hardwood matters - National Hardwood Lumber Association

DEC E M B E R 2 01 0
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
2010 NHLA 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
DEPARTME NTS
14
15
16
18
19
Legislative Log
Tally Sheet
Making It Work
HT News
Rules Corner
READER SERVICES
10
4
6
7
8
20
22
President's Message
Executive Director's
Message
Memorials
Inside NHLA
Calendar
Job Board
IN THIS ISSUE...
10
HE 2010 NHLA ANNUAL
T
CONVENTION & EXHIBIT
SHOWCASE IN REVIEW
CONTENTS
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 1
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 in the North American hardwood
lumber industry by: maintaining order, structure, rules, and
ethics in the changing hardwood marketplace; providing
member services unique to the hardwood lumber industry;
driving collaboration across the hardwood industry to
promote demand for North American hardwood lumber
and advocate the interest of the hardwood community
in public/private policy issues; and building positive
relationships within the global hardwood community.
December 2010 ▪ Issue 108
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
Dave B. Redmond
Highland Hardwood Sales, Inc.
President
Nancy Arend
Weyerhaeuser Hardwoods
Industry Advocacy & Promotion
Joe Long
J.E. Higgins Lumber Company
First Vice President
Chuck Bice
Sweeney Hardwoods
Unique Services
Ted Rossi
Rossi Group
Past President 2008–2010
Chip Dickinson
Anderson-Tully Lumber Co.
Structure
Mark A. Barford, CAE
Executive Director
Scott Heidler
Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co.
Membership & Marketing
NHLA STAFF
Pem Jenkins
Turn Bull Lumber Company
Rules
Mark A. Barford, CAE
Executive Director
m.barford@nhla.com
Renee Hornsby
Director of Communications/Editor
r.hornsby@nhla.com
Holly Weir
Graphic Designer
h.weir@nhla.com
The views of contributions do not necessarily reflect the positions of NHLA. All advertisements for Hardwood
Matters are accepted and published with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are
authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will
defend, indemnify and hold any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms,
copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such
advertisement. NHLA neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and
services advertised in Hardwood Matters. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
without written permission is prohibited.
Forestry Systems, Inc.
Hardwood Federation
The Lilly Company
Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance
Denise Stewart
Director of Finance
Thomas Walthousen
Director of Industry Relations
Lisa Browne
Convention Director
Rich Hascher
Inspector Training School Instructor
ADVERTISER INDEX
17
7
3
ibc
■■■
Chris Churchill
Interim Director of Education
bcNHLA Leadership, Management and
Development Program
ifc Pike Lumber Co.
5
Quality Hardwoods Ltd.
21
Voice Directed Tally Systems, Inc.
Dana Spessert
Chief Inspector
Wayne Tomas
Technical Services Director
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Larry Evans
Industrial Timber & Lumber
Inspector Training School
Orn Gudmundsson, Jr.
Northland Corporation
Finance
Skip Holmes
Thomas & Proetz Lumber Co.
Continuing Education
Sally Johnson
Batey, Ltd.
Inspection Services
John Owsiany
Hartzell Hardwoods
Convention
Greg Patenaude
Péladeau Lumber, Inc.
Marketing
Jack Shannon
J.T. Shannon Lumber Company, Inc.
Hardwood Promotion
Joe Snyder
Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc.
Rules
Gary Swaner
Swaner Hardwood Company
Membership
For advertising inquiries:
Contact Leah Covington, Marketing Director at l.covington@nhla.com or 901-399-7551.
2
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
CONT RI BUTORS
As Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation, Deb
Hawkinson oversees the day-to-day operations and the overall
public policy goals of the Hardwood Federation – the largest
Washington, D.C.-based trade association focusing exclusively
on the hardwood industry. She also guides the Hardwood
Federation’s Political Action Committee, HFPAC, and is
organizing the most ambitious and aggressive expansion in
the PAC’s history for the 2010 election cycle. Previously she
spent 15 years in the Weyerhaeuser Company’s Federal and
International Affairs office and served as Director of Operations
and Director of Issues Management for the American Forest and
Paper Association. Her experience has been in the alignment of
business and public policy goals, and political involvement efforts
including grassroots and PAC objectives.
Russell Barratt is the Market Manager for Simonds
International in Big Rapids, Michigan. He has been involved
with the cutting tools manufacturing industry since 1975 and
employed by Simonds International since 1981. He works
closely with Walter Oppliger of Switzerland on the development
and introduction of innovative filing room machinery. Barratt is
a frequent speaker and participant in trade association meetings
and wood conferences.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 3
PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
NEW PRESIDENT ADVOCATES
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
It is my esteemed honor to begin my term as your NHLA president. After serving on
the board in many different capacities for sixteen years, I feel my experiences with the
Association and industry will serve our membership well. Our industry and nation
has been in “uncharted waters” for far too long. Through all the changes, NHLA has
adapted as needed to better serve each of us. We are fortunate to have an experienced,
professional and dedicated staff. The Board of Managers gives generously of their time
and varied talents at their own expense to serve each of us. The main engine of our
Board function and structure is the various committees driving excellence and with a
vision for the future.
We have just completed one of our best attended conventions in Vancouver, BC,
Canada. Over 750 members and guests were in attendance. A record number of
sponsorships and a full exhibit hall made the experience full of value and an enjoyment
for all. There really is no better forum to network and grow your business. If you were
in attendance and have not done so, please complete and return your convention survey.
This will assist our convention committee and staff as they strive to make Nashville,
Tennessee the best convention yet!
I would be remiss if I did not give my congratulations to Ted Rossi for a job well
done! Ted has assured me that he will continue to work on behalf of the Association as
immediate past president and Jim Howard will also remain active as a past president. I
feel fortunate to have these competent gentlemen at my side and yours.
My hope is that the National Hardwood Lumber Association will be successful in
reaching out to more of our fellow industry companies. There is always strength in
numbers, and we have so many hardwood businesses that could benefit from membership
in NHLA. But I will save discussion on that topic for a later date…until then.
Through all the changes,
NHLA has adapted as
needed to better serve
each of us.
Sincerely,
Dave B. Redmond
Highland Hardwood Sales, Inc.
4
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S
MESSAGE
NHLA CHANGES STRATEGIC PLANNING
INTO STRATEGIC THINKING
The big management buzzword several years ago was “strategic planning.” The theory
was that without a detailed, organized, specific and thoroughly reviewed plan, you could
not succeed. In fact, if something failed to get into the plan, it sometimes just couldn’t
be done. I personally still have several of those plans on my book shelf, and they often
were not opened again until the “annual review” took place. With the speed that change
takes place today, many businesses have decided that rather than having more strategic
planning sessions they should change their practice to one of “strategic thinking.”
Over the past four years, I have participated in three strategic planning meetings
with the National Hardwood Lumber Association and each one has progressively
become less about ideas and more about action. The first meeting included ideas like
expanded education programs; increased international membership and rules training;
understanding our role in the world and developing a new brand and logo to match.
NHLA leadership developed a wish list of 12 separate items that provided staff direction
for our efforts.
The meeting the following year was far more specific and the leadership identified five
major or “mega” issues that needed to be addressed on behalf of the industry:
■
■
■
■
■
Use of NHLA lumber grades internationally
Forest certification programs
Hardwood promotion
Building a more responsive NHLA structure
Changes to NHLA lumber grading rules and sales code.
In addition, this group recommended changes to the mission statement to address these
same five issues.
The third meeting held January 2010, laid out specific goals with timetables, definitions
of success, measurable outcomes, and names of leaders and staff to be held accountable.
The leadership group stayed away from the planning aspect, instead focusing on specified
strategic action. As an example, one goal was to “put in place the required people,
resources and systems to increase the revenue of NHLA by marketing the full line of
products and services that the Association offers by April, 2010” and then specified the
development of metrics and training to achieve it.
Modern businesses are being told to remain flexible to meet the stream of changes we
are seeing today. By using strategic thinking, companies have the flexibility to make
faster changes while staying on track for an agreed upon level of success. Now that’s
6
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
By using strategic thinking,
companies have the
flexibility to make faster
changes while staying on
track for an agreed upon
level of success.
something we all, including the staff of
NHLA, are planning for!
Sincerely,
Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director
National Hardwood Lumber Association
www.nhla.com
W W W. N H L A .C O M
ME MORIALS
IN MEMORIAM: PAUL JEROME MILLER
Paul Jerome Miller passed away November 15, 2010 at the age of 88. Paul was born in St. Louis, Missouri on
February 1, 1922. In 1927, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Paul’s father launched National
Hardwood Magazine a publication focusing on the hardwood industry.
Paul graduated from Central High School and served in the Navy during World War II. In 1943, he married
Ernestine Herbers, and the couple lived in Portland until the end of the war. Upon returning to Memphis, Paul
rejoined the family’s publishing firm and the business eventually grew to include nine additional publications.
Four of Paul’s sons, and his daughter, joined him in the family’s publishing business and the family still operates
the firm today.
Mr. Miller was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and was a key member in several organizations including The
Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Ernestine Miller and
is survived by his six children; Wayne, Gary, Paul, Chris, Terry, and Michelle Miller, all of the Memphis area.
There are 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials
be made to the Church Health Center and the Make a Wish Foundation.
IN MEMORIAM: PETER KING
Peter King passed away Saturday, October 16 at his home, surrounded
by his family. He succumbed to the cancer he had been fighting since
January of this year.
Joining the American hardwood community in the early 1980’s, Peter
began his career with North Atlantic Timber & Shipping Company in
his hometown of Hardwick, Massachusetts. In 1994, he went to work
for Northland Forest Products of Kingston, New Hampshire as Far East
Sales Manager. During his tenure at NFP, Peter became increasingly
involved with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).
After many years of service on the board of directors, he served as
Chairman of AHEC from 2006–2008. In 2007, he went to work at
Cersosimo Lumber Co., Inc., and set up the CLC export division,
which met with much success under his oversight.
He leaves his wife Dedie; his children, Simon and Sophie;
grandchildren, Carmelo and Zeke, and Mila and Stella; daughter-in-law
Alison and son-in-law Claudio; and his five siblings, Pam, Steve, Beth,
John and Tory; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at the Universalist Church in Hardwick
Center, Saturday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m. Donations may be made to
World Education, Peter King Memorial Fund, C/O Mini Singh, World
Ed, 44 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 7
I NSIDE NHLA
NHLA ATTENDS NAWLA TRADERS MARKET
HOLIDAY CLOSI NGS
Leah Covington, Marketing Director and Tom Walthousen, Director
of Industry Relations, recently attended the North American Wholesale
Lumber Association’s annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois November 3–5.
So that all NHLA staff has the opportunity to spend
time with family and friends during the holiday
season, NHLA Headquarters will be closed
December 24–31, 2010. The office will reopen
on Monday, January 3, 2011. We wish everyone a
wonderful holiday season.
The 15th Annual Trader’s Market proved to be a great venue for more than
220 exhibitors to showcase their products to the 1200 attendees. Thirty
NHLA members exhibited with numerous more in attendance.
NHLA staff answered various questions about membership, advertising in
Hardwood Matters, and the 2011 Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The
most commonly asked questions pertained to the NHLA Inspector Training
School and potential opportunities to get their company in front of NHLA
members by exhibiting at the upcoming 2011 NHLA Annual Convention.
NHLA NATIONAL INSPECTORS VISIT MEMPHIS
New Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert recently held a meeting of the National
Inspectors at NHLA headquarters to discuss the future plans of the NHLA
Inspection Services Department. Discussions centered on issues facing the
hardwood industry and ways that the Inspectors can overcome some of
the obstacles they face on a daily basis to make sure the Inspection Services
Department of NHLA is running smoothly.
Pictured Back Row L to R: Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector,
Tom Byers, Jack English and Barry Kibbey
Front Row L to R: Benji Richards and Simon Laroque
Not Pictured: Kenny Taylor, Patrick Thériault and Simon LeCours
“After meeting with the inspectors, I feel sure that we will be able to
continue the long standing honor that has been granted to us as we continue
to serve our members and the industry,” reported Chief Inspector Dana
Spessert. “I must say that I have never seen a more dedicated, hardworking,
honorable and friendly group of guys.”
NHLA CO-SPONSORED LUMBER DRYING SHORT COURSE
Chris Churchill, Interim Director of Education for NHLA, recently attended a Basic Hardwood Lumber
Drying Short Course in Blacksburg, Virginia. The program was co-sponsored by NHLA and Virginia Tech.
With nearly 20 students in attendance, Dr. Brian Bond led the class through the basic principles of drying
hardwood lumber. The material covered issues from transportation to measuring moisture content in samples
of the charge of 4/4 Yellow Poplar that was dried during the class. Participants were from several states and
represented many segments of the industry. NHLA plans to offer another Drying Course in the spring of 2011.
8
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
I NSIDE NHLA
NHLA INTRODUCES CODE OF CONDUCT
On Sunday, November 14, 2010 the NHLA Board of Managers passed a motion
to support a NHLA Membership Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct reads as follows:
2011 NHLA RULES BOOK HERE
Preamble
The National Hardwood Lumber Association hereby sets forth the basic fair and ethical
principles and practices to which member companies of the association will continue to
adhere in the conduct of their business.
A. Code of Conduct
1. Deceptive or Unlawful Consumer or Recruiting Practices
o member company of the Association shall engage in any deceptive, false,
a. N
unethical or unlawful business or consumer practice. Member companies shall
ensure that no statements, promises or testimonials are made that are likely to
mislead customers.
b.Member companies shall conduct their activities toward other members in
compliance with this Code and all pertinent laws.
c. I nformation provided by member companies to prospective or current
customers shall be accurate and complete. Member companies shall not make
any factual representation to customers that cannot be verified or make any
promises that cannot be fulfilled. Member companies shall not present any
selling opportunity in a false, deceptive or misleading manner.
d.Member Companies shall respect any lack of business experience of customers.
Member Companies shall not abuse the trust of customers, or exploit a
customer’s age, illness, handicap, lack of understanding or unfamiliarity with the
grading rules.
2. Products, Services and Promotional Materials
a. Th
e offer of products or services for sale by member companies of the
Association shall be accurate and truthful as to price, grade, quality, quantity,
and availability. A customer's order for products and services shall be fulfilled in
a timely manner.
b.Member companies shall not make misleading comparisons of another
company’s products or services. Any comparison must be based on facts that can
be objectively substantiated. Member companies shall not degrade any other
member company, business, product or service in a false or misleading manner
and shall not take unfair advantage of the goodwill attached to the trade name
and symbol of any company, business, product or service.
c. Promotional literature, advertisements and mailings shall not contain product
descriptions, claims, photos or illustrations that are false, deceptive or misleading.
d.
Member Companies shall offer customers accurate information regarding: price,
grade, terms of payment, and delivery dates.
The 2011 NHLA Rules Book, English
version is now available and will be mailed
to all members during the month of
December. The 2011 Rules Book will be
available in additional languages in the
coming months. Rules Book inquiries
should be directed to Paula Walls at
901-399-7563 or p.walls@nhla.com
ANNOUNCING THE 2011
BUYERS GUIDE
NHLA will produce a 2011 Buyers Guide.
All NHLA members will be asked to
update their company information for
inclusion in the book. The membership
listing information will be mailed during
the month of December and should be
returned to NHLA by February 1, 2011.
The deadline to reserve advertising space
in the 2011 Buyers Guide is April 4, 2011.
Companies interested in advertising should
contact Leah Covington at 901-399-7551
or l.covington@nhla.com today!
3. Terms of Sale
ember Companies are encouraged to incorporate NHLA sales code in all
a. M
business transactions. (NHLA sales code can be found in the NHLA Rules Book.)
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 9
THE 2010 NHLA ANNUAL
CONVENTION & EXHIBIT
SHOWCASE IN REVIEW
THE 2010 NHLA ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBIT
SHOWCASE IN REVIEW
10
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
The 2010 National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase, presented
by Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance, was held October 13-16 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With 743
registered attendees, an approximate 15 percent increase in attendance over the 2009 conference in
Boston; and a sold out Exhibit Showcase & Trader’s Alley featuring 65 exhibiting companies, this year's
Annual Convention exceeded all expectations and proved once again to be the premier networking and
educational conference of the hardwood industry.
The Association elected a new set of leaders and board members during the 2010 convention. Elected
as NHLA President is Mr. Dave Redmond of Highland Hardwood Sales in Augusta, Georgia and First Vice
President is Mr. Joe Long of J.E. Higgins Lumber Co. in Livermore, California.
Thursday’s Opening Session was standing room only, as convention attendees crowded into the ballroom
of the Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver to hear remarks from Keynote Speaker Sarah Palin. In addition
to a crowd pleasing keynote speaker, the convention featured a long list of educational seminars, press
conferences, special events and networking opportunities.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 11
A highlight of this year’s educational seminars was the International
Buyer’s Panel, sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council
and the Hardwood Market Report.
The panel provided a unique opportunity for American hardwood
producers to hear directly from major importers in three of the
largest markets for U.S. hardwood exports: Europe, Southeast Asia
and Greater China. The panel session was chaired by AHEC Executive
Director Michael Snow and featured Andy Craig, North American
Procurement Director for Latham’s in the U.K., Michael Hermens,
Managing Director of APP Timber of Malaysia and Patrick Leung
of Sundart Timber in Hong Kong, as well as AHEC Chairman Orn
Gudmundsson Jr. of Northland Corporation.
Current market trends around the globe was the first topic covered,
and cautious optimism was the prevailing view. It was noted that
there was strong export growth for U.S. hardwoods in virtually all
major markets in the first half of the year, although most panelists
expected a slowdown in the second half of the year as much of
the early buying was to replenish depleted inventories, especially
in Europe, and not necessarily reflective of increased demand. On
the positive side, however, Patrick Leung of Sundart did note that
domestic Chinese consumption of hardwood products was the
principal driver of growth to that country, a trend that does indeed
derive from new demand.
Another encouraging sign was the prevailing view from all three
importers that temperate hardwoods in general, and American
hardwood in particular were taking market share from tropical
species in several major markets, particularly in Europe where U.S.
exports accounted for around 15 percent of EU imports in 2008
and well over 21 percent so far in 2010. The increasing importance
of Tulipwood in the export mix was also noted, as imports of that
species so far in 2010 increased 40 percent in Europe, 96 percent in
Vietnam, and nearly 200 percent in China on a volume basis.
12
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
Concern with environmental issues was another major topic of
discussion at the panel, as confusion over the Lacey Act, Green
Building schemes and Green Procurement requirements amongst
importers and manufacturers around the globe was growing. The
recently approved new EU “illegal logging” legislation also added to
the confusion, as there are still unanswered questions over how “due
diligence” would be interpreted by EU member states. Finally, growing
concerns over phytosanitary issues, particularly as related to the
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), was discussed. It was noted that enforcement
of Ash import restrictions was uneven across the EU, and that there
was confusion amongst both shippers and importers regarding wane
and “square edging”, and it was noted that the biggest single step
shippers needed to take was to ensure there was absolutely NO BARK
present in shipments to the EU, particularly to the UK. W W W. N H L A .C O M
The cash door prize drawings take place all 3 days of the Exhibit
Showcasae and are an extremely popular event. Gerri VanAmelsfoort
from Quality Hardwoods LLC (shown on the right) is one of this year’s
lucky winners.
During the Saturday evening Grand Finale Dinner attendees were able to
support the Hardwood Forest Foundation by bidding on silent auction items
and buying tickets for the 50/50 drawing. Guy Genest, Primewood Lumber,
was this year’s 50/50 Drawing winner, taking home $8,000.
The 2011 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase will be held at the
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee,
September 21–24. Given the easy access location of Nashville to a large
majority of the hardwood industry, attendance numbers are expected to
be even larger next year. Early bird registration will begin mid-March. More
information about the 2011 NHLA Convention and photos of the 2010 NHLA
Convention can be found at www.nhlaconvention.com.
Companies interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the 2011 NHLA
Convention should contact Leah Covington, Marketing Director at 901-399-7551 or l.covington@nhla.com. W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 13
LEGIS LATIVE LOG
CONGRESS IN TRANSITION
By Deb Hawkinson, Executive Director, Hardwood Federation
Where our new divided government will head is unclear. Certainly,
House Republicans came to power promising smaller government
and deficit reduction, which puts them at loggerheads with Senate
Democrats and President Obama. We’ll be watching this month’s
lame duck session closely because after the rhetoric dies down, we
may get a better sense of how we’ll be moving forward in 2011.
Will Congress extend, temporarily or permanently, the Bush tax
rates? We guess temporarily. Will Congress pass another Continuing
Resolution to keep the government open? And if so, will HomeStar
legislation and the important Wyden Amendment be a part of it?
We hope so, and urge you to contact your Senators and ask them
to support Senator Wyden’s efforts to have wood products properly
recognized for their energy efficiency.
Senate Energy Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) has
said, both before and since the elections, that he would very much
like to see HomeStar legislation pass during the lame duck session.
The legislation offers tax credits to home owners who make energy
efficient upgrades to their homes, and the Wyden amendment
ensures wood products are seen as part of the solution.
The dust is settling from the mid-term elections of 2010, and we’re
starting to see more clearly what will likely lie ahead for our industry.
The news is mixed.
We saw several strong allies swept out of office, such as Congressmen
Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) and Charlie Melancon (D-LA) who both
lost Senate bids, and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) who was not
reelected. These three lawmakers had worked tirelessly on behalf of
our industry, and their leadership and friendship will be missed.
However, the Senate Agriculture Committee, formerly chaired by
Senator Lincoln, will likely be chaired by Senator Debbie Stabenow
(D-MI), a strong supporter of the hardwood community. And in
the House of Representatives, the Hardwood Federation enjoys solid
working relationships with several incoming chairmen and leaders,
such as Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) at Ways & Means, Rep. Fred Upton
(R-MI) at Energy & Commerce, Rep. Doc Hastings at Natural
Resources, Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) at Small Business, and
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) the presumed Majority Leader.
14
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
Other legislative priorities for the Hardwood Federation and our
industry, such as immigration reform, biomass definitions, and
Lacey Act funding will surely have to wait until the new Congress
is sworn in this January.
But with almost one-quarter of Congress being totally new to
Washington, we won’t wait to begin reaching out to Members,
introducing ourselves and our industry, and making sure Members
of Congress know where they can find us if they are looking for
accurate information on America’s hardwood industry. To that end,
we urge you to let us know if you have any experience or existing
relationships with any of these new Members of Congress. And please,
make sure you let them know about us and our industry – it’s through
a unified, supportive voice that our industry will flourish.
www.hardwoodfederation.net
W W W. N H L A .C O M
TALLY SHEET
AHEC COMMISSIONS LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT STUDY OF
AMERICAN HARDWOODS
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has commissioned what will
probably be the largest Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study ever undertaken in the
international hardwood sector.
Photo Courtesy of AHEC
UNIFIED HARDWOOD PROMOTION WINS
FLOORING INDUSTRY SUPPORT
More than 100 flooring companies have joined
hardwood lumber leaders in adding their voices to
an “Open Declaration” letter calling for the industry
to come together to aggressively promote American
hardwood products.
The Declaration letter and its continued stream of
supporters has been a drumbeat keeping the Unified
Hardwood Promotion Project energized and on
target to meet an ambitious timetable of consumer/
buyer research, on-line focus groups, and ultimately
a “Got Milk” style brand and tag line.
According to Terry Brennan (Baillie Lumber),
chairman of the Unified Hardwood Promotion
Project, “the broad support from so many
companies and individuals in the industry has
served as a constant reminder that the work we
have undertaken is right on point. This process has
required countless hours of many industry leaders
and we are now in sight of accomplishing our goal.”
That goal is to avoid past tendencies to “talk only to
each other”, and instead to reach out first through
professional research and study to the consuming
public and professional customers.
By year’s end the Unified Hardwood Promotion
Project hopes to have one picture and a few words
promoting the use of American hardwoods – all
befitting this grand scale effort.
For more information on the Unified Hardwood
Promotion project, or to add your company name in
support, please contact Grace Terpstra at
gt@terpstraassociates.com.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
AHEC's investment into a massive LCA study – a scientific method to measure
and evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product or activity by
systematically describing and assessing the energy and materials used and released
to the environment over the life cycle – will involve data collection from a variety
of sectors, supply chain elements and geographical regions.
The leading LCA consultant PE International will undertake the study, which
will conform to the ISO 14040 series of standards for LCA and Environmental
Product Declarations (EPDs), and include an assessment of the carbon footprint
of American hardwoods as a discrete component.
Undertaken to ensure appropriate and fair recognition of American hardwoods'
environmental profile, the study will provide a Life Cycle Inventory data for sawn
lumber and veneers of a selection of American hardwood species, as well as LCAs
and carbon footprints for product groups such as flooring, doors and furniture,
comparing them with products manufactured in alternative materials.
Once the LCA is completed, an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD),
which is quantified environmental data for a product with pre-set categories of
parameters based on the ISO 14040 series of standards, will be issued to provide
the basis of a fair comparison of the environmental performance of American
hardwood products included in the LCA. EPDs are also widely recognized as the
most effective method of communicating the full environmental profile of any
given product or material. PE has completed more than 110 EPDs and is known
for its reliable internal EPD Quality Management System and standardized
approach towards LCA based testing and analysis – assuring AHEC of a thorough
and fully analyzed assessment once the study is complete.
A key aim of the study is to enable manufacturers of joinery, flooring and
furniture products that rely on American hardwoods to prepare formal EPDs
in line with international standards. The information will cover environmental
impacts of all processes from point of extraction through to delivery to the
importers yard in Europe and in East Asia. Information for regions outside
these areas, including the Middle East, will also be made available in the near
future. The study is especially important given that 'Green Building' initiatives
like BREEAM (UK and International), LEED (U.S. and International), DGNB
(Germany), HQE (France), and CASBEE (Japan) are becoming more dependent
on EPDs to provide credible and comparative information on the environmental
performance of materials used in the building sector.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 15
MAKING IT WORK
TUNING YOUR LEVELER
By Russell Barratt, Market Manager, Simonds International
Automatic leveling machines for wide bands have become commonplace
in mills today. Over the last twenty years, the machine has demonstrated
its worth in the hardwood mill and is now generally considered a basic
piece of filing room gear, shedding its somewhat exotic gear perception
from just ten years ago. If you have one and it is not getting used every
day; let’s find out why and get the situation corrected.
There are several key factors to getting the most out of your leveler.
I’ll address the ones that are specific to the red machine that I am
familiar with, but I believe many of these principles will cross over
even to machines that are not such a splendid color! No mater what
brand of machine you own they can all do a fine job.
The first step in understanding how well your machine is working
is getting an objective measure of performance. To do this, load an
ordinary mill run saw in the machine and with the air cut off get
zero established.
A couple of important things to note about getting zero at the start
of the cycle:
■ Always get zero with the saw moving, and always over the support
rails. If you get zero on a stationary saw you may zero on a bump
and end up trying to move the entire saw to a position it cannot
possibly achieve. The result will not be good!
■ Note that all of the readings over the rail will be either zero or show
up from zero. The saw cannot show through with the rail in the
way; make sure that you set zero to reflect that.
With the saw in the machine and tracking; move the indicator out
to the middle of the saw and watch for spots that show significant
movement. When you find a spot that shows a defect, stop the
machine and align that spot under the indicator. Move the indicator
from side to side and note how much movement it shows; mark that
spot on the saw carefully for location and the extent of the movement.
It’s best to mark three or four spots this way.
Now process the saw by making just one pass across it with the leveler
(not a full operating cycle, just one pass from back to front). Cut the
air off and return to each of the marked spots. Note how much of the
deviation has been removed. Now you have an objective measure of
performance. A good result will be a reduction of one half or a little
more of the deviation present. Subsequent passes in a full operating
cycle will get the saw extremely flat in functional terms.
This single pass should take no more that 15 minutes on a typical
headrig saw that is 42’ long and 12” wide. On a resaw that is 32’ x 10”
the process should take 10 minutes. If it takes longer than that you are
making the sequence of rolls too close together and performance will
suffer as a result! It is best to make steps of approximately half inch
between the circumferences as the machine works across the saw.
If you make them too close together you risk reacting too much too
soon on larger deviations which actually makes the saw worse instead of
better. It seems counter-intuitive, but the worse a saw is, the bigger the
steps you need to take. If a saw is dished or has lots of problems, take
great big steps, such as 1” or 1-1/4”, at the start of the cycle.
That will take out the big problems very quickly; then dial the machine
back to 1/2” and let if find the rest. This principle is a very important
one as it will speed up the process and yield dramatically better results.
If this check does not demonstrate a good result the following steps
may explain why.
Watch the indicator and the control panel. Do the lights on the panel
react to what the indicator shows? The easiest way to check is to adjust
the indicator up and down on a stationary saw. The lights on the panel
for small bumps should react when the dial is more than three marks
from zero (.03 mm or .0012”). The big bump lights should react at
about 12 marks (if you have a two stage machine – those made since
the mid 90’s) but don’t be overly worried about the big bump setting.
I would not worry the big bump trigger if it’s anywhere between 8 and
15 marks (it just activates the bottom cylinder to bump pressure a bit).
Next, check that the firing of the working rolls does not upset the
measurement the machine is making. Put a saw in okay condition in
the machine and zero it out (air off). Shut the machine off and move
the head out until the working rolls are in the middle of the saw.
Activate each of the top rolls by having someone behind the machine
pull down the arm that works the rolls and watch the indicator. It
should not move more than one or two marks. If it does, check the
height of the bottom rolls relative to the bed line of the machine (from
the support rails to the drive).
(Continued on page 19)
16
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 17
HT NEWS
BARK RESTRICTION REVIEW
By Wayne Tomas, NHLA Technical Services Director
In early 2009, all ISPM-15 stamped wpm must be nearly bark free.
The wpm must be built from debarked material. ALSC rules allow
the overlooking of bark less than 1 inch wide (3 cm) of unlimited
length and patches up to credit card size (50 sq cm).
“cork”, generally of a different color, between the outer bark and the
solid wood. Cambium in hardwood must be removed because it is
bark. We are all trying to avoid the technicalities of these definitions
but cambium is to be considered bark. The cambium will vary in
color and thickness depending on specie and time of year the tree is
harvested among other factors. The customs agent in China is not
going to get technical about this and may stop shipment because of
the cambium layer as well as loose outer bark.
By now you know that putting a barky board facing the bottom
side of a pallet will not work. The NHLA auditor is required to
flip through pallets and look at the bottom side-sometimes using
a flashlight to determine what stack of pallets he wants to flip. The
assistance of facility personnel in this effort will ensure compliance
and speed up the audit process.
Other Emerging Issues
Two other issues have also emerged. First is the issue of repaired or
recycled pallets that may have passed under previous rules but may
not be eligible for ISPM-15 certification again because of original
(old) bark.Recycled or repaired pallets staged for retreatment and new
marks should be sorted before going to the chamber rather than after
treatment for obvious reasons. Bark restrictions on repaired pallets must
always be reviewed.
The problem often exists as to how close we want to get to these
limitations. If you can’t tell from 3 or 4 ft away that it is SAFE it
probably isn’t! If you must get down on hands and knees to micro
measure the bark then it is probably too much. Facilities that go
to a “bark free” position in production don’t worry about
micro-measurement.
Then we have the problem of the cambium layer which is essentially
bark. In softwood, the cambium layer does not appear to present a
problem. In hardwood, the cambium layer looks like “horse hair” or
18
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
The other issue is in the area of custom heat treatment where facility #1
builds the pallet and sends them to certified facility #2 for treatment
and stamping. The certifying ISPM-15 facility is held accountable for
bark, so it will have to sort the pallets for bark or send the pallets back
to the building facility for bark sorting.
If you have specific questions regarding Wood Packaging Material or
the NHLA Program please contact Wayne Tomas, Technical Services
Director at w.tomas@nhla.com or 901-399-7556.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
RULES CORNER
INTERPRETATION OF THE WALNUT RULE
By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector
Over the past two months, I have received several calls concerning the interpretation of the F1F Walnut
rule with regards to the wane limitation. The F1F rule under the Walnut and Butternut section of the
Rules book is written as follows: “F1F: Pieces 6’ and 7’ long shall grade FAS on the better face. The reverse
side of the board shall be sound as defined in Sound Cutting or the reverse side of the board not grading
below No. 1 Common. Pieces 8’ and longer shall grade FAS on the better face. The reverse side of the
cuttings shall be sound as defined in Sound Cutting or the reverse side of the board not grading below No.
1 Common.” The word “standard” is not in the definition, therefore, the F1F standard wane limitation
does not apply. I hope this helps clarify any confusion on the rule.
Also, I would like to point out that when a buyer and seller agree on a shipment, it does not have to
be by the standard grades as they are written in the NHLA Rules Book. The purchase order in which
the shipment is agreed upon should list any exceptions to the standard rules. If this is done, an NHLA
Inspector can help to resolve any issues that may arise.
2011 Rules Book Available
I would like to remind everyone that the new 2011 Rules book is now available and will be mailed during
the month of December. If you would like to receive extra copies of the Rules Book, please contact Paula
Walls by email p.walls@nhla.com or by phone 901-399-7563.
NHLA Cheif Inspector Dana Spessert can be reached at 901-507-0312 or d.spessert@nhla.com.
MAKING IT WORK (Continued from page 16)
If you suspect problems with this alignment, then place a saw in the
machine that is in good shape to use as reference. Start with the head of
the machine on the back edge of the saw, look underneath the saw at the
height of the bottom roll in each pair (you may need a light behind the
machine). You should see just a whisker of daylight between the roll and
the saw (.010” for example), the same should be true of both bottom
rolls. Now run the head to the outside edge of the saw and make the same
check. You should see the same relative amount of daylight.
If these bottom rolls are too low the saw will react when the top rolls
fire and cause an unwanted reaction in the dial. The bottom rolls are
on eccentrics, should you need to adjust them you will have to reset the
working pressure as well.
and work each of the air cylinder arms through their range of motion
a couple of times to feel the point of contact with the saw. Once you
have a feel for it, pull down until you just feel the contact and check the
gap to the rubber stopper. It should be 1/2” to 5/8”, and importantly it
should be the same on both sides. Any error you cannot visually see is
too small to worry about.
A bandsaw leveler working properly is a huge help to both saw filers and
saw performance. If yours is not being fully utilized you owe it to yourself
to find out why! These simple checks will give a good start. If you find
problems give the manufacturer a ring, there are not many problems with
these machines that cannot be resolved very easily over the phone.
Now, check working pressure. With the same saw in place and the saw
still stationary with the air still off; go around to the back of the machine
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 19
CALENDAR
WH ERE IN THE WOR LD IS N H LA?
Hardwood Leaders Forum
Charlotte, NC | December 7
Participating: Mark Barford, Executive Director
Las Vegas Furniture Market
Las Vegas, NV | January 24–28, 2011
Attending: Leah Covington, Marketing Director
Surfaces 2011
Las Vegas, NV | January 25–27, 2011
Attending: Tom Walthousen, Director of Industry Relations
2011 I HLA Convention & Exposition
Indianapolis, IN | February 9–10, 2011
Attending: Tom Walthousen, Director of Industry Relations
Hardwood Federation Annual Meeting
Washington, D.C. | February 15–16, 2011
Attending: Mark Barford, Executive Director
Delhi Wood 2011
New Delhi, India | February 17–20, 2011
Attending: Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector
2011 HMA Annual Conference & Expo
Charleston, SC | March 14–16, 2011
Attending: Mark Barford, Executive Director
NHLA Spring Board Meeting
Sarasota, FL | April 7–10, 2011
DesignEx 2011
NAHB International Builder’s Show
Orlando, FL | January 12–15, 2011
Small Log Conference 2011
Coeur d'Alene Resort, ID | March 23–25, 2011
Melbourne, Australia | April 13–15, 2011
Attending: Mark Barford, Executive Director
International Scientific Conference on Hardwood
Processing (ISCHP) 2011
Interzum 2011
Blacksburg, VA | October 16–18, 2011
Virginia Tech
Cologne, Germany | May 25–28, 2011
Attending: Tom Walthousen, Director of Industry Relations
20
I N DUSTRY EVENTS
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
CALENDAR
EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG
3-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Guangzhou, China | December 9–11
Guangzhou Yuzhu Timber Wholesale Market
Instructor: Bob Sabistina, International Consultant
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
Inspector Training School 162nd Class Graduation
Memphis, TN | December 10 at 9 am
NHLA Headquarters
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
Inspector Training School – 164 th Class
Memphis, TN | January 12– April 15, 2011
NHLA Headquarters
Instructor: Rich Hascher
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
2-Day Advanced Lumber Grading Short Course for Walnut
Fayette, MO | March 21–22, 2011
Missouri-Pacific Lumber Company
Instructor: Benji Richards
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
2011 Leadership, Management and
Development Program
Memphis, TN | Session 1: April 3–7, 2011
Washington, D.C. | Session 2: May 9–12, 2011
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
2011 Hardwoods 101
Memphis, TN | June 5–9, 2011
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
Inspector Training School – 165 th Class
Memphis, TN | September 7– December 9, 2011
NHLA Headquarters
Instructor: Rich Hascher
Contact: Chris Churchill | 901-399-7555 | c.churchill@nhla.com
W W W. N H L A .C O M
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 21
JOB BOARD
Hardwood Lumber Inspector
Lumber Grader
Cersosimo Lumber is seeking a lumber inspector who is able to grade
all New England hardwood species. Qualified candidates must be able
to work with a team of inspectors. NHLA Inspector Training School
graduate with 2+ yrs of experience is preferred, but the company is
willing to consider recent graduates as well. Cersosimo Lumber offers a good stable work environment with benefits. Salary is to be determined.
Cersosimo Lumber Co. Inc.
1103 Vernon Street | Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-254-4508 | 802-254-5691 (fax)
www.cersosimolumber.com
Edwards Wood Products is seeking a lumber grader to inspect/grade a
variety of hardwood lumber following NHLA rules and assist in other
duties as needed. Assist with daily operations of Dry Kiln Lumber coming from three 3 plants in North Carolina.
Lumber Buyer
Rex Lumber Company is seeking a lumber buyer whose position would
be based in the Appalachian Region. Primary duties include:
■ Purchasing of green and kiln dried Appalachian species
■ Coordinating freight with yards
■ Maintaining required inventory levels
■ Maintain current vendor base while sourcing new vendors
■ Addressing grade/footage discrepancies with vendors
■ Updating pricing on species covered as market conditions dictate
■ Fielding and responding to inquiries from Salesmen and Managers
■ Travel associated with purchasing duties (moderate, estimated to be 40-60percent)
■ Educating and advising Sales staff and Management to market changes
Candidate is required to have a knowledge of hardwood and softwood
lumber grades; an ability to recognize, evaluate and forecast market
trends; good communication skills; the ability to multi-task and
computer literacy including the use of Microsoft Outlook and Office.
Wholesale Sales experience is a plus. Competitive salary and benefits
based on experience. All correspondence will be strictly confidential.
Please contact Andy Godzinski, Director of Purchasing at andyg@rexlumber.com or by phone at 978 -263-0055 ext. 1256
Rex Lumber
840 Main Street | Acton, MA 01720
978-263-0055 ext. 1256 | 978-263-9806 (fax)
www.rexlumber.com
22
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
Ideal candidates would be a graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training
School with some hands on experience up to a seasoned lumber grader
as there are two positions available. Salary is based on experience. Present operation is expanding and the two positions available will be
2nd shift. Call to discuss hours. Pay and benefits to include 40-1K. Edwards Wood Products, Inc
PO Box 219 | Marshville, NC 28103
704-624-5098 | 704-624-2484 (fax)
lynngreene@ewpi.com | ewpi.com
Lumber Inspector
Ten Oaks, LLC is seeking a lumber inspector for their sawmill in Stuart, Virginia. Interested candidates should contact Gary Birkett or Warren Williams.
Ten Oaks , LLC.
PO Box 619 | Stuart, VA 24171
276-694-3208 | 276-694-4998 (fax)
lumber.tenoaks@embarqmail.com
Experienced Kiln Operator
The Salamanca Lumber Company has been a loyal NHLA member since
March 1, 1978. Located in New York State, 60 miles south of Buffalo just
north of the Pennsylvania state line, the facility currently has 21 dry
kilns in the lumber concentration yard. At this particular time, they are
searching for an experienced/certified kiln operator for the facility. The
salary is negotiable. Interested candidates should contact Susan Rockwell.
Salamanca Lumber Company
59 Rochester Street | Salamanca, NY 14779
7 16-945-4810 | 716-945-1531 (fax)
susanrockwell@salamancalumber.com
Lumber Grader
Telco LLC, located in El Dorado, Arkansas is seeking a lumber grader.
Qualified applicants must be able to grade green and air dried lumber.
This position will also assist in shipping and receiving.
To apply, please contact Doug Miller directly at 870-904-8817 or doug@cmcforestry.com.
T L C / Telco
950 Del Tin Rd. | El Dorado, AR 71730
870-862-6100 | 870-862-6101 (fax)
W W W. N H L A .C O M
JOB BOARD
Product Management Trainee
Lumber Inspector
Danzer Veneer Americas, a group of decorative hardwood veneer
manufacturers, is seeking Product Management Trainee applicants for
its Darlington, Pennsylvania location. The successful candidates will
be trained to make decisions related to the clipping and grading of
veneer for various end users. Candidates should possess a minimum of
an Associate Degree. An educational background in wood products or
experience in the wood industry would be considered a plus. Please
contact the human resources department.
Danzer Veneer Americas
119 A.I.D. Drive | Darlington, PA 16115
724-827-3769 (fax)
resumes@danzerservices.com | www.danzerservices.com
AHC Clarksville, Inc. is looking for a lumber inspector at their facility
in Clarksville, Tennessee. The position will include inspecting both kiln
dried and green lumber. The Inspector will be responsible for supervising
a crew, tracking/monitoring production, and obtaining set goals. A
NHLA Inspector Training School graduate is preferred, but not necessary.
Candidates must fully understand lumber rules and their applications. Salary is based on experience. AHC Clarksville, Inc.
310 Dover Road | Clarksville, TN 37042
931-472-0389 | 931-472-0391 (fax)
jruss@hardwoodweb.com | www.hardwoodweb.com
Experienced Lumber Grader
Lumber Inspector
Johnson Lumber Company is looking for a mature individual to be a
company employee and join its family business of 50 years. Job duties
include part-time lumber grading as well as learning other aspects of
the business. Salary is negotiable and a graduate of the NHLA Inspector
Training School is preferred.
Johnson Lumber Co., Inc
11561 Longwoods Rd. | Easton, MD 21601
410-822-5476 | 410-820-4250 (fax)
alan@jhsnlumber.com | www.johnson-lumber-co.com
Lumber Inspector
Quality Hardwoods, Inc. is looking for a Lumber Inspector for a modern, high production hardwood sawmill in South Central Michigan.
The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual who has
graduated from the NHLA Inspector Training School. The Lumber
Inspector is responsible for determining the grade and quality of
products by applying NHLA grading rules to determine board grade.
Duties also include applying grade marks to boards; evaluation of boards for upgrades and, if appropriate, returning board to edger,
trimmer or resaw for rework. The Lumber Inspector is responsible for maintaining yard inventory until lumber is shipped.
This position is full-time permanent employment and the salary is
negotiable. Quality Hardwoods is a well established company providing
excellent wage and benefit package. Send resume and references to:
Quality Hardwoods, Inc.
PO Box 38 | Sunfield, MI 48890-0038
517-566-8061 | 517-566-3659 (fax)
info@qualityhardwoodsinc.com | www.qualityhardwoodsinc.com
W W W. N H L A .C O M
Savage Lumber Company located in Doyle, Tennessee has a position
available for an experienced Lumber Grader. Candidates with lumber
grading experience should contact Alex Savage.
Savage Lumber Company
PO Box 39 | Doyle, TN 38559
931-657-2211 | 931-657-2214 (fax)
savagelumber@blomand.net
Lumber Inspector
Meister Log and Lumber Company (A division of Midwest Hardwood
Corporation) has an immediate opening for a hardwood lumber
inspector. A NHLA Inspector Training School graduate is preferred along with Walnut grading experience. Meister Log & Lumber Company
is a major hardwood manufacturer with tremendous growth potential.
A division of Midwest Hardwood Corporation, the Wisconsin based
sawmills include Meister Log & Lumber in Reedsburg, Park Falls
Hardwoods in Park Falls, and Buffalo Lumber & Tie in Fountain City.
Meister Log and Lumber Co.
1440 Laukant Street | Reedsburg, WI 53959
608-963-9909 | 608-524-3961 (fax)
stevenelson@midwesthardwood.com | www.midwesthardwood.com
Current job openings are posted by members at www.nhla.com.
For more information, visit www.nhla.com or contact Chris Churchill
at 901-399-7555 or email at c.churchill@nhla.com.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 23
HOW DO T H ESE
TREES
RELATE TO YOU?
A creation of Joe Salyers, chainsaw artisan, the Kentucky Hardwood
Christmas Trees pictured here begin as fallen wood from the artist’s
140 acre farm. Tree species include; cedar, hickory, oak, sassafras,
walnut, white birch and willow. The basic shape of the Christmas
tree is carved out with a chainsaw; beginning at the bottom
and roughing out the tree's distinctive cone shape; then upward
chainsaw cuts are made around the wood to evoke the layered
boughs of an evergreen tree.
FYI: According to legend, there was a time during the Great
Depression, when a family from the hills of Eastern Kentucky
came up the idea of making a Christmas Tree from the trunk of a
hardwood tree. The Kentucky Hardwood Christmas Tree is available
at www.atasteofkentucky.com.
24
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
ARE YOU READY TO BE THE STRENGTH OF YOUR COMPANY?
Leadership is not a solitary pursuit – but one that harnesses the energy of those around you.
Are you a leader or simply a manager? Are you ready to be the strength of your company, the architect of change and have the
competitive ability for adaption? Enroll now and prepare today for the challenges and opportunities of the global tomorrow.
2011 NHLA LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Session 1: April 3 – 7, 2011 in Memphis, TN | Session 2: May 9 – 12, 2011 in Washington D.C.
Online application is available at www.nhla.com.
For more information contact Chris Churchill at 901-399-7555 or c.churchill@nhla.com.
www.nhla.com