EXPO 2009

June 11-13, 2009

in New Orleans

June 29, 2007

Members Discuss Issues, Hear Updates at Midyear Meeting

SFPA and Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (SLMA) members gathered in Atlanta, Ga., last week to hear updates and discuss new initiatives for the Southern Pine Council (SPC), a joint effort between SFPA and SLMA. Here’s a brief look at some of the reports heard from SFPA and SLMA staff members and consultants.

• Marc Ehrhardt of the Ehrhardt Group opened the meeting with an update on the Raised Floor Living campaign, a top SPC priority. A major goal of the “Build to a Higher Standard” campaign is to position raised floor living as a cost-effective, more attractive and user-friendly building option throughout the Gulf South. Marc reported on current advertising activities and what his firm has learned through focus groups about rebuilding perceptions among Gulf Coast residents impacted by recent hurricanes. The large majority were inclined to build raised floor foundations and appreciated the benefits of raised floor construction, he said.

• Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s director of engineered and framing markets, discussed SFPA’s efforts to educate design/build professionals and building inspectors on the advantages of raised floor foundation systems. In addition to offering major benefits to homeowners, SFPA estimates raised wood floor foundations increase the amount of lumber used in a home by one-third when compared to homes built with concrete slab-on-grade foundations. Cathy also discussed her efforts to educate building code officials on why using raised floor foundations to elevate homes in flood-prone areas is a better flood management strategy than using fill. 

• Russell Richardson, director of industrial markets, outlined efforts to promote material handling products and special products such as flooring through trade shows, publications and e-classes. He recommended that SPC increase its material handling promotions. He also noted that the Southern Pine Flooring and Southern Pine Patterns guides were recently reprinted.

• Richard Kleiner, director of treated markets, updated the group on the latest discussions regarding treatment preservatives and standards. He also reported that the Pressure-Treated Southern Pine guide has been revised to reflect currently accepted standards and detailed SPC’s efforts to promote treated products through trade shows and advertising. A deck construction guide is also in the works. At the urging of SFPA member Ross Lampe of Lampe & Malphrus Lumber Company, SPC’s Treated Systems Committee formed a task force to ensure that SP treated decking remains marketable when compared to composite decking materials.

• Ned DeJarnette, director of international markets, updated attendees on current import and export market trends and explained which markets held potential for growth. He also outlined efforts to promote SP through trade shows and seminars and reminded members that funding is available through SFPA to help facilitate SPC members’ trips to establish and promote trade arrangements. The International Committee also formed a task force to support efforts to create an environmental certification that shows SP manufacturers export environmentally-friendly products and adhere to green practices.

• Kim Drew reported results from her work with trade magazine editors and writers to publicize the advantages of using SP products. Building Products, Residential Architect, Shelter, Professional Remodeler and Professional Builder are just a few of the magazines running Southern Pine information in the coming months.

• Wendy Burnett, SLMA’s manager of communications and public relations, updated the group on the latest activities of the Southern Pine Awareness Network (SPAN) to educate consumers on the advantages of using SP in their homes and outdoor projects. SPAN promotes its message through newspapers, magazines and TV (DIY Network and HGTV).

SFPA President Digges Morgan felt the meeting was a success for all who attended. “This was an excellent source of information and networking that attendees can draw on in a time of difficult markets,” he said. “Everyone seemed to be interested in planning for the future.”

Sawmill Safety Awards Presented

SFPA presented the 2006 Sawmill Safety Award to 11 of its member mills in recognition of their outstanding safety records throughout the year at its board meeting in Atlanta last week. Mills were classified by total annual production volume of the company: Division I for companies producing less than 50 million board feet; Division II for companies making 51 to 150 million board feet; and Division III for companies exceeding 150 million board feet annually. The 2006 award recipients were Division I – Lampe & Malphrus Lumber Company of Smithfield, N.C.; Division II – Anthony Forest Products of Atlanta, Texas; and Division III – Georgia-Pacific LLC mills in Claxton, Ga., Cross City, Fla., Crossett, Ark., Monticello, Ga., Russellville, S.C., and Taylorsville, Miss., Hood Industries Inc. in Waynesboro, Miss., and Weyerhaeuser Company mills in New Bern, N.C., and Taylor, La.

Associate Members Recognized

SFPA recognized 10 firms that have been associate members for 25 years or longer. They are Brunette Industries Inc. of Ball Ground, Ga., Hanchett Manufacturing of Big Rapids, Mich., Mack Manufacturing Inc. of Theodore, Ala., Nicholson Manufacturing Company of Seattle, Wash., and Stringer Industries Inc. of Tylertown, Miss., all with 25 years or more; Corley Manufacturing Company of Chattanooga, Tenn., McDonough Manufacturing Company of Eau Claire, Wis., and Mid-South Engineering Company of Hot Springs, Ark., all with 30 years or more; and ISK Biocides Inc. of Memphis, Tenn., and Taylor Machine Works of Louisville, Miss., both of which have been members since SFPA formed its associate member category in 1970.

EXPO Attendance Announced

EXPO 2007 posted a total attendance of 3,600 during its three-day run in Atlanta, Ga., last week.  The Georgia World Congress Center showcased the products and services of 244 exhibitors, creating an extensive display of forest products machinery and equipment, technology, and services. Nearly 78,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits represented the full range of forest products – lumber, plywood, pallet, treating, as well as engineered wood products and secondary processing. “EXPO remains an important event for anyone involved in the wood products industry,” said EXPO Director Eric Gee.  “Those attending saw firsthand the scope of new products and services aimed at improving their operational efficiency. Attendees had the purchasing power to make their operations more competitive in the months and years ahead. Many equipment transactions were completed on the show floor.”      

SFPA produced EXPO 2007 in cooperation with the Engineered Wood Technology Association and the Wood Technology Clinic & Show.  In addition to the exhibits, EXPO 2007 offered educational opportunities to all those registered. Coordinated by Hatton-Brown Publishers, the conference program of 18 sessions drew a total attendance of 280 over two days. Topics covered mill operations, management and industry trends. Plans are already under way for the next EXPO, to be held June 11-13, 2009, in New Orleans. For more information, contact Eric Gee at 504/443-4464, ext. 214, or by e-mail at egee@sfpa.org.

SFPA Office Closed Wednesday

The SFPA office will close Wednesday in observance of Independence Day. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and patriotic holiday!  

PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION  

mechanical means, without written authorization from SFPA is prohibited.