EXPO 2009

June 11-13, 2009

in New Orleans

May 8, 2009

Take Time to Prepare for Future Business

It’s the glass-half-full attitude. On the downside, a stalled economy forced a slower pace at the mills. On the upside, management teams have time to catch up on the latest in equipment and technology and hone their operational skills, all of which can make them and their operations more productive once the economy revives. SFPA’s 2009 Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition, June 11-13 in New Orleans, offers the perfect venue for achieving both goals.

“Perhaps your mill is only running four days a week, and that provides an opportunity to send your foreman down on Friday so he can attend,” suggested EXPO Director Eric Gee. “Or this could be a time to take a group of employees to EXPO and let them engage with exhibitors. That interaction could spark new ideas about a better way to do things at your mill.” 

And for added benefit, the EXPO University Conference Program offers a convenient way to learn about a host of topics from acknowledged experts in the field. Three separate learning tracks will run over a two-day period, all for only $179. The tracks – scheduled June 11-12 – are titled “Sawmill Efficiencies,” “Wood Bioenergy” and “Cutting Tools.” 

Visit www.sfpaexpo.com for more information about EXPO and click here for the conference program with details about the courses and presenters. You may also contact Eric at 504/443-4464, ext. 214, or by e-mail at egee@sfpa.org.

Dubai Offers Potential Market for American Softwoods

Representatives from several SFPA Associate member companies and Ned DeJarnette, SFPA’s director of international markets, were on an American Softwoods team promoting U.S. lumber products at the recent Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show. Some of the group also attended Cityscape Abu Dhabi. “Our presence at these shows was important because the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf States are one of the few areas where construction, though down, is still strong compared to many other markets of the world,” Ned said.

In addition to Ned, the group included Randy Barsalou of BCH Trading Company in Hot Springs, Ark.; Ryan Hilsinger from East Coast Lumber Company in Climax, N.C.; and Norikazu (Yoshi) Yoshikawa and Chip Setzer, both from Tumac Lumber in Portland, Ore. Also on the trip were representatives from APA and the Softwood Export Council, as well as AMSO consultant Eddie Pearce. U.S. products promoted included treated and untreated softwoods, engineered wood products and structural panels.

Ned reports that while activity remains strong in China and the Caribbean, potential markets throughout the rest of the world are found primarily in pockets such as the Middle East, North Africa and Mexico. For more information, contact him at 504/443-4464, ext. 233, or by e-mail at edejarnette@sfpa.org.

Economic Mood Shows Signs of Improvement

A number of factors are starting to signal that the U.S. economy could be stabilizing. On a particularly encouraging note, the National Association of Home Builders in this week’s Eye on the Economy reports there are fairly convincing signs that sales of both new and existing single-family homes hit bottom in the first quarter of this year and NAHB’s surveys of builders suggest that the beginnings of recovery in housing demand are under way. Click here for the story.

Fire Marshals Rethink Proposed Increase for Pallet Fire Ratings

SFPA and a number of other wood associations recently supported successful efforts by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association to deflect a National Association of State Fire Marshals proposal to increase the fire rating for wood pallets. The original proposal would have negatively affected markets for industrial grade Southern Pine and other species of wood used in the manufacture of pallets. NASFM has now agreed to form a task group including representatives from the wood pallet industry to develop a Code Application Bulletin (CAB) to help fire marshals accurately interpret fire safety codes. NASFM plans to present a final version of the CAB to its members at its annual meeting, June 19-21. For more details, see this story from Modern Materials Handling and NASFM’s report. Members can also contact Russell Richardson, SFPA’s director of industrial markets, at 504/443-4464, ext. 239, or rrichardson@sfpa.org.  

Southern Pine Represented at Flooring Show

Southern Pine patterns and the Southern Pine Council’s green message gained exposure through an exhibit at the National Wood Flooring Association’s 2009 Convention and Trade Show in Long Beach, Calif., last week.  Russell Richardson, SFPA’s director of industrial markets, represented SPC at the show, where about 230 companies displayed a variety of wood flooring products.  “This is a great show for Southern Pine flooring producers to get involved with,” Russell said.  “Buyers and sellers are asking for Southern Pine flooring, and this type of show provides a great venue to get your product in front of the market.”   Russell reports many companies were also heavily marketing certified products.  “The California market is highly demanding of green products, so it’s no surprise exhibitors were capitalizing on the green market at this show location,” he said.  For additional information, contact Russell at rrichardson@sfpa.org or 504/443-4464, ext.  239. 

WoodWorks Reports Progress

WoodWorks, a joint industry effort to encourage the use of wood in nonresidential projects, recently released a report card on progress during the past quarter in areas such as attendance at educational events, communications activities (advertising and earned media) and the number of projects converted to wood. Click here for the national report card and here for a report on WoodWorks’ progress in the Southeast region of the county. For more information, contact Southeast Regional Director Pat Schleisman at 404/502-6183 or by e-mail at pat@woodworks.org.

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