EXPO 2009

June 11-13, 2009

in New Orleans

April 17, 2009

Housing Starts, Permits Edge Downward Again in March

After posting gains in February, housing starts and permits retreated somewhat in March. Privately-owned housing starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 510,000, 10.8% below the revised February estimate of 572,000 and 48.4% below the March 2008 rate of 988,000, reported the U.S. Census Bureau Thursday. Single-family starts were unchanged, however, at a rate of 358,000, the same as the revised February figure. The seasonally adjusted annual rate for building permits in March was 513,000, 9% below the revised February rate of 564,000 and down 45% from the March 2008 estimate of 932,000. The rate for single-family permits was 361,000, 7.4% lower than the revised February figure of 390,000. Click here for the current housing release and a regional breakdown of the numbers.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve reported Wednesday that there are signs the economic picture might be stabilizing. The Fed regularly surveys its 12 regional banks on economic conditions in each bank’s district. In the latest survey, five of the 12 reported the pace of economic decline was moderating with several regions seeing signs of stabilization. Click here for an Associated Press story about the Fed report and here for the actual report, commonly known as the “Beige Book.”

Southern Pine Contributes 50% of U.S. Production

Though Southern Pine production was down in 2008, the South nevertheless accounted for 50% of total U.S. softwood production and 28% of total North American production, Random Lengths recently reported. Annual SP production declined about 13% to 14.6 Bbf, the lowest point since 1993. Total North American softwood production was 52.8 Bbf, the lowest level since 1984. Click here for SFPA’s record of annual SP production dating back to 1915.

SFPA EXPO a Cut Above the Rest

SFPA’s Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition is not the only show of its type, but it’s certainly one of the best and here’s why.

·       SFPA’s members realized years ago that being able to see and inspect the newest equipment on a regular basis offered them the easiest way to improve efficiency at their mills. That realization led to the creation of the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition in 1950. EXPO continues to deliver on its original mission by gathering the latest technology and machinery from throughout the world under one roof.

·       Technology and machinery are only part of the puzzle when it comes to running a successful business – especially in challenging economic times. EXPO offers a “University Conference Program” designed to help attendees ensure their operations are as efficient as possible (watch for more details about the conference program in an upcoming issue).

·       EXPO is always held in one of the South’s premier cities. Atlanta hosted the past eight events and historic New Orleans will be the site of EXPO 2009, set for June 11-13.

·      You can’t beat the admission price. Advance registration for the entire three-day EXPO is $10 and on-site registration is $15.  Spouses and children are admitted free of charge. The conference program carries a separate registration fee.

Though no one knows for sure, the economy could be poised to begin a recovery later this year and the first half of 2010. Don’t miss this chance to make sure you and your business are up-to-date on the latest equipment, technology and operating techniques. Visit www.sfpaexpo.com to learn more and find out how to register. We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

Raised Floor Video Segments Rolling in Two Markets

As part of a Raised Floor Living project with Habitat for Humanity, staff members from SFPA and APA filmed two separate series of video segments for broadcast in the areas where the projects are based. One series began airing March 15 on WKRG-TV in Mobile, Ala., and the other hit the air March 31 on WPTV-TV in West Palm Beach, Fla. The segments feature SFPA and APA staff members discussing topics such as the benefits of using raised wood floor foundations, wind-resistance in wood-frame construction, energy efficiency and environmental advantages. Click here for a mini-site about the project with photos from each location as well as the video segments. WPTV-TV’s Web site also offers a special page featuring the WPTV segments, construction images and a list of raised floor benefits.

LAT Holds Convention in Recovering Galveston

The Southern Pine Council was among exhibitors at the recent Lumbermen’s Association of Texas (LAT) annual convention in Galveston, Texas.  Russell Richardson, SFPA’s director of industrial markets, represented SPC at the event, where participants picked up many copies of SPC’s various technical guides for Southern Pine products. “Quite a few attendees asked about interior patterns and treated lumber,” Russell said. He also reports the remodeling market is active in the Houston/Galveston area due to Hurricane Ike last fall. SPC’s Raised Floor Living program was another popular topic.  “A lot of people are asking how to get involved with our promotions,” Russell said.  “They want to know how to get their business tied in with the various promotional events we do in our target markets. It’s good to see our efforts are paying off with an increased awareness level, which will ultimately convert to product usage.”  For more information about SPC’s participation in LAT, contact Russell at 504/443-4464, ext. 239, or by e-mail at rrichardson@sfpa.org. 

SWST Convention to Focus on Green Theme

“The Role of Wood in our Green Future” is the theme of the 2009 Society of Wood Science and Technology International Annual Convention set for June 24 at the Doubletree Hotel Boise-Riverside in Boise, Idaho. Speakers and topics include Jim Bowyer on “Biomaterials Consumption and our Ecological Footprint – a Sobering Comparison,” Thomas Bonnicksen on “Wildfires and Insects Threaten Future Timber Supplies and Our Climate,” and Bruce Lippke on “Life Cycle Analysis of the Forest Products Industry – No Longer an Option.” The event is being held in cooperation with the Forest Products Society, which will hold its 63rd International Convention June 21-23 at the same location. Click here for information about the SWST event and here for details on the FPS convention.

PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION  

mechanical means, without written authorization from SFPA is prohibited.