Association News

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APA and Engineered Wood Systems members can take advantage of market research, industry statistics, field services assistance, international reports, management bulletins, key staff contacts, and other valuable information contained in the members- only section of the APA web site at www.apawood.org.  The section now has a password system and member company personnel can obtain their new passwords by following the online instructions.

WWPA Forecasts Jump in Lumber Demand for 2003
The Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) forecasts a jump in U.S. lumber demand to record levels in 2003, due to new home construction, repair and remodeling. The trade association said U.S. lumber consumption should reach an all-time high of 54.7 billion board feet in 2003, topping the previous mark of 54.3 billion board feet set in 1999. Low interest rates have spurred home repair and remodeling, and will account for most of the lumber demand increases next year. Lumber usage in repair and remodeling is expected to increase nearly 3 percent to 17.3 billion board feet.

Goergen Interim SAF Officer
The Society of American Foresters has named Michael Goergen, presently SAF’s senior director of policy and programs, as interim executive vice-president and chief executive officer. Michael is assuming the position held by the departing Bill Banzhaf until the search for a permanent replacement is complete. Michael assumed his duties on January 1.

APA Concerned Over ITC Investigation
APA (The Engineered Wood Association) is concerned that a U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation of the competitiveness of U.S. prefabricated structural wood building components is too broad in scope. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee requested an investigation at the urging of the U.S. wood truss industry, troubled over low-cost prefabricated trusses entering the U.S. market from Canada. The investigation also includes wood Ijoists, glulam beams, glulam arches and laminated veneer lumber. The APA has stated that it opposes the inclusion of those products on a number of grounds and met with ITC investigators Dec. 12 at APA headquarters in Tacoma, Wash. to voice its objections.

ALC Sponsors Focus Outdoors Show
The American Loggers Council (ALC) has sponsored "Focus Outdoors," an outdoor hunting and fishing show airing on the Outdoor Channel Friday nights at 6:30 PM CST. The show, which aired in January, informs viewers of the benefits of timber harvesting and other forest management activities to wildlife habitat. The ALC will be sponsoring the show on a weekly basis and working with conservation groups such as the Ruffed Grouse Society, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Delta Waterfowl to inform and educate viewers on the need for forest management, including timber harvesting, to promote wildlife and wildlife habitat. "The image of today’s professional timber harvester is very important to the survival of our industry in the United States," says ALC President Bob Luoto. "If we are to gain public acceptance of who we are, what we do, and how we do it, we must promote ourselves through programs such as Focus Outdoors. For more information call (281) 432-7167 or visit the ALC website at www.americanloggers.org.

Tour of Brazil
The Forest Resources Association (FRA) will host a weeklong tour of forest operations in southern Brazil, March 7-16, 2003. Participants will view Brazilian silvicultural and harvesting techniques, as well as planning, research, and logistics systems. The tour group can hold a maximum of 33 and is open to everyone, although a special reduced price is available to FRA members. The comprehensive registration fee of $2,750.00 ($2,995 for non-members) includes roundtrip airfare from Miami and all meals, lodging, and internal transportation expenses, and fees and expenses associated with Tour stops, as well as fees for obtaining the necessary visa. Participants will be responsible for travel to the Miami point of departure and for obtaining passports and inoculations. For more information, as well as an application form, log onto www.FORESTRESOURCES.org. 

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