December 2021 Hardwood Matters by National Hardwood Lumber Association

TH E VOIC E O F THE HARDWOOD IN DUSTRY

H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S December 2021

2021 Convention Recap

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E N AT I O N A L H A R D W O O D L U M B E R A S S O C I AT I O N S T R O N G R O O T S . G L O B A L R E A C H . | W W W. N H L A . C O M

CONTENTS December 2021 • Issue 229

WHAT'S INSIDE feature 14 2021 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase

departments 6 Inside NHLA

ONLINE TOP POST OF THE MONTH at facebook.com/NHLAOfficial "Reminiscing in Memphis." Four students of ITS class #196 are walking down the same hall as their relatives before them. Pictured below, Jonathan Swan, Tanner Brown, Ryley Bennett, and Addison Conway, are looking at photos of their relatives who graduated from the Inspector Training School. Wo will be joining us to "Reminisce in Memphis" in 2022?

8 Education Spotlight Congratulations to the Graduates

of the 196th Class of the NHLA Inspector Training School

10 Legislative Log Back to the Farm Bill

by Dana Cole

12 Member Spotlight U•C Coatings 22 Rules Corner Facing Challenges and

Finding Solutions by Dana Spessert

reader services 4 24 26

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President’s Message Educational Calendar NHLA Job Board

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H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S T H E VO I C E O F T H E H A R DWO O D I N D U ST RY National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 • Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 • 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com • www.nhla.com

THE MISSION OF NH LA To serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order, structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood marketplace; providing unique member services; promoting North American hardwood lumber and advocating the interest of the hardwood community in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.

IFC DMSi 11 JoeScan 3

King City Forwarding USA

Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.

Northwest Hardwoods

Nyle Dry Kilns

IBC

Pike Lumber Company, Inc.

Tropical Forest Products

TS Manufacturing, Co.

7 VisionTally

For advertising contact: John Hester, Director of Membership and Business Development at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558 or Vicky Simms, Membership Development Manager at v.simms@nhla.com or 901-399-7557

MISSION LEADERS

Jeff Wirkkala Hardwood Industries, Inc. President

Bucky Pescaglia Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc. Unique Services

Jon Syre Cascade Hardwood, LLC Vice President

Ray White Harold White Lumber Inc. Rules

Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Past President 2018-2020

Joe Pryor Oaks Unlimited Industry Advocacy & Promotion

NHLA STAFF Amanda Boutwell Marketing and Communications Manager Desirée Freeman Controller

ADVERTISER INDEX 7 Continental Underwriters, Inc.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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Rich Solano Pike Lumber Company, Inc. Structure Stephanie VanDystadt DV Hardwoods, Inc. Membership & Networking

Julia Ganey Member Relations Manager

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

John Hester Director of Membership and Business Development

Burt Craig Matson Lumber Company Membership

Renee Hornsby Director of Marketing/ Communications

Rob Cabral Upper Canada Forest Products, Ltd. Promotion & Advocacy

Jens Lodholm Data Administration Specialist Carol McElya Inspector Training School Administrator Roman Matyushchenko ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education Vicky Quiñones Simms Membership Development Manager Melissa Ellis Smith Graphic Designer Dana Spessert Chief Inspector

Dennis Mann Baillie Lumber Co. Convention Scott Cummings Cummings Lumber Company, Inc. Inspection Services Bruce Horner Abenaki Timber Corp. ITS/Continuing Education George Swaner Swaner Hardwood Communications & Marketing Joe Snyder Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc. Rules

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

BOARD OF MANAGERS MEETING UPDATE

rom November 1-3, NHLA held its annual fall Board of Managers meeting. We had outstanding attendance, with twenty-six board members attending in person and eight attending virtually. Our NHLA staff did an exceptional job of organizing and executing the meeting.

I took a minute to verify with staff if we had any reported cases of COVID-19 from our Annual Convention in West Palm Beach. Impressively, there has not been one reported case related to the Convention. We hope this gives you the confidence to attend our Convention in Cleveland next fall. I have been attending NHLA Board of Managers meetings since the fall of 2014. This meeting was the most robust we have had in those seven years. We approved more consent and mega-issue motions than any meeting I have attended! There was an energy in our committee meetings and general board meetings that I had never experienced. It was like there was a pent-up demand for the Board of Managers to move the NHLA toward improvement. Part of the optimistic vibe of the meeting was based around the Association having a positive financial result for the fiscal year 2021. The Association made some hard decisions in 2019 and 2020 that set up a successful outcome for 2021. In addition, the Payroll Protection Program provided funds that kept all our staff in place. The executive director search committee updated the Board on our search for a new Executive Director. Fast-forwarding through the steps taken to date in our process, we have hired a recruiting firm, Vetted Solutions, out of Chicago to perform our Executive Director search. Other topics discussed included: • Investment Portfolio Results • RAHC Build Back Better Legislation • Bylaws Vote • Rustic Grade • Tally Task Force • Building Task Force • Standard Operating Procedures • 2022 Budget • Excess Reserve Funds Future Strategy • Maintaining NHLA Facility Future Strategy

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Committee meetings were energetic and produced multiple motions for the Board’s consideration. Be assured these recommendations occurred after a passionate debate in each committee. We are fortunate to have so many great minds on our Board of Managers. I will share the highlights from our committees. PROMOTION COMMITTEE • The Promotion/Advocacy Committee and Communications/Marketing Committee should collaborate to develop an Onboarding Kit, Recruiting Package, and Media Kit for our Members to access and use. Each piece should relay our positive hardwood story. • Review the Build Back Better legislation provisions and provide a White Paper of actions NHLA would like to see to give to the Hardwood Federation. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE • Staff to gather further detailed information through surveying and membership category verifications to present two new dues scenarios for consideration at the spring 2022 board meeting. • Staff tasked with bringing to the EC significant increased pricing for non-members on all NHLA products and services by December 8. Present the plan to the full Board before the end of 2021 to incentivize non-members to join NHLA. Pricing implemented January 1, 2022. • Staff tasked with developing a plan to increase net membership, by number of Members, by 10% in 2022. CONVENTION COMMITTEE • Motion to increase convention registration fees slightly to cover increasing costs over the past several years and inflation looming on the horizon. INSPECTION SERVICES COMMITTEE • Motion to increase daily inspection fees and tie the prices to the CPI for annual adjustments. • Motion to increase the Facility Grade Certification to the twoday daily inspection fee rate and tie the fees to the CPI for annual adjustments. W W W. N H L A .C O M

Part of the optimistic vibe of the meeting was based around the Association having a positive financial result for the fiscal year 2021. • Motion to increase all non-member fees by a factor of 50% over member prices. INSPECTOR TRAINING SCHOOL COMMITTEE • Motion for a slight increase in tuition for the NHLA Inspector Training School, Online Training Program, and Short Courses as rates have been stagnant for several years. It has been a long time since NHLA has increased fees. The Board voted unanimously to approve these increases. Adding the annual CPI increase will keep our fees in line with inflation. Our goal is to provide an excellent service to our members and keep the NHLA on sound financial ground. We want to set NHLA up for future success. Additionally, the Board of Managers voted to approve the removal and replacement of the roof on the NHLA Headquarters and Inspector Training School. The Board approved a maximum expense of $400,000 for replacing the current roof, which is 40 years old and has multiple leaks. Funding options include, but are not limited to, using our reserves, donations from our members, and borrowing the funds from our bank. The decision about the method of funding will happen after all facts are accumulated.

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A takeaway for you from our meeting is to consider the “power of positive thinking.” Your Board of Managers is an example of this phenomenon. They represent many of the finest people in our industry. They all have great minds, attitudes and are positive thinkers. Be proud of your Board of Managers. If you want to explore the “power of positive thinking,” pick up Norman Vincent Peal’s book of the same name. It is well worth your time to read or listen to the audiobook. Best wishes for your continued health and success. May God bless you, your families, and your business now and in the future.

Jeff Wirkkala NHLA President | Hardwood Industries, Inc.

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INSIDE NHLA

2023 Rules Change Ballots Have Been Mailed! Every Active Voting Member should have recieved their Rules Change Ballot in the mail. The deadline is fast approaching. The completed ballot must be signed and received by NHLA before December 1, 2021. If you have any questions regarding the Rules Ballot please contact Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector by phone, 901-399-7551 or email, d.spessert@nhla.com

NHLA Bylaws Change Ballot Coming to you mailbox this month a NHLA Constitution and Bylaws Ballot. The suggested amendments have been vetted by the NHLA Board of Directors and legal counsel. Voting on the Constitution and Bylaws is one of the most important roles you can perform as a Member of NHLA. The completed ballot must be signed and received by NHLA before December 31, 2021.

YOUR OPINION MATTERS, PLEASE TAKE OUR MEMBER SURVEY

s an industry trade association, NHLA takes the feedback and input of you, our members, very seriously. We value your opinion and use it to drive the direction and focus of the work we do. We’re committed to helping you be successful. In the coming weeks, NHLA will be sending out an electronic member survey, please check your email. We ask that you give us 15-minutes and provide us with your valuable feedback so we can continue to make improvements to the Association. Your individual responses on the survey are confidential and are aggregated with all other responses.

If you have questions regarding the proposed Bylaws changes, please contact Bucky Pescaglia, NHLA Bylaws Task Force Chairman at 660-248-3000 or by email at buckyp@mopaclumber.com.

*If anyone would like to participate in the member survey but would prefer to have a printed copy mailed to you, we would be happy to accommodate you. Please call Julia Ganey, Member Relations Manager at 901-399-7555.

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EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to the Graduates of the 196th Class of the NHLA Inspector Training School

First Row (sitting) L to R: Tanner Brown, Travis Groth, Roman, Jeremy Jeffries, Chun Ta Ko. Second Row (standing) L to R: Jonathan Swan, Greg Roehl, Lance Crump, Ryley Bennett, Addison Conway, Chris Amos and Brady Antons.

he National Hardwood Lumber Association celebrated the graduation of the 196th class of the Inspector Training School on November 5, 2021. Eleven students completed the 8-week Program. Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector and ITS Dean of Education, welcomed and thanked the families, friends, and employers who supported the students during their time away from home. Instructor Roman Matyushchenko addressed the students, telling them, “So many graduates of this School have become owners, presidents, and managers of the companies they worked for after graduation. You have all the chance to find long-term careers in this great industry. I wish you good luck in the future.” Adam Conway with Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, a graduate from ITS Class #116 in 1995, gave the keynote address. He

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congratulated the graduates and told them, “You came here because someone believed in you: your family, your employer. You completed the course because you believed in yourself. What you do with it now is up to you. As you move forward in your careers, find your feet, have confidence in yourself, and have confidence in your training.” Tanner Brown with B & B Lumber Co. was elected class president. He spoke to his fellow students during the ceremony saying, “I’d like to thank my grandpa, sitting in the first row, for giving me the opportunity to come to this School, join this business, and start my career. To class 196, I hope that we all continue to see each other in our daily lives and work even though we live just about everywhere. I’ve loved spending the last eight weeks with you guys. It has been downright amazing every single day.

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“I’d like to thank my grandpa, sitting in the first row, for giving me the opportunity to come to this School, join this business, and start my career.”— Tanner Brown, Class President Graduates of the 196th class were: • Chris Amos, J. Gibson McIlvain Co. • Brady Antons, Kendrick Forest Products • Ryley Bennett, Billsby Lumber Company • Tanner Brown, B & B Lumber • Addison Conway, Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc. • Lance Crump, Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc. • Travis Groth, Kendrick Forest Products • Jeremy Jeffries, Tuscarora Hardwoods, Inc. • Chun Ta Ko (Nick), Independent • Greg Roehl, Willenburg Hardwood Industries, Inc. • Jonathan Swan, Battle Lumber Co., Inc.

Roman Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards. Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows: • Greg Roehl, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average • (Tie) Jeremy Jeffries, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average • (Tie) Tanner Brown, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average • Addison Conway, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average • Greg Roehl, The Milt Cole and NHLA Award for Best Attitude/ Citizenship • Chun Ta Ko (Nick), The Willard Scholarship

Enrollment is now open for the 197th class, which begins at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 10, 2022. To enroll or learn more about the program, please visit www.nhla.com. W W W. N H L A .C O M

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LEGISLATIVE LOG

Back to the Farm Bill By DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation

t seems like Congress drafted and passed a comprehensive Farm Bill just yesterday, but the old saying that time flies is a true one. The latest iteration of the Farm Bill was enacted in 2018, and we are about to enter another reauthorization round with Congressional hearings likely to commence early next year. Recall two things about the Farm Bill. One, Congress must enact a new one every five years, and two, while it’s predominantly focused on row crop agriculture and other farm and nutrition programs, there are a number of programs of vital importance to forestry and forest products generally, and the hardwood industry specifically.

One of the Hardwood Federation’s primary areas of focus in the context of the five-year Farm Bill is the trade title, which includes provisions authorizing and funding our two key trade promotion platforms—the Market Access (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs. These two highly effective platforms have a proven track record of opening up and sustaining global markets for U.S.-produced hardwood products. One positive outcome from the 2018 Farm Bill rewrite was that MAP and FMD were consolidated for purposes of funding under a new umbrella program known as the Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Program (ATPFP). This was significant as the consolidation also provided for mandatory funding of $255 million over the life of the current Farm Bill to be apportioned among the programs under ATPFP. Before 2018, the Hardwood Federation and our allies that support these trade promotion programs were forced to work the Congres-

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sional appropriations process each year to advocate for MAP and FMD funding. And each year, there were a select few Members of Congress looking to defund these programs or eliminate them entirely. Now that they are seeded with mandatory money and consolidated under this more extensive umbrella program, these funding concerns are generally not an issue. Through MAP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partners with U.S. agricultural trade groups and state agencies to share costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities for a range of U.S. agricultural products, including hardwood forest products. MAP currently receives minimum annual mandatory funding of $200 million for fiscal years 2019 through 2023. Under the FMD Cooperator Program, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service partners with U.S. nonprofit agricultural trade associations to address longterm opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities for U.S. agricultural commodities, including hardwoods. FMD also receives mandatory annual funding allocations for F.Y. 2019 through F.Y. 2023 at $34.5 million. The Hardwood Federation will be looking to preserve these mandatory funding levels at a minimum in the next Farm Bill round. Outside of trade, the Farm Bill typically includes a robust forestry title that seeks to help private landowners maintain their working forest landscapes and includes measures to enhance forest health on federal forest landholdings. Providing additional tools for the Forest W W W. N H L A .C O M

Service to better manage our federal forests will be an area of focus for the Hardwood Federation in the upcoming Farm Bill. Each year the fire season in Western states is increasingly severe and has resulted in bipartisan support in Congress for more active management of federal timber stands. While not as widely covered in the media, insect infestation and disease on federal forests east of the Mississippi are also problematic and could be addressed with more aggressive Forest Service intervention. On the domestic market development front, the 2018 Farm Bill included Hardwood Federation-supported language promoting the use of wood in taller buildings—higher than six stories. The provisions were part of the Timber Innovation Act, which authorized and funded research and development of mass timber as well as wood innovation grants to fund projects that use cross-laminated timber and other cutting edge wood building materials. We will be working with our forest products industry association allies to build off these wins from the last Farm Bill round as the 2023 reauthorization process begins in earnest next year. One other area that is typically addressed in the Farm Bill is wood energy. In 2018, provisions were enacted authorizing the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program. This initiative was authorized to receive $100 million over the life of the current Farm Bill to facilitate installations of heat and power systems that operate on sawmill residual-derived fuels. We supported this provision as a potential solution to our sector’s residuals issue, which was a challenging situation at the time. So who will be holding the pen in writing the next Farm Bill? The narrow margins of control in both chambers make that an impossible question to answer, but what we do know is that both the chairmen and ranking members on both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees are strong supporters of the Hardwood Federation. On the Senate side, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) is the current chair and will be leading the 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization in the upper chamber if Democrats maintain control of the Senate following next year’s election. If the Senate flips to Republican control, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) would become the chairman. The Senate Agriculture Committee has historically been a panel that demonstrated bipartisan cooperation, and we anticipate that continuing to be the norm going forward with these two leaders. In the House, Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13) is the current W W W. N H L A .C O M

chairman, and Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA-15) is the ranking member. Again, we have a considerable presence in Rep. Scott’s district and a good working relationship with his team. As for G.T., he has been a long-time leader on our issues and is a genuine friend to the hardwood sector. A final wild card in terms of Farm Bill reauthorization will be the status of President Biden’s Build Back Better legislative package (still be finalized as of press time). There are significant forestry-related provisions in the existing draft language, some of which could have substantial impacts on public and private forestlands . . . and the hardwood industry. We will be reporting further on the results of the current debate once details are finalized. As always, we will be seeking input and guidance from our members in terms of policy priorities to pursue in this next Farm Bill as the process gets underway, as well as your advocacy help as we get closer to the bill being drafted.

HEAD NEW JS-50 WX SCAN

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT U•C COATINGS The UC Coatings team members enjoying a Wine Sail as part of their 50th year celebration.

U•C Coatings

LEADING THE INDUSTRY IN WOOD PROTECTION

NHLA recently had an opportunity to sit down with Chris Fehr, the

Eastern Region Sales Director at UC Coatings, to chat about how things are going at the company. NHLA: UC Coatings has been around for 50 years! How did you get started? Chris: UC Coatings started in 1971 when Red Murray purchased Upson Chemical and Bates Industries. Our first foray into the wood products industry was with the Bates Glue Release product for woodworkers. NHLA: Speaking of products, UC Coatings has an extensive product list. What products do you offer? Chris: Our products are designed to protect, enhance, and conserve forest resources and provide value to those that use them. We are probably most famous for Anchorseal, which was introduced in

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1980. Anchorseal and Anchorseal 2 significantly reduce costly endchecking. But we are also well known for several other products.

Chris Fehr

Flitch Savers, Log Savers, and Log Dawgs help reduce splitting in logs. Britewood-XL prevents sap stain and mold in logs and lumber. Shade-Dri helps protect logs and lumber during air-drying and storage, and Seal-Once offers superior protection against rot and decay for wood decks and siding. We have many other products like Gempaint, Sol-Brite E, Bates W W W. N H L A .C O M

Their original location in Buffalo, NY.

Employee safety was a huge focus for us, so we made arrangements for people to work from home, and I’m proud to say that we didn’t have any layoffs. Glue Release, and SEAL-ONCE, to name a few. And we’re constantly working on new products. Last year, we introduced FenceGuard, Gempaint Ultra and expanded the SEAL-ONCE line to include Ready Mix colors. NHLA: How has COVID 19 affected your business? Chris: COVID 19 has undoubtedly given us some moments of frustration, but I think we were able to weather the storm reasonably well. We were deemed essential, so we never had to shut the plant down. Employee safety was a huge focus for us, so we made arrangements for people to work from home, and I’m proud to say that we didn’t have any layoffs. As markets recovered, we were faced with some raw material shortages that made things tricky for a while, but we’re hoping that is all in the rear-view mirror. The biggest issue we seem to face now is making accommodations when people are sick. There have been a few occasions where we didn’t have enough staff, but everybody banded together to help one another, which is a true testament to the chemistry of our team. NHLA: What makes UC Coatings different from your competition? Chris: UC Coatings has a commitment to customer service and the quality of our products. When I first joined UC Coatings five years ago, I was repeatedly told by people in the industry that it was a great place to work. Ultimately, I couldn’t have joined a better company. NHLA: What would you say has been the key to your company’s success? Chris: We view our customers as partners. We genuinely want to help them be successful, and our products serve that purpose. We are heavily involved in the industry as supporters of associations from the national level down to local kiln drying clubs.

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NHLA: One of the associations you are an active part of is NHLA. What has your NHLA membership done for your business? Chris: Our membership in NHLA has been vital to establishing and demonstrating our commitment to this industry. The NHLA Annual Convention provides a great way to connect with our customers and show our support for them. It also allows us to broaden our network and meet new friends. We enjoy the Conventions and always send a large contingent. NHLA: What made UC Coatings decide to focus on the forest products industry specifically? Chris: There was a definite need in the forest products industry for a product like Anchorseal. We had an inexpensive answer to a costly problem. It made sense for us to focus on the forest products industry. Once we got into this community, we asked ourselves, “In what other ways can we help?” and took it from there. NHLA: What does the future look like for UC Coatings? Chris: It’s an exciting time to be at UC Coatings. We are constantly looking to grow through the introduction of new products or acquisitions of other companies. We just purchased another company this October which will be our third acquisition since 2018 and fourth overall. It is called Abatron Inc., based in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It specializes in the formulation and manufacture of epoxy related compounds. NHLA: We see the line “The Leader in Wood Protection” a lot in your advertising. What do you mean by that? Chris: When we say we are the leader in wood protection, we mean the leader in many ways: service, partnership, integrity, value, and performance (not necessarily in that particular order.) You can reach Chris Fehr at UC Coatings at 716-833-9366 or email him at chris@uccoatings.com. You can find UC Coatings online at: www.uccoatings.com. D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |

2021 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase

INNOVATING TOGETHER The National Hardwood Lumber Association held its 124th Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase on September 22-24 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Premier sponsor Rossi Group

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he 2021 NHLA Annual Convention kicked off Wednesday, September 22, with a welcome reception sponsored by Cascade Hardwood LLC, bringing together hundreds of hardwood industry professionals. The gathering was the perfect time to network with people in the industry, catch up with long-time customers, form new relationships, and talk about the hardwood industry’s future

Wlelcome Reception NHLA President Jeff Wirkkala

Thursday, September 23, was headlined by the Opening Session, sponsored by Northwest Hardwoods. NHLA President, Jeff Wirkkala, kicked off the festivities with gratitude, “Our Convention would not be possible without the financial support of our sponsors. I want to thank all of our sponsors for their tremendous support, especially our Premier Sponsor, the Rossi Group.” Mr. Wirkkala continued, “I would also like to thank all of our exhibitors. I sincerely hope that our members will support these exhibitors by purchasing their products and services throughout the year. I would also like to thank all of you who attended this year. One of the great values of a convention is networking opportunities. Without your attendance, that networking would not happen.”

Opening Session Keynote Speaker Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson, the former Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Chick-fil-A, delivered a powerful Keynote Address on how the leadership team for the restaurant took the fledgling brand to the global powerhouse it is today. Steve discussed the importance of company culture and explained that you cannot make someone fit your culture after they are hired. You must hire people that already fit your culture. Steve went into detail on how the “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign came to fruition and extolled the many opportunities open to the Hardwood Community. Steve Robinson’s presentation was invigorating and uplifting. It resonated throughout every Education Seminar, reception, and many conversations around the Convention Center. Other notable events at the Opening Session were the acknowledgment of 52 new NHLA members and companies celebrating Milestone Anniversaries: 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEMBERS: Hull Forest Products J.P. Smith Lumber Co., Inc. Les Bois Francis DV Inc. McGee Lumber Company Inc. Noland Lumber Company Owens Lumber Co., Inc. Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company Rock Hill Lumber Inc. 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEMBERS Carl Rosenberry & Sons Lumber Inc. Lapp Lumber Co. R. J. Williams, Inc.

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Jeff Wirkkala and his wife, Jaynie, joined Sean Brisco and Susan Cho with Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company to cut the ribbon opening the Exhibit Showcase, featuring over 80 hardwood industry-specific companies. After the Opening Session, Jeff Wirkkala and his wife, Jaynie, joined Sean Brisco and Susan Cho with Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company to cut the ribbon opening the Exhibit Showcase, featuring over 80 hardwood industry-specific companies Thursday wrapped up with an array of receptions. First up was the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception (sponsored by JoeScan), where exhibitors had the opportunity to pick their booths for the 2022 Convention in Cleveland. Then, the NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Reception opened with a bang (sponsored by Cole Hardwood, Inc.). ITS alumni gathered to reminisce and catch up with former classmates. Capping off the night was the “Ale Trail” Reception, which provided excellent networking opportunities as well as a variety of craft beers, spirits, and delicious food. Sponsoring the Networking Reception were Nyle Dry Kilns and TS Manufacturing. On Friday, September 23, the Convention opened with a General Session featuring the inaugural presentation of the NHLA Leadership Award. Darwin Murray with McClain Forest Products (and former NHLA President) made a moving speech about the winner, the late William Milton Cole. Cole was a generous man with a good heart. W W W. N H L A .C O M

He led his company, Cole Hardwoods, with dignity and respect for his employees, colleagues, and the Hardwood Industry as a whole. The NHLA Board of Manager elections were held at the General Session where George Bach (East Ohio Hardwood Lumber Company), John Griffin (Frank Paxton Lumber Company, Dennis Mann (Baillie Lumber Company, Cameron McRae (McRae Lumber Co. Ltd.), and George Swaner (Swaner Hardwood Co., Inc., were reelected for a second term. Six new board members were elected, as well. The new board members include Ed Armbruster (Northwest Hardwoods), Parker Boles (Hermitage Hardwoods), Brant Forcey (Forcey Lumber Company), Tom Plaugher (Alleghany Wood Products), Gus Welter (Granite Valley Hardwoods), and Joe Zona (Deer Park Lumber). Retiring from the NHLA Board of Managers this year were Scott Cummings (Cummings Lumber Co., Inc.), Joey Josey (Josey Lumber Company, Inc.), Mario Lussier (Simon Lussier Ltee), Garner Robinson (Robinson Lumber Company), and Ray Wheeland (Wheeland Lumber Company). D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |

Top two photos: The NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Reception Bottom two photos: Capping off the night was the “Ale Trail” Reception. Friday’s General Session was sponsored by Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance, Co., whose representative, Sean Brisco, introduced the Keynote Speaker, Dan North the Chief Economist for North America at Euler Hermes. He has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business News, and countless other TV programs and print media, including the Wall Street Journal. Dan came to the stage ready to provide insights into the current economy. He explained upcoming trends and provided analysis to help attendees keep their businesses growing.

On Thursday, a standout education seminar was “New Markets for Hardwoods” with Dr. Henry Quesada. His presentation was highly informative; as he provided insights and updates on alternative markets for hardwood products. Dr. Quesada is a Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech. Some of the alternative markets he spoke about included structural, dimension, mass timber, access mats, and thermal modification markets. This was an Educational Seminar nobody wanted to miss!

The NHLA Annual Convention presented a variety of educational sessions, sponsored by Robinson Lumber Company. The first Seminar, “Domestic Market Trends” featured a panel of business leaders representing cabinetry, flooring, moulding, and millwork. David Caldwell, with the Hardwood Market Report, moderated the discussion. Panel members included Michael Martin (with NWFA), Jeremey McClain (with Osborne Wood Products, Craig Miller (with Battle Lumber Company, and Paul Wellborn (with Wellborn Cabinet). The panel discussed the current market demand and the upcoming trends in hardwood consumption by market. The audience’s questions and concerns were also addressed, including the current labor shortage, supply shortage, and how the COVID-19 vaccine has impacted their businesses.

There was much more to learn in Friday’s education seminars. The first seminar was hosted by Mike Snow, the Executive Director of AHEC. “The New Normal: Hardwood Exports in a Changed World” was sponsored by Kühne and Nagel. Mike Snow’s Education Seminars are always a massive draw at NHLA Convention, and this year was no different.

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Speaking to attendees, Mr. Snow talked about how growing demand in the housing and renovation markets in the US and Europe is hampered by global supply chain issues in some of the hardwood industry’s most important overseas markets. He put current hardwood exports into a historical perspective. He went into the macro challenges like trade integration (or lack thereof ), competing for W W W. N H L A .C O M

Leadership Award

New board members (L to R): Parker Boles, Gus Welter, Brant Forcey and Ed Armbruster Not pictured: Tom Plaugher and Joe Zona

Thursday and Friday

General Session Keynote Speaker Dan North

were standout days from the Opening Session with Steve Robinson and the

Dana Spessert

General Session with Dan North as well as a variety of Educational Seminars. Dr. Henry Quesada Scott Raba

Jeremey McClain W W W. N H L A .C O M

Mike Snow D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |

Guests celebrated three days of making new connections and strengthening existing relationships by enjoying salsa dancers, a live band, dancing, and an excellent meal. fiber supplies, and global GDP growth and how these issues will determine the health of our export markets in the short term. When asked for the solution to end all of the topics raised, Mike replied, “Ending the pandemic.” Also on Friday was the education session “Check for Knots: Learn how Knot to be a Cybersecurity Victim” hosted by Scott Raba, a Solutions Architect with Barracuda Network. Mr. Raba’s riveting session taught attendees not to fall victim to cyber-attacks, including phishing emails, ransomware attacks, data breaches, and others. Scott took the time to address the attendee’s personal questions and problems, and everyone walked away with ideas to make their private networks safer. The final education session of the Convention was hosted by the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC). Dana Cole with the Hardwood Federation led the session, presenting the progress made

by the RAHC to promote Real American Hardwood finished goods to consumers. The RAHC needs more funding to continue with their mission and would appreciate everyone donating what they can. In the end, the message to remember was that Real American Hardwoods are beautiful, desirable, valuable, sustainable, healthy, and support small family businesses. The Convention ended in style with the Grand Finale Gala, Havana Nights sponsored by Tropical Forest Products. Guests celebrated three days of making new connections and strengthening existing relationships by enjoying salsa dancers, a live band, dancing, and an excellent meal. As always, The NHLA Convention was a great time to catch up with fellow members, network with clients and potential clients, and learn from peers, speakers, and presenters.

2022 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase

September 21 - 23 Huntington Convention Center | Cleveland, Ohio. 20

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An Experience Designed Around You. Hardwoods is an industry rooted in building trusting relationships. By focusing on each of our customers as our most important customer, we are able to learn and grow together every step of the way. Whether it’s species, supply, specialized production or logistics, we take the time to understand our customers’ needs so we can take care of them. That’s the foundation of trust.

northwesthardwoods.com

RULES CORNER

FACING CHALLENGES AND FINDING SOLUTIONS By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

use of new technology becomes more widespread. In the coming months, look for our new offering announcements on our website and social media platforms.

When the NHLA Lumber Grading Rules were written, the intent was for NHLA to provide Inspectors to cover the lumber inspection needs of the hardwood industry. The industry demand grew much faster than NHLA could handle, so to remedy the situation, NHLA created the Inspector Training School to teach the industry to utilize the grades with their own employees.

If you have questions please contact me at 901-399-7551 or by email at d.spessert@nhla.com.

t the time of the writing of this article, the NHLA Inspector Training School will have graduated 11 students from the 196th Class. The education that our students receive is among the highest regarded in our industry. It is, in fact, the only way to measure the value of the lumber purchased or sold.

I would like to thank everyone who voted in the last Rules change process, and I look forward to presenting the results as soon as the vote tally is complete.

The industry is now facing another challenge; obtaining and retaining employees. To combat this situation, the industry is looking for alternatives, such as machines. Over the last ten years, many technological advancements have come into use through computerized lumber production and hardwood lumber inspection. An important point to remember, whether it is in optimization or inspection, technology must be monitored and calibrated consistently. To keep the equipment at optimum operation, the calibration and machine monitoring require a highly skilled employee who understands the hardwood lumber grades and can correct mistakes made by these new technologies. The NHLA Board of Directors held its bi-annual meeting last month, where these topics were discussed. We have plans to enhance our education to assist the industry in expanding their employee’s knowledge of the optimization and grading systems. The plans are to recognize the areas where NHLA can educate and create curriculum and classes moving forward. NHLA will continue to educate on the Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules, as this is the accounting method for the hardwood lumber industry. But, we will also look for other ways to help our industry prosper as the

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NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education. DECEMBER

6-9 Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber. Venue: WV Wood Technology Center Location: Elkins, WV Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector

2022

JANUARY

MARCH

10-March 4

21-April 1

Inspector Training School 197th Class

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1

Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

Two weeks of hands-on training.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

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COVID-19 IMPACT:

At the time of publication, these educational courses are being offered. However, due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic please visit nhla.com for the latest information or call NHLA headquarters at 901-377-1818 to confirm that these courses are taking place.

APRIL

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

25-27

22-Sept. 2

7-9

26-Nov. 18

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

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Two weeks of hands-on training.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

Inspector Training School 199th Class

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NHLA JOB BOARD Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

SAWMILL PRODUCATION MANAGER GREENE LUMBER CO. Greene Lumber Co. is in search of a Sawmill Production Manager.

Salary & Benefits Competitive Pay (commensurate with experience and qualifications). Full Suite of Benefits including health insurance, PTO, and 401K.

Responsibilities include: • Ensure the safe operation of the mill as #1 priority.

How to Apply Send your resume to: troyal@baillie.com

• Coordinate mill activities with lumber sales to ensure that total manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost effective manner.

Greene Lumber Co 16991 NY-23 | Davenport, NY 13750 716-649-2850 | www.wagnerlumber.com/sawmills/greene-lumber

• Responsible for operating expenditures and manpower of all mill workers.

• Monitor sawing of lumber to ensure logs are used for their highest and best use and waste is minimized.

SAWMILL PRODUCATION MANAGER WAGNER LUMBER Wagner Lumber in Owego, NY is looking to add an experienced Sawmill Production Manager to our team. This is a hands-on, boots on the floor role, reporting to the facility manager, that will direct and manage all sawmill operations while striving to continuously improve all areas of mill performance.

• Work alongside maintenance to ensure all machinery and processes are working to peak efficiency.

Responsibilities include: • Ensure the safe operation of the mill as #1 priority.

• Suggest and help implement areas for improvement through change in machinery, flow and/or people.

• Coordinate mill activities with lumber sales to ensure that total manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost effective manner.

• Establish and monitor overall plant performance for production and quality standards.

• Help drive continuous improvement throughout the mill, machinery, processes and people. • Responsible for the proper use and care of all company assets. • Provide leadership and training to accomplish the company goals and objectives. • Encourage and foster a sense of positive morale among the work force.

• Responsible for operating expenditures and manpower of all mill workers. • Establish and monitor overall plant performance for production and quality standards. • Monitor sawing of lumber to ensure logs are used for their highest and best use and waste is minimized.

• Assess and develop talent at all levels of mill operation.

• Work alongside maintenance to ensure all machinery and processes are working to peak efficiency.

• Work with a wider network of managers to coordinate and achieve overall company goals.

• Suggest and help implement areas for improvement through change in machinery, flow and/or people.

Skills & Experience Required • 5+ years of related management work experience desired.

• Help drive continuous improvement throughout the mill, machinery, processes and people.

• Flexible, adaptable, team-orientated leader who has the capacity to work in concert with a broader organization.

• Responsible for the proper use and care of all company assets.

• Proven ability to respectfully manage a diverse workforce.

• Provide leadership and training to accomplish the company goals and objectives.

• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Encourage and foster a sense of positive morale among the work force.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills a must.

• Assess and develop talent at all levels of mill operation.

• Lean manufacturing experience a plus.

• Work with a wider network of managers to coordinate and achieve overall company goals.

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NHLA JOB BOARD Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

Skills & Experience Required • 5+ years of related management work experience desired. • Flexible, adaptable, team-orientated leader who has the capacity to work in concert with a broader organization.

• Assess and develop talent at all levels of mill operation. • Work with a wider network of managers to coordinate and achieve overall company goals.

• Proven ability to respectfully manage a diverse workforce.

Skills & Experience Required • 5+ years of related management work experience desired.

• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• 4-year degree preferred, but not required.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills a must.

• Flexible, adaptable, team-orientated leader.

• Lean manufacturing experience a plus.

• Proven ability to respectfully manage a diverse workforce.

Salary & Benefits Competitive Pay (commensurate with experience and qualifications). Full Suite of Benefits including health insurance, PTO, and 401K.

• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook

How to Apply Send your resume to: llandahl@baillie.com

How to Apply Send your resume to: troyal@baillie.com

Wagner Lumber 4060 Gaskill Road | Owego, NY 13827 716-649-2850 | www.wagnerlumber.com/

HMI Hardwoods 430 Division St | Clinton, MI 49236 716-649-2850 | www.hmilumber.com

SAWMILL MANAGER HMI HARDWOODS Responsibilities include: • Coordinate mill activities with lumber sales to ensure the total manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost effective manner.

LUMBER INSPECTOR MOSS LUMBER INDUSTRIES, INC. Moss Lumber Industries, Inc is seeking an experienced lumber grader to join their team. This person would be required to have completed the NHLA lumber grading course and have NHLA certification. Applicant must:

•

Ensure the safe operation of the mill by training employees in safe practices and eliminating or controlling safety hazards. Be aware of OSHA regulations and maintain mill in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

• Responsible for operating expenditures, manpower, wages, and salaries of mill workers. • Establish and monitor overall plant performance for production and quality standards. Monitor sawing of lumber to ensure logs are used for their highest and best use and waste is minimized. • Maintain a preventative maintenance plan focused on eliminating or reducing downtime while effectively controlling costs. • Responsible for the proper use and care of all company assets. • Provide leadership and training to accomplish the company goals and objectives. • Encourage and foster a sense of positive morale among the workforce. W W W. N H L A .C O M

Salary & Benefits Competitive Pay -Full Time -Full Plan of Benefits

• Apply NHLA grading rules for lumber at production rates, while maintaining the required grading accuracy. • Communicate with team members to ensure a consistent flow of quality lumber. • Work safely and help maintain a safe work environment. Skills & Experience Required 10-15 years experience preferred. Salary & Benefits Salary is negotiable, Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Paid vacation and holidays. How to Apply Send your resume to: paige7231@bellsouth.net Moss Lumber Industries, Inc. PO Box 338/6400 Highway 72 East | Gurley, AL 35748 256-508-5302 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |

WHEN THE OUTCOME MATTERS Check out our YouTube Video Series:

(800) 777-6953

Kilnsales@nyle.com

www.nyle.com

ENDURING BEAUTY

STARTS WITH PIKE BRAND HARDWOODS

Made from specially selected logs, our 4/4 through 8/4 Rift and Quarter Sawn White Oak has the color and texture to satisfy the most demanding customers. See the difference Pike Brand ® Hardwoods can make in your products.

SINCE 1904

P.O. Box 247 Akron, Indiana 46910 Sales@PikeLumber.com www.PikeLumber.com

(800) 356-4554 (574) 893-4511 (574) 893-7400 fax

December 2021 Hardwood Matters

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