2016 Jan/Feb Hardwood Matters

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H A R DWO O D M AT T E R S T H E VO I C E O F T H E H A R DWOO D I N D U ST RY

TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGHS in the Hardwood Lumber Industry

pl us NEW NHLA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY APP HBOX GIVEAWAY

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

DEPARTMENTS 10 18 20

Legislative Log Education Spotlight Rules Corner

READER SERVICES

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6 President’s Message 8 CEO’s Message 22 Job Board 23 Calendar

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Photo Courtesy of AHEC

IN THIS ISSUE 12 Technological Breathroughs in the Hardwood Lumber Industry

New NHLA Membership Directory App

HBox Giveaway

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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

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;

Jan/Feb 2016 ▪ Issue 164 National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 ▪ Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 ▪ 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com ▪ www.nhla.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MISSION LEADERS

Pem Jenkins Turn Bull Lumber Co. President

Orn Gudmundsson Jr. Northland Corporation Unique Services

Brent Stief Huron Forest Products Vice President

Mark Mah UCS Forest Group Rules

Scott Heidler Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co. Past President 2012-2014

Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Structure

promoting North American hardwood lumber and

Mark Barford, CAE Chief Executive Officer

Jack Shannon J.T. Shannon Lumber Co. Industry Advocacy & Promotion

advocating the interest of the hardwood community

NHLA STAFF

Nordeck Thompson Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods Membership & Networking

in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.

Mark A. Barford, CAE Chief Executive Officer m.barford@nhla.com Melissa Ellis Smith Graphic Designer m.ellis@nhla.com Renee Hornsby Director of Communications/Editor r.hornsby@nhla.com Kristina Thomas Marketing Relations k.thomas@nhla.com

■■■ Desirée Freeman Controller Rich Hascher Inspector Training School Instructor For advertising inquiries: Contact John Hester, Director of Membership at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558.

ADVERTISER INDEX 19

Brewco Inc.

7 DMSi 20

Dunavant Global Logistics Group

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King City/Northway Forwarding

IFC

Pike Lumber Company, Inc.

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Sii Dry Kilns TJT Consulting

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UC Coatings Corporation

17 Pennsylvania & Indiana

Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Companies

John Hester Director of Membership Dana Spessert Chief Inspector

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Dave Bramlage Cole Hardwood Membership Dan Caldwell Atlanta Hardwood Corporation Hardwood Advocacy Kevin Gillette Tioga Hardwoods Convention Scott Heidler Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co. Nominating Steve Jones Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, Inc Inspection Services Darwin Murray McClain Forest Products Finance Bucky Pescaglia Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc. Inspector Training School Mike Powers Maley & Wertz Communications & Marketing Jim Reader Downes & Reader Hardwood Continuing Education/ Member Services Joe Snyder Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc. Rules Brent Stief Huron Forest Products Strategic Planning

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Presenting Sponsor 2015 NHLA Annual Convention

Welcome!

TJT Consulting is pleased to welcome the new additions to our family of lumber industry clients! And wish all NHLA members a prosperous 2016.

TJT Consulting 4001 Legion Drive • Hamburg, NY 14075 Toll Free: 866-287-5919 or (716) 649-4460 E-mail: djacobs@tjt4001.com www.tjtconsulting4001.com

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NEW BEGINNINGS ON THE HORIZON FOR NHLA Happy New Year! As of this writing it is the start of the season of Epiphany. As a friend of mine Jay Sidebotham recently wrote in his weekly letter, “I can’t tell if that’s a churchy word, or if the broader culture uses it, but epiphany means revelation or manifestation, seeing something not seen before.” It is in that spirit that I share with you one of the decisions the executive committee has made since the fall board meeting.

At the fall meeting the executive committee decided to seek new executive leadership for NHLA and work with Mark Barford towards his retirement. The decision was not taken lightly. Given the globalization of the hardwood market place, the consolidation in the hardwood industry and the rapidly changing technological environment in which we all exist, the committee felt that a new beginning would be healthy for NHLA as we face today’s challenges.

Mark Barford will continue in his role as we complete the search for a new executive director and be available for a transition once the search is complete. Mark has served the industry and NHLA well and has “sawdust in his blood” so to speak.

Please thank him for his continued commitment and dedication to NHLA when you see him.

Please know that during this transition period Mark and the board are committed to a smooth transition and we are all working to meet the needs and requests of all members. NHLA finances are strong, the membership is stable and the executive staff is working hard every day on behalf of the members.

As we move forward in this season of Epiphany, I encourage all members to be open to new opportunities and new challenges in our industry and know that this is not the first time that “we are seeing something not seen before!”

Mark has served the industry and NHLA well and has “sawdust in his blood” so to speak. Please thank him for his continued commitment and dedication to NHLA when you see him.

Thanks again for the privilege of serving as your President!

Pem Jenkins, NHLA President Turn Bull Lumber Company

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CEO’S MESSAGE

2015 LAYS STRONG FOUNDATION FOR MORE INDUSTRY GROWTH IN 2016 It is refreshing to see 2015 come to an end with most people feeling good about the industry. Production levels increased to approximately 10 billion board feet and in general, inventories remained at a normal level. Coming off of the strong recovery year that was 2014, 2015 did not compare as well, however it was still stronger than the disaster of the previous 6 years. Outlooks for 2016 indicate some new areas of growth; among those is the return of worldwide demand, an expanding domestic housing market and stronger consumer confidence.

NHLA also had a strong 2015. The Inspection Services department stayed busy and in demand, the Annual Convention was the largest in 10 years, and in November we graduated 25 students from the Inspector Training School.

We finished the year in the black and added back into our reserves for that inevitable “rainy day”. The NHLA staff is experienced and working as a team reaching out to NHLA members and the industry in general. In 2016 you will see the NHLA display at the IHLA Convention & Exposition in Indianapolis, IN, NWFA Wood Flooring Expo in Charlotte, NC, EXPO Richmond in early May, and International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta. All of these events are leading up to The 2016 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase October 5-7 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. A look at the international field during 2016 is promising. Last year some longestablished overseas markets started to return, specifically in Spain and Ireland.

Middle East markets also showed significant increases, however their total volume remains low, which indicates strong potential for future growth. Asian markets dropped across the board, but many observers see it as a break as the market gets ready for another year of strong growth. Domestic demand begins the year strong, with the biggest question mark around flooring. With the increases in imported flooring, and the continued erosion of the market from substitutes, this will be a market to watch in 2016.

Outlooks for 2016 indicate some new areas of growth; among those is the return of worldwide demand, an expanding domestic housing market and stronger consumer confidence.

A year from now NHLA is hoping to reflect on a growing industry and a steady increase in demand for hardwood lumber. We wish each of you a successful 2016 and hope to meet you at one of the many shows both domestically and around the world.

Mark Barford, CAE, Chief Executive Officer 901-377-1082 direct | m.barford@nhla.com

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LEGISLATIVE LOG

THE OLD YEAR ENDS AND A NEW ONE BEGINS . . .

HAPPY 2016!

By Dana Cole, Executive Director Hardwood Federation

The old year has ended and the New Year is upon us. In addition to enjoying the joys of the season, the end of the year provided us with some time to review the past and look forward to the future of the Hardwood Federation’s efforts on behalf of the industry in Washington, D.C. Before leaving Washington for the holidays, the House and Senate passed a 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill and Tax Extenders package and forwarded it to the President for signature, concluding the major legislative business for the year. Unfortunately, attempts to address biomass carbon neutrality and Waters of the U.S. to the Omnibus were not successful. However these issues will be back in 2016. And although a comprehensive package addressing wildfire funding mechanisms and federal forest management was not passed, the Omnibus package did include some important victories for the forest products industry: FOREST MANAGEMENT Several Forest Service programs important to the Hardwood industry received increased funding and directional support in the Omnibus and report language.

• Fire Suppression: Although the bill does not provide a permanent fix to the fire borrowing problem, the bill provides $4.2 billion for wildfire fighting and prevention programs; $670 million above the 2015 enacted levels. This should reduce the borrowing from other Forest Service programs at least in the next fiscal year.

Hazardous Fuels Reduction programs will be funded at $545 million, an increase of $19 million. (Although a particularly bad fire season in 2016 could diminish these increases quickly.)

• Timber Harvest Programs: The Omnibus includes an increase of $21 million for timber sales bringing the line item up to $360 million. There is also strong House and Senate report language indicating that both Chambers expect compliance with program objectives i.e. increasing timber sale outputs in a more efficient manner.

• Northern Long Eared Bat: There is report language in the bill directing Forest Service research staff to prioritize studies of white nose syndrome.

• Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA): The FIA program received a $5 million increase for 2016.

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BIOMASS • For those of you that have purchased a wood or pellet stove or are planning to, the Sec. 25C non-business energy property credit was extended retroactively to January 1 of this year and forward through 2016. In this section, buyers of qualifying wood and pellet stoves are eligible for a $300 credit.

• For those of you that produce wood pellets at your facilities, the report accompanying the omnibus package includes language directing USDA to reform the way it administers a renewable energy program that affects wood pellet producers. The Farm Bill program, known as the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, classifies wood pellets as “advanced biofuel” which makes pellet producers eligible for direct payments under the program. In recent years, USDA has adjusted the payment allocation to favor producers of liquid biofuel. Language in the omnibus directs USDA to reformulate the payment allocation so that disbursement is fair and equitable across the suite of advanced biofuels that now qualify.

BUSINESS TAXES As noted above, a number of business-friendly tax deductions were included in the final package.

• Among the most important is a provision permanently extending the Section 179. The provision permanently extends the small business expensing limitation and phase-out amounts in effect from 2010 to 2014 ($500,000 and $2 million respectively). These amounts currently are $25,000 and $200,000 respectively. The special rules that allow expensing for computer software and qualified real property (qualified leasehold improvement property, qualified retail improvement property) are also permanently extended. The provision modifies the expensing limitation by indexing both the $500,000 and $2 million limits for inflation beginning in 2016 and by treating air conditioning and heating units placed in service in tax years beginning after 2015 as eligible for expensing. The provision further modifies the expensing limitation with respect to qualified real property be eliminating the $250,000 cap beginning in 2016.

• Another critical provision is the Research & Development credit, which was also made permanent. Beginning in 2016, businesses with less than $50 million in gross receipts will be free to use the credit to offset alternative minimum tax. In addition, certain startup businesses who may not have an income tax liability will be able to offset payroll taxes with the credit.

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We now move into 2016. The Iowa Caucus is less than a month away, followed by the New Hampshire primary. The election year is here, although for many it seems that the campaigns have been going on forever. Not only is the White House up for grabs, but also the entire House and 34 Senate seats. The presidential race is already turning out to be a fascinating one to watch, but the Senate race also has tremendous implications for the way Washington runs. Democrats are optimistic that they can pick up enough seats in November to take back control of the Senate; Republicans are going to be fighting hard to maintain their current majority. Twenty-four (24) of the Senate seats up for election are held by Republicans; ten (10) are held

by Democrats. Conventional wisdom says that the Republicans have the greater challenge in 2016 in terms of protecting their majority in the Senate.

Fourteen (14) of the 24 seats held by Republicans are generally considered to be safe, leaving 10 in the toss up column; 8 of the 10 seats held by Democrats are considered safe leaving only 2 for them to protect.

The presidential contest will most likely have an impact on close races.

History suggests that the candidate that wins the state vote for President will help boost the Senate candidate of the same party to victory. Keep in mind that the candidates for the White House will not be formally finalized until the conventions at the end of July . . . and Senate primaries could continue through August. Until the final candidates are identified, analysis and predictions will be all over the map.

Election years typically result in front loaded Congressional calendars and this year is no different. Both the Senate and the House will conduct most of their session days in the first six months of the year, departing after the 4th of July Holiday for the Democratic and Republican Conventions at the end of July and then for the August recess. Congress will come back to Washington in full force in September and then Members will return to their home states to campaign. Depending on what legislation is “must do� after the election . . . and how the elections turn out, they will be back for a couple of weeks in November and December.

So where does this leave the Hardwood Federation? We still have a full plate of issues that we will be aggressively working in 2016. As noted above, we will continue efforts to pass legislation that deals with management of our federal forests as well as the funding mechanisms for forest fire suppression efforts. We will also continue to push the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the carbon neutrality of biomass, particularly in the Clean Power Plan package that was finalized in 2015. Waters of the U.S. and water permitting programs will also remain a focus.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had hoped to finalize rules regarding protective measures for the Northern Long Eared Bat. As of the first week of January the final rule has not yet been released, but as soon as it is available we will be reviewing the contents and taking any action that is necessary to protect the interests of the industry.

Happy New Year from the Hardwood Federation! We are rested and relaxed from the holiday season and ready to dive into the New Year.

We look forward to new challenges and opportunities for the hardwood industry in 2016. We also look forward to what promises to be a unique and unpredictable year in politics.

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TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGHS in the Hardwood Lumber Industry Modern hardwood sawmills are no strangers to technology.

Computers, scanners, conveyors, sensors, etc. are all working in sync to make the process more efficient and profitable.

Technological breakthroughs are not two words commonly associated with the hardwood lumber industry; but this established industry has learned over the last 10 years that the need to adapt to an ever-changing business environment is crucial to survival. Some technology advances are ground breaking and witnessed instantly while others set the stage for innovation in the future.

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Agility/DIY software

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY AGILITY/DIY Agility | DIY is a user-friendly platform that lets people build custom applications. Essentially, it’s a software program for creating other software programs.

How Agility | DIY will change the technology culture in the hardwood industry.

Hardwood businesses suffer from a lack of effective technology, perhaps more than any other sector of the lumber and building materials industry. The hardwood industry has unique processes and product data that generic software simply can’t handle. Most hardwood businesses end up using a patchwork of different programs, so purchasing, sales, operations and accounting have to shuffle information from one department to the next. The lack of effective technology is a serious disadvantage and is preventing the hardwood industry from progressing at the same rate as the lumber or LBM industries. Agility | DIY addresses these fundamental issues by allowing hardwood businesses to create solutions that work in the way they need. Hardwood business will be able to achieve the same standards of efficiency and speed enjoyed by other industries.

Customization: Businesses can build apps customized to every aspect of their unique processes. For instance, sawmills could create a bid management app to track details like acreage, number of trees, landowner, competing bidders, and win/loss result for every opportunity. Consolidating this information into a single app (rather than a hodgepodge of spreadsheets, emails and handwritten notes), would make it easier for buyers to see the relevant details, review historical data, and make competitive bids.

Integration: Apps built with Agility | DIY can share information with each other. For instance, a manager could look up one W W W. N H L A .CO M

employee record and see that employee’s upcoming schedule, past shifts, time-off requests, and performance reviews. Apps built with Agility | DIY can also share information with Agility ERP. This means sales reps, buyers and owners could log in to one place to check open bids, past losses, scheduled deliveries and open A/R. There’s no need to constantly import and export data between programs or log in to multiple systems to find information.

Level the playing field: This is the greatest implication. Businesses with customized software have a real competitive edge, but few can afford it. Hiring a software developer is simply too expensive for most operations. Agility | DIY puts customized software within the reach of smaller businesses. Senior managers without any programming experience can create custom apps for the business, and they can do it very quickly. It’s the advantages of custom software without needing to hire a developer.

KILN TECHNOLOGY WIRELESS SAMPLE WATCH During 2015, SII Dry Kilns developed and tested a wireless Sample Watch platform, expanding its in-kiln weighing system to offer customers a new opportunity for use in fan sheds and on air drying yards.

How Wireless Sample Watch will change the hardwood industry. The Wireless Sample Watch technology provides real time moisture content information about the lumber on the yard and in predryers. Previously, the kiln operator had to monitor the lumber by sampling or using moisture meters. Now the information is sent remotely to the kiln control room. This information will allow lumber to be moved to the next stage of drying in a more-timely manner, ultimately helping reduce inventory costs.

HYDRO-THERMO MODIFICATION Thermo modification treatment of hardwood lumber is a relatively new process that essentially burns away the hemicellulose in the lumber taking away the J A N / F E B 2 0 1 6 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S

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modification implies, AWT is using a super-heated steam process known from its vacuum drying technology, which allows for a much gentler process on the timber, producing a higher quality end-product with less stress throughout the process and resulting in less cracking and checking. Using their autoclaves environment results in no burns and delivers a nicer looking end result.

American Wood Technology (AWT) in Atlanta, Ga. sold their first Hydro-Thermo modification plant to a large hardwood manufacture in the South East. Though the Hydro-Thermo modification system has been in use and on the world market for the past 15 years the U.S. is now beginning to embrace this technology.

WOOD PROTECTION PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY BATES DPS Example of a wood bench with Hydro-Thermo modification.

food (sugars) for the rot generating insects. The process offers a lot of advantages for hardwood users; specifically, it makes the lumber rot resistant, it decreases the moisture equilibrium significantly, it makes the lumber significantly more stable and it gives the lumber a beautiful brown color thought out the material’s dimension.

These advantages make the lumber extremely usable for outdoor usages like outdoor furniture, siding, decking for both residential and marine applications.

How Thermo Modified lumber will change the hardwood industry.

Thermo Modified timber is beginning to move indoors where treated lesser expensive species are being used in cabinet doors, flooring etc. The processed offered by American Wood Technology /Moldrup (AWT) is unique. As the name Hydro-Thermo

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Bates DPS (Dried Parts Stabilizer) by UC Coatings is a new sealer that protects dried wood parts during storage, processing and shipment. Typical applications are for window & door production, stair treads, architectural moulding & millwork, solid wood edge-glued panels and turnings.

How Bates DPS will change wood protection in the hardwood industry.

DPS is a water-based, resin emulsion coating using nanotechnology polymers. It controls moisture gain and loss due to humidity. It is nonhazardous, low VOC’s, no HAP’s and is environmentally friendly. It can be used for most dried parts applications, including rough dimension stock and panels. In 2015, UC Coatings had a number of high-end furniture and custom architectural window & door manufacturing customers switch to this product including Tradewood Industries, L.& J.G. Stickley and Vaughn Basset Furniture.

In a Case Study involving windows and doors, Tradewood Industries reported the following benefits: does not mar finish on W W W. N H L A .CO M

DPS (tinted white) applied to door frame end grain and beneath threshold plate.

hardware, reduces call-backs, can mix with finish, can apply finish over it, prevents bleed-through of wood tannins through paint finishes, water-based, non-hazardous, easy to use.

that 35 percent 4/4 Red Oak is being dried in 12 days and you implement a 20 minute dwell at each fan reversal (It is imperative that fan dwell times NOT prolong the length of the 12 day charge). Assuming that it does not extend the drying time, then the following would apply: 8 reversals per day x .33 hrs per reversal = 2.66 hours or 11 percent reduction in electrical consumption for fans.

3. Vent Mode Heat Shut Down is a means to eliminate or minimize heat valve output when the kiln is venting. This will save wasted heat during venting and be able to enable or disable based on species and/or outdoor ambient temperatures. While certain species may not be able to take advantage of this feature many others may find it very cost effective.

Guy Boisvert, Paint Dept.

Supervisor at Tradewood Industries, remarked “We hold the highest standards in quality with strictest of tests of any product associated with our doors and windows.

We were seeking a product that was safe, strong and flexible to meet with our needs, without hazardous chemicals, to protect from the wet outdoor environment.”

ON THE HORIZON

ESP module (Energy Saving Package)

ESP MODULE (ENERGY SAVING PACKAGE) In quarter two of 2016, SII will be offering its new ESP module (Energy Saving Package). The new software module will include the following features: 1. Peak Demand Limiting by one of two means: Either by utilizing their “Utility Watch” system, integrating your local electrical provider or by using a Peak Demand scheduling feature which allows operators to program fan speed changes into the kiln controls for specific time periods during the day that are most sensitive for overall site power usage.

2. Power Saver Plus allows fans and heat to “soak” for short periods of time allowing moisture to move from the core to the shell while saving energy. These periods will be tied to the fan reversals in the form of “dwell cycles”. Example: Using 3 hour fan reversals, assume W W W. N H L A .CO M

Featured Companies DMSi - Distribution Management Systems, Inc. 17002 Marcy Street Omaha, NE 68118 Phone: 402-330-6620 Email: dmsi@dmsi.com www.dmsi.com SII Dry Kilns 207 Cedar Lane Dr. Lexington, NC 27292 Phone: 800-545-6379 Email: kilninfo@siidrykilns.com www.siidrykilns.com

American Wood Technology 2133 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suite 12-339 Suwanee, GA 30024 Phone: 877-785-0274 www.americanwoodtenchology.com UC Coatings PO Box 1066 Buffalo, NY 14215 Phone: 888-363-2628 www.uccoatings.com

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STRONG ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH WITH THE NEW NHLA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY APP! Interactive Membership Listing for your Desktop, Tablet and Phone NHLA is pleased to announce its first Membership Directory app for you mobile device, tablet or desktop. The app now replaces the NHLA Buyer's Guide book. Member contact information (company name, address, phone, fax, email and active website link) can be viewed through the alphabetical by state/province directory listing or by membership category.

Updates to this app will be done on a montly basis to keep the directory fresh and current.

ATTRIBUTES Web and email links One-click calling Updated monthly

To download your FREE App go to www.NHLAdirectory.com after March 1.

Announcing the

BOX Giveaway

February is Unconventional Wood Products Month.

Each month NHLA will be giving away a HBox filled with our favorite hardwood products!

Enter to WIN by following these 3 simple steps: • Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/nhlaofficial • Click the giveaway tab underneath our cover photo • Follow the prompts and you’re in the running to WIN! The winner will be announced on the last Friday of each month. Good luck!

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WHAT MAKES MUTUAL INSURANCE A BETTER CHOICE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS? FOR STARTERS, THERE ARE NO SHAREHOLDERS – SO THAT MEANS WE PUT THE NEEDS OF OUR POLICYHOLDERS FIRST. And that results in better service… suggesting ways to minimize risk… settling claims more fairly and quickly. No wonder business owners large and small choose mutual insurance.

With PLM/ILM, you get an established MUTUAL insurance company that specializes in the lumber, woodworking and building material industries.

We understand your business, your needs and your values.

Other benefits of working with PLM/ILM: • Focused on the lumber, woodworking and building material industries since 1895 • Risk Management and Loss Control Specialists on staff help reduce your chance of loss • Enhanced products that provide unique, comprehensive coverage • Open brokerage – we can work with your local agent or broker of your choice • Financially strong – we carry an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, the industry leader in the independent rating of insurance carriers Become a part of something bigger. Become a member of a mutual.

PENNSYLVANIA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY INDIANA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY MAIN 800.752.1895

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WEB WWW.PLMILM.COM

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EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

NHLA WELCOMES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GROUP OF GRADUATES Commencement exercises for the 178th class of the NHLA Inspector Training School were held on Thursday, November 19, 2015 with twenty-five students completing the program. The graduates included sixteen members of the traditional course and eight from the Progressive Program. Eric Porter, of Abenaki Timber Corporation and graduate of the School, delivered the graduation address to a capacity filled room. As keynote speaker, Porter spoke about the importance of the School to his future and the future of each graduating student.

Wally Fields of Walter M. Fields Lumber Co. presented the individual achievement awards.

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AWARDS RECIPIENTS WERE AS FOLLOWS: Ryan G. McGowan John Thomson Award for Highest Overall Average Jacob Eric Bevins Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average Devin S. Eldred, Jr. Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average Daniel G. Steeland J.P. Hamer Award for Most Improved Student Ryan G. McGowan South Central Lumbermen’s Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship Jacob Eric Bevins Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis Leadership Award Barbara J. Marble Willard Scholarship Award

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“You have been laying a solid foundation for a career in one of the greatest industries in the world,” said Porter. He went on to explain the importance of networking in the hardwood industry and how being a graduate of the School is a great first step. “You will now have the respect of the professionals in this industry,” he said. “Rejoice! Enjoy! Celebrate! You deserve it.” The full graduation speech is viewable on the NHLA Blog at www.nhla.com/nhlablog.

GRADUATES WERE: • Jacob Eric Bevins – Cypress Creek Millworks • Mark A. Douglas – Somerset Wood Products, Inc. • Jeff R. Ebitson, Jr. – Abenaki Timber Corporation • Devin S. Eldred, Jr. – Quality Hardwoods, Inc. • Jesus Salvador Chavez Gonzalez – RSI Home Products • Maxx B. Handy – Granite Valley Forest Products • Anthony J. Heil – Country Forest Products • Daniel E. Kessel II – Allegheny Wood Products • Larry J. Knight III – Pike Lumber Company • Cole J. Konkel – Konkel Forest Products • Forrest Baker Lewis – Lewis Lumber & Milling • Juan A. Leza – River City Hardwoods, Inc. • Ryan G. McGowan – Gutchess Lumber Company • Barbara J. Marble – Independent • Brittany L. Mays – Allegheny Wood Products • Johnny W. Parnell, Jr. – American Hardwood Industries • Joseph R. Pennington – AHC Clarksville • Joseph Taylor Rich – Rich Lumber Company • Glen R. Richards, Jr. – Abenaki Timber Corporation • Jered P. Robison – Pike Lumber Company • Miguel A. Rodriguez – Simcoe Wood Products, Inc. • Shelby R. Rowles – Independent • O. Alejandro Villa Sandoval – RSI Home Products • Brannon W. Skyles – Cardin Forest Products, LLC • Daniel G. Steeland – Independent W W W. N H L A .CO M

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Cut with Circle Saw with .3125” Kerf Total # of boards: 15 Total Board Feet: 132.2 % Overrun of Doyle Scale: 12.8%

BUT YOU CAN THRIVE WITH THIS! Cut with Bandsaw with .082” Kerf Total # of boards: 19 Total Board Feet: 158.25 % Overrun of Doyle Scale: 35%

BREWCO B-1600...

19.8% YIELD INCREASE! Log diagram demonstrating actual yield savings of a B-1600 resaw system compared to a standard circle saw operation. This is based on a 16½” diameter log 12' long having a Doyle Scale of 117.2 BF.

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P I O N E E R

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RULES CORNER

OPTIMIZATION TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP IDENTIFY AREAS OF MISSING REVENUE

By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector

Technology has changed how most of us think and work throughout our daily lives. It is difficult for us to imagine a life without it: smart phones, smart TVs, etc. Most industries have embraced the new concepts and ideas that come with a faster paced world.

The hardwood industry has begun to embrace this technology in many different areas. As most business owners know, if a company can produce more saleable goods at a lower cost that equals revenue! For a hardwood sawmill, there are many options to increase yield and production while lowering operating costs by utilizing optimization technology.

The repetitious nature of technology can be a very useful advantage and, at times, can be a very costly disadvantage. When a machine is running at a very high rate of speed a minor malfunction can cause a serious problem in the final product if not identified and corrected. For a lumber producing/consuming facility one of the best indicators of machine performance can be conducted by

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RULES CORNER

If, for an example, there is an optimized edger that is continually under edging lumber, the inspection of a pack of Number 1 Common would identify that the reason the boards did not meet the FAS 1 Face requirements is due to exceeding the wane limitations and therefore can be traced back to the source and corrected.

Another example is an optimized trimmer, which is marking the boards by grade prior to the trimmer, may be marking the wrong grade on the boards. This could also be identified during the inspection of a package of any grade of lumber.

My advice to anyone in the hardwood lumber industry is to utilize the highly skilled NHLA Inspection Services staff or a well-trained hardwood lumber inspector that can assist in identifying areas of potential losses.

To schedule training or services from the NHLA Inspection Services program please contact Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert at 901-3997551 or email d.spessert@nhla.com.

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inspecting the lumber. If an Inspector routinely checks a pack of lumber and all abnormalities (or off-grade lumber) are recorded, this can and does help diagnose an issue. A regular quality assurance program could help to identify possible calibration issues.

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JOB BOARD

* To view current job postings or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/jobs.

Lumber Inspector

Lumber Inspector

We offer competitive pay, paid vacations, health insurance and company participating incentive. To apply please email your resume to: ottawalumber@gmail.com.

The qualified candidate must have an NHLA grading certificate and have extensive knowledge of hardwood species and grades. Salary is competitive & negotiable. We offer health and dental insurance, 401K and bonuses. Interested parties should call 262-544-4660.

Ottawa Forest Products, Inc 1243 Wall Street | Ironwood, MI 49938 Phone: 906-364-1421 | www.ottawaforestproducts.com

Boehm-Madisen Lumber N16 W22100 Jericho Dr. | Waukesha, WI 53186 Phone: 262-544-4660 | Fax: 262-544-9282 | www.boehm-madisen.com

Ottawa Forest Products is looking to hire a certified inspector to help assist in current production. Ottawa is a young company seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking to grow with a growing company.

We look forward to visiting with you to help develop a career in the lumber industry. Ottawa has two facilities and this current position will be located in Amasa, MI. We are willing to train or work with willing candidates. Salary is based on experience.

Software Installer

TradeTec Computer Systems Ltd. is a leading technology company in the forest industry today. TradeTec provides solutions for lumber inventory management, log inventory management, log accounting software, lumber tally software, log scaling and grading software. From the evaluation of standing timber to the distribution of value-added products, our log and lumber inventory software provides the information to seamlessly manage the movement of wood from source, to supplier, to customer.

TradeTec is looking to fill two software installer positions. The ideal candidate will have a military background, IT & forestry background (logs, lumber or maintenance), be able to work on-site two weeks at a time, mainly Mid & South United States. The candidate should be able to work from home and work up to 10 hours per day. TradeTec has numerous staff working remotely throughout the USA. Apply by email with a resume to careers@tradetec.com.

TradeTec Computer Systems Ltd. 1010 Herring Gull Way | Parksville, BC, Canada Phone: 800-278-1098 | Fax: 250-954-0416 | www.tradetec.com

Lumber Inspector

Boehm-Madisen Lumber is a third-generation family owned wholesale stocking distributor of hardwood lumber and forest products. We are a demand-driven company ready to meet our customer’s specific needs.

Boehm-Madisen Lumber is seeking a hardwood lumber inspector to grade and sort lumber on NHLA and proprietary grades, set up and run orders to spec on planer.

Lumber Inspector

Turman Tye River LLC is seeking a lumber inspector to grade KD lumber.

The ideal candidate will be a graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School. To apply send resume to lee@theturmangroup.com or amy@ theturmangroup.com.

Turman Tye River LLC Hillsville, VA 24343 www.theturmangroup.com

Sawyer

James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. desires an experienced sawyer for their Stevens Point location. Applicants will be responsible for operation of the carriage. Applicants must have experience and knowledge in this field.

This is a full-time position offering benefits and a competitive salary package.

To apply please call 715-344-0878 and/or email resume to bgrezenski@grezenskiforestproducts.com James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. 3158 County Road X North | Stevens Point, WI 54482 Phone: 715-344-0878 | Fax: 715-344-1470

Jones Hardwoods is looking for an experienced NHLA certified Lumber Inspector to join its team. The family owned business is located in the rolling hills of Northwestern Pennsylvania. For over 30 years Jones Hardwoods have been specializing in providing premium Northern Appalachian kiln-dried hardwood grade lumber to its customers in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The lumber inspection follows the grading standards set forth by the NHLA, thus allowing us to provide our customers with the finest grade green and kiln dried hardwood lumber possible.

Lumber Inspector

Salary is based on experience. Send resume to: kevin@ronjoneshardwood. com or mail resume to:

James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. 3158 County Road X North | Stevens Point, WI 54482 Phone: 715-344-0878 | Fax: 715-344-1470

Jones Hardwoods, Inc., P.O. Box 612 | Franklin, PA 16323 Phone: 814-432-8844 | www.ronjoneshardwood.com 22

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James Grezenski Forest Products Inc. is seeking an experienced lumber inspector. Applicants must have experience in lumber inspection and the NHLA grading Rules. Applicants must have a high school diploma.

This is a full-time position offering benefits and a competitive salary package.

To apply please call 715-344-0878 and/or email resume to bgrezenski@grezenskiforestproducts.com

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CALENDAR

WH ERE IN THE WOR LD IS N H LA?

EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG

118th Annual IHLA Convention & Exposition

1 Day Kiln Drying Class Short Course

February 2-4 | Indianapolis, IN Attending John Hester, Director of Membership

2016 AHMI Annual Meeting February 24-28 | Naples, FL Attending Mark Barford, CAE, CEO

Memphis, TN | March 1 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Adam Taylor, Associate Professor and Wood Products Extension Specialist at the University of Tenessee Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

1 Day Log Grading Short Course

March 28 -April 1 | Guangzhou, China Attending Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector

Memphis, TN | March 2 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Adam Taylor, Associate Professor and Wood Products Extension Specialist at the University of Tenessee Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

NHLA Board of Managers Meeting

5 Day Lumber Grading Short Course

Interzum

April 18-20 | Charleston, SC Belmond Charleston Place

NWFA 2016 Wood Flooring Expo April 27-30 | Charlotte, NC Participating John Hester, Director of Membership

Morehead, KY | March 7-11 Maysville Community and Technical College (Rowan Campus) Instructor: Benji Richards, NHLA National Inspector Contact: Lorrina White | 606-356-2100 | lorrina.white@kctcs.edu

Inspector Training School Progressive Program: Block 3 Memphis, TN | March 7-24 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Inspector Training School Progressive Program: Block 1

Hardwood Manufacturers Association National Conference & Expo

Memphis, TN | April 4-15 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com To enroll visit: www.nhla.com/school

March 9-11 | Fort Worth, Texas The Worthington Renaissance

Montreal Wood Convention March 22 -24 | Montreal, Canada

Flex Day Lumber Grading Short Course

EXPO Richmond

Memphis, TN | April 25-29 | NHLA Headquarters Instructor: Rich Hascher, NHLA ITS Instructor Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569 | b.miller@nhla.com

May 13-14 | Sandston, VA

The International Woodworking Fair (IWF) August 24-27 | Atlanta, GA

For applications, a complete listing of events and more information please visit www.nhla.com/calendar.

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