SFPA Participates in Online Code Training Effort

Wood-frame construction can stand up to the hazards of a hurricane if builders adhere to the International Codes. Training to help building officials, inspectors, builders and designers properly implement those codes in the Gulf Coast states will soon be available online.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is spearheading a project to produce training segments for building officials and inspectors. Southern Pine Council, AF&PA’s American Wood Council and APA – The Engineered Wood Association – are sponsoring the wood-frame construction sections of the training. LSU AgCenter received a grant to develop similar training segments targeting builders and designers. “The wood industry’s participation is essential to ensure wood-frame structures are properly designed, elevated and constructed to resist high winds and storm surges,” said Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s director of engineered & framing markets. “Our goal is to have these educational training segments online and operational later this year.”

The online training consists of video segments showing national experts explaining proper construction methods. Cathy conducts two segments on raised floor construction. Other featured wood experts include Dr. Jeffrey Stone with AWC and Bryan Readling of APA.

SFPA Hosts WTCA Chapter

Truss manufacturers from Louisiana and Mississippi convened at SFPA headquarters this week to discuss common goals and address challenges facing the engineered component industry. Participants are all members of the Mid-South Component Manufacturers Association, a chapter of WTCA. They discussed the documentation required in various jurisdictions to meet prevailing code requirements, labor issues and the latest educational and marketing resources available to educate people about the component industry. SFPA’s Cathy Kaake updated the group about Southern Pine Council’s raised floor marketing push in both states. SFPA Director of Economic Services Wade Camp summarized the supply and demand picture for softwood lumber markets, noting that an up-tick in markets may be noticed in 2008.

Sawmill Assessment Deadline Extended

Those who haven’t already done so are encouraged to complete and return the sixth annual Southern Pine Sawmill Assessment form by May 11. Compiled results will provide sawmillers valuable operational and financial benchmarks for 2006. Download the questionnaire at www.sfpa.org or contact Wade Camp at wcamp@sfpa.org. Fax completed surveys to Ed Berbuesse of Wegmann Dazet & Co., a CPA consulting firm, at 504/837-0856. The final report will be mailed to respondents in early June.