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November 9, 2007

Builders Heading to IBS Despite Down Market

It appears the International Builders’ Show, a prime venue for Southern Pine’s message for more than 25 years, is on track for good attendance despite the current housing market slump. The National Association of Homebuilders, which sponsors the show, recently announced attendance registration is up 15% compared to the same time last year.

“Builders view the International Builders’ Show as an indispensable business tool,” said Ken Klein, chairman of the NAHB Convention & Meetings Committee. “They come to the show to gain valuable knowledge on the industry; order the latest building products that will keep them competitive in their market; and educate themselves on timely sales and marketing practices.”

NAHB says the IBS is the largest annual light construction show in the world with more than a million-and-a-half square feet in exhibit space. Approximately 100,000 people from 100 countries attended last year’s show. The 2008 show, set for Feb. 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., is expected to feature more than 1,900 exhibitors.

SPC is on hand each year to promote Southern Pine structural, treated and specialty products as well as raised floor systems. SPC also cosponsors an annual media breakfast for the multitude of trade and consumer media who attend the show. Kim Drew, SPC’s public relations consultant, coordinates that effort for SPC.

SPC and APA–The Engineered Wood Association will once again team up to provide information to attendees. SFPA President Digges Morgan and Vice President of Communications Richard Wallace along with other SFPA staff members will represent SPC in the joint effort.

“This is an extremely important event for SPC since it allows us to interact with builders and those who distribute building products,” Digges said. “We also invite any of our members who are at the show to drop by and visit the SPC display. Our exhibit number is W2783.”

Speaking of Markets …

The National Association of Homebuilders said in a recent news release that though there appears to be no letup to the current housing downswing, economists participating in NAHB’s Fall Construction Forecast Conference expect the industry to bottom out and start turning around in 2008. NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders said housing should begin to turn around next year for a number of reasons: the overall economy and job growth continue to move ahead at a decent pace, core inflation is under control, the late-summer credit crunch in mortgage markets is showing signs of easing because of cuts to short-term interest rates and the supply-demand picture should be better balanced as builders pare down excess inventories.

“Home sales should bottom out by the end of the first quarter of 2008, and I have starts up in the third quarter of next year, assuming the inventory overhang stabilizes,” he said.

NAHB projects total housing will wind up at 1.363 million in 2007 and 1.2 million next year for an 11.9% decline. Single-family starts are expected to show a 50% decline from their peak in the first quarter of 2006 to a trough in the second quarter of 2008.

Click here to read the full release.

Wade Camp Leaving SFPA for Corporate Position

Wade Camp, SFPA’s director of economic services, announced this week he is resigning to take a new position with Georgia-Pacific LLC. Wade will relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, and will work in GP’s wood products division.

Wade has been with SFPA more than six years and has provided association members valuable statistical information and analysis related to Southern Pine production and softwood imports and exports. “We appreciate the great contribution Wade has made and his ability, which greatly enhanced our economic services program,” said SFPA President Digges Morgan. “We wish him great success in his new role.”

Career Opportunities

The current down cycle in the forest products industry has not dampened the need for good employees. Several members companies and affiliated associations are currently seeking qualified applicants for open positions. For example, Weyerhaeuser needs a lumber superintendent for its lumber mill in Wright City, Okla. For more information about this and other available positions, please visit http://www.sfpa.org/CareerOpportunities.htm.

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