IgA newsandviews

by BOB McBRIEN executive vice president of the Lumber Merchqnts Associotion of Norlhern Colifornio

ETVERY SO OFTEN it's most enjoyable to sit back and reflect rJ on an event or happening that has just taken place. I am sure you know what I am talking about and have done it yourself many times. Before writing this column, I took a few minutes to think a,bout one oI the most important meetings this association has ever held. And I would like to tell you " O:t ":tt:U.

MUITI TEYEL communication within the industry and how LMA is doing its part to help is described by Bob.

On July 7 in San Francisco, a number of manufacturers and wholesalers met for the first time as the new LMA marketing and distributing committee advisory board. In so doing, they opened the door to greatly improved communications within ourindustrY

I wish you could have been with us to hear the comments. To a man, each person there outlined his company's desire to help the retail lumber dealer improve his business. There wasn't talk of ool wish he would sell more of my products," but rather, "we believe in the lumber dealer's function and want to help him get a bigger share of 1lr" *"o.*u-"r dollar."

Working under the direction of Chairman Lyle Schafer, this advisory board is now hard at work developing a questionnaire which will soon be sent to retail dealers. Its purpose is to determine just what the retailer wants from the manufacturers and wholesaler.

These manufacturers and wholesalers are most candid in saying they are uncertain of how the lumber dealer looks upon himself, what he really wants from his suppliers and how the supplier can best help his dealers. These are the questions to which they seek answers.

If you will take a few minutes to think about this new approach to solving some of the problems we have faced in recent years, I think you will agree that we are moving down the path to solving them. It has been a long time (if ever) that we have sat down'this way and sought to help one another for the good of the entire industry.

You will be hearing more about t}e activities of this group in the days ahead. Each man involved is most enthused about the forthright approach and has indicated that no effort will be spared to produce real results that can be shared by all. Truly, it makes trade association work very worthwhile to see interest and action of tlis nature.

Hqrdwore Firm Acquired

The pioneer wholesale hardware firm of Dunham Carrigan & Hayden Co. has been acquired by Churchill Strand Corp., a subsidiary of Ambord Corp., ofrcials of the companies reported recently.

Ambord Corp. is a holding company and operates subsidiaries active in electrical products distribution and manufacture of electronic components.

The transaction reportedly involved a $tr million,plus stock deal.

to more and more California dealers and distributors. For year around supplies of dimension lumber and precision-trimmed studs, depend on D & R and these 4 Oregon and Washington mills:

Old Growth Fir Dimension from F.S.P. Lumber Co., Port Orford, Oregon

Hemlock Studs from Warrenton Lumber Co,, Warrenton, Oregon

Hemlock Dimension from Westport Lumber Co., Westport, Oregon

Douglas Fir Studs fiom

Shepherd & Dasher Lumber Co., Longview, Wash.

Fast, regular ocean shipments by barge from Southern Oregon and the Columbia River direct to Southern California.

Now, over 5,000,000 feet of dimension lumber and studs monthly manufactured especially for Southern California construction needs.

Art Neth would appreciate an opportunity to tell you how you and your customers will benefit from using dependable D & R dimension and studs. You can reach him.by calling 872-1,2ffi or 783-0brl4.