On behalf of American Softwoods, two recent presentations in Semarang and Surabaya, Indonesia, introduced importers and key decision makers to American softwood products. SFPA’s Eric Gee introduced the features and benefits of Southern Pine materials, including treated products. While markets for pressure-treated lumber exist, a better understanding of proper retention levels and recommended preservative types is needed in the country’s severe wood decay hazard environment. Eric addressed the merits of using SP for interior applications, too, especially doors, stairs and windows. He also covered abundant Southern Pine resources, forest management practices, sustainability, and the legality of timber harvesting.
Eric teamed with Chris Knowles of Oregon State University who spoke about several U.S. softwood species available from the northeastern and western states. The seminars provided an interactive learning environment where the audience eagerly engaged both speakers on a variety of subjects. During the reception which followed each event, attendees continued their inquiries about American softwoods, asking more questions about sustainability, stand rotation, and product qualities.
“Several opportunities exist for increased exports of American softwoods to Indonesia,” Eric noted. “Low manufacturing costs and an abundant labor supply make Indonesia a prime market for softwood usage in furniture, doors, and molding,” he added.
Click here to see a collection of photos Eric made on the trip.
Next Week: Spring Meeting with SLMA
The Southern Pine lumber industry assembles in New Orleans next week for the 2017 SLMA/SFPA Spring Meeting & Expo, to be held at the historic Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. Click here to review the agenda, including all events and sessions to be held March 8-10. Nearly 200 industry representatives are registered to attend; click here to see the updated list.
A total of 34 companies are participating in the Trade Expo, with tabletop displays Thursday evening. Click here to read a profile of each exhibiting company.
Financial Administrator Retires
Following 32 years of service to SFPA members, Chief Financial Administrator Vernon Barabino retired yesterday. A native of New Orleans, Vernon came to SFPA to work in the mailroom for one year while he earned his accounting degree attending night school. More than three decades of SFPA record-keeping followed, managing complex accounts for international activities, Expo, as well as annual audits. “It has been a great run,” Vernon said. “I’ve enjoyed the many great people I’ve met in this industry and I thank the association for providing this opportunity to serve the members,” he added.
“On behalf of all members, SFPA greatly appreciates the dedication Vernon has brought to his work throughout his career with us,” said Executive Director Tami Kessler. Rachel Elton has been promoted to the position of Accountant and will assume Vernon’s duties.
Vernon’s immediate retirement plans include preparing tax returns for family and friends, plus tackling a few home remodeling projects his wife Roz has in mind.
Housing Analyses Available
A pair of new reports provides insights into the U.S. housing market. Urs Buehlmann is Professor in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech and Delton Alderman is a Research Forest Products Technologist at the US Forest Service. Recently, they released a two-part housing market commentary for December 2016 that provides in-depth data on the U.S. housing market and related economic conditions.
“The housing report is a service of Virginia Tech and is intended to help those in the industry to gauge future business activity,” Urs notes. SFPA members can review his analysis within the Members Only section of SFPA.org, listed under “Construction & Economic Reports”.
Within the same location, economist Al Schuler (retired) provides his popular observations on U.S. housing statistics. His notes for February are based on the most recent housing data. Among other points made, Al comments: “Housing remains a problem. When adjusting for population growth, single-family construction remains at recession levels of the 1980s. Home ownership is the lowest in 50 years; of the 805,000 households formed in the 4th quarter, 55% were renters. Many young people – those first-time buyers – just can’t afford the down payment so they remain on the sidelines. We need a strong economy if housing is to get back on track.”
