, area or use in occupancy; otherwise restriction may be placed in regulations which would be of economic disadvanta.qe to the dealer such as the use of heavy tirnbers, glu-lams, arches that spring from the ground and other items.

He brought out that building officials generally were most conservative and that correct interpretation of codes are probably as essential as the codes themselves. He closed his talk by p,ointing out that the following four points should be observed bv all dealeis i

1. Know your officials.

2. Take an interest in your codes.

3. Be sure to knorv how changes may affect you.

4. If .changes are anticipated, be prepared to appear.

Charles Mann, chairman of the Phoenix group, made the next talk on "How to Steer a Steering Committee." He attributed the progress that had been made within the organization to the close association between the members of the group and the directors of the various programs. The steering committees meet once a rveek.

President Sullivan then brought to the attention of the membership the fact that singlehandedly the Association had been responsible for getting the inventory tax reduced l0/o dving the last year; that the promotion program had resulted in 28 one room wood school buildings being built in Tucson and that other schools were following suit and using more lumber. More than 3000 AIA wood files had been furnished to architects and engineers.

He stated that the insurance pro- gram had declared a dividend and that rve had applied it on obtaining major medical care for the members, thus making it as fine a program as can be obtained.

Friday, May 4's session commenced rn,ith a talk on "How to Get Reduction in Fire fnsurance Rates," by \Arilliam Griffith, president of the Phoenix Association of Independent Insurance Agents. He stated emphatically that the onlv wav rates could be lowered rvas foi an improvement in the risk and that every policy written by insurance people was checked by the Arizona Rating Bureau.

In lumber yards Mr. Griffith felt four points were essential to eliminate hazards for reducing rates. They are:

1. Install an automatic sprinkle system at least in the office and closed in storage sections of the building. This would reduce rates from 75o/o to %)/o and is proven to be 96/o effective. He said it usually costs around 50c per square foot to install.

2. He advised that masonry fire walls be erected between the adjoining properties so as to eliminate exposure changes.

3. Install lf" and. Z' standpipe and fire extinguishers. This might not reduce the rate, but within the fnsurance industry it is known as first aid and could reduce the losses.

4. Use fire retardant paints. He said that treated lumber slowed down fire by 5O/o and that this would result in a 5/o to 75/o reduction in rates.

5. Consult your insurance repre-