hm - Dec12 - cover.indd - National Hardwood Lumber Association

DECEMBER 2012
HARDWOOD MATTERS
THE VOICE OF THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY
2012 NHLA ANNUAL
CONVENTION & EXHIBIT
SHOWCASE RECAP
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL HARDWOOD LUMBER ASSOCIATION
STRONG ROOTS. GLOBAL REACH. | WWW.NHLA.COM

11
DEPARTMENTS
8 Welcome New Members
9 Rules Corner
24 Foundation Focus
20
READER SERVICES
4 President’s Message
6 Executive Director’s
Message
7 Inside NHLA
22 Calendar
23 Job Board
IN THIS ISSUE...
11 IRON MIKE DITKA KICKS OFF
THE ANNUAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO-STYLE
CONTENTS
20 Hardwood Forest Foundation
EVENTS AT NHLA ANNUAL
CONVENTION & EXHIBIT
SHOWCASE A SUCCESS
WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 1

HARDWOOD MATTERS
THE VOICE OF THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY
December 2012 ▪ Issue 130
National Hardwood Lumber Association
PO Box 34518 ▪ Memphis, TN 38184-0518
901-377-1818 ▪ 901-382-6419 (fax)
info@nhla.com ▪ www.nhla.com
THE MISSION OF NHLA
To serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of
North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order,
structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood
marketplace; providing member services unique to the
hardwood lumber industry; driving collaboration across
the hardwood industry to promote demand for North
American hardwood lumber and advocate the interest
of the hardwood community in public/private policy
issues; and building positive relationships within the
global hardwood community.
The views of contributions do not necessarily reflect the positions of NHLA. All advertisements for Hardwood
Matters are accepted and published with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are
authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will
defend, indemnify and hold any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms,
copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such
advertisement. NHLA neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and
services advertised in Hardwood Matters. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
without written permission is prohibited.
For advertising inquiries:
Contact John Hester, Marketing Director at j.hester@nhla.com
or 901-399-7558.
ADVERTISER INDEX
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Scott Heidler
Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co.
President
Pem Jenkins
Turn Bull Lumber Co.
Vice President
Dave Redmond
Highland Hardwood Sales, Inc.
Past President 2010-2012
Mark A. Barford, CAE
Executive Director
NHLA STAFF
Mark A. Barford, CAE
Executive Director
m.barford@nhla.com
David George
Creative Director
d.george@nhla.com
Renee Hornsby
Director of Communications/Editor
r.hornsby@nhla.com
■ ■ ■
Lisa Browne
Convention Director
Rich Hascher
Inspector Training School Instructor
John Hester
Marketing Director
Dana Spessert
Chief Inspector
Denise Stewart
Director of Finance/CAO
MISSION LEADERS
Skip Holmes
Thomas & Proetz Lumber Co.
Unique Services
Charlie Netterville
Fred Netterville Lumber Co.
Industry Advocacy & Promotion
Greg Patenaude
Péladeau Lumber, Inc.
Membership & Marketing
Brent Stief
Huron Forest Products
Structure
Gary Swaner
Swaner Hardwood Co.
Rules
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Jeff Durst
Hull Forest Products
Inspection Services
Orn Gudmundsson, Jr.
Northland Corporation
Finance
Mark Mah
Upper Canada Forest Products
Hardwood Promotion
Darwin Murray
McClain Forest Products
Continuing Education
Jim Reader
Downes & Reader Hardwood Co.
Membership
Joe Snyder
Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc.
Rules
Jim Steen
Pike Lumber Co., Inc.
Inspector Training School
Stephanie Van Dystadt
DV Hardwoods
Communications & Marketing
Kim Vollinger
W. M. Cramer Lumber Co.
Convention
9 American Hardwood Industries
5 BB&T Insurance Services
Forest Products Practice
21 Brewco Incorporated
8 C.S. Industries, LLC
3 Dunavant Global Logistics Group
ifc Elimbs, LLC
10 Laidig Systems, Inc.
bc NHLA Inspector Training School
ibc Pike Lumber Company, Inc.
7 U•C Coatings Corporation
19 USNR
18 Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
2 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

CONTRIBUTORS
Dana Spessert began working for NHLA as Chief Inspector in September 2010. He is
responsible for maintaining the integrity of the NHLA grading rules by supervising the
Association’s field staff of six full time inspectors.
Dana is a native of West Virginia were he was born into the lumber industry – his father
having graduated from NHLA Inspection School in 1962. He started his career by
working at their family owned sawmill and later graduated from the NHLA Inspector
Training School in the spring of 1986. He worked independently as a lumber inspector
for several sawmill and lumber yards in the areas surrounding Elkins, W.Va. Dana was
also employed by Colonial Millworks, Ltd. for five years as a production supervisor
and spent the last nine years working for Coastal Lumber Company as Quality Control
Manager. He is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Course.
Crystal Oldham is the Executive Director of the Hardwood Forest Foundation and the former NHLA Director
of Education. As the DOE she oversaw all things education for the Association, including the Inspector Training
School and Continuing Education programs. Prior to joining NHLA, Crystal served as Consumer Education
Coordinator for the State of Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. Previously, she served as News
Director for Thunderbolt Broadcasting. As News Director, Crystal gathered, wrote and produced newscasts
for the company’s three radio stations. She also served as a Staff Reporter for Northwest Tennessee Times and
Freelance Writer for the Weakley County Press.
Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism from the
University of Tennessee at Martin.
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WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 3

PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
THE BEST CUSTOMER IS AN
EDUCATED CUSTOMER
For more than 100 years, NHLA has educated and enforced the Rules for the Measurement
& Inspection of North American hardwoods. With so much hardwood lumber production
heading overseas, the NHLA board of managers decided that the Association should educate
the rest of the world on the proper grading Rules for North American hardwoods. An
industry publication recently stated that “NHLA has had Partner members overseas and in
Mexico for a long time, but its foreign focus has intensified in recent years.” The article went
on to say “NHLA has focused even more specifically on China, knowing it is one of the
largest single markets for North American hardwood grade lumber and offers great prospects
for future growth.” I would like to compliment this publication for recognizing what the
NHLA board of managers recognized 7 years ago when it approved the global expansion of
NHLA’s goods and services. If NHLA can educate that rest of the world about the grading
Rules and attributes of North American hardwood species, the world will consume more
North American hardwood lumber!
Eleven months ago, NHLA embarked on a huge endeavor and put a lumber inspector on
the ground in China. During this time, NHLA has faced a steep learning curve and some
criticism. Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector, recently reflected upon the Association’s
work in China. “Chinese agents feel having an inspector on the ground in China will help
gain trust in North American suppliers by giving them the knowledge or at least a method to
determine the actual grade of shipments.”
The NHLA lumber inspector in China has been very busy both educating local customers as
well as inspecting material in question from North American suppliers. Unfortunately, those
of us in the industry tend only to hear about the problems and not about the success stories.
It has been estimated that less than 2 percent of the North American hardwoods shipped to
China has been inspected by NHLA and of that 2 percent only 40 percent of the material
inspected has had any type of issue. This means that less than half of one percent of all North
American hardwoods shipped into China have been suspect and had an issue. Dana went
on to say “that the majority of the loads shipped into China are acceptable by the Chinese
customers and that there are no issues”. As this customer continues to be educated on the
grading Rules, they continue to build confidence in North American hardwoods.
I believe the first goal of the NHLA board of managers has been realized; NHLA is now the
recognized authority on the grading Rules for North American hardwood lumber in China.
The Chinese consumers are showing their confidence in NHLA as they continue to join the
Association as Partner members and even request their suppliers be member firms of NHLA.
The relationship is strengthening with every on grade load of North American hardwood
lumber that arrives in China. The Chinese have expressed to Dana, “that the two things they
like about purchasing North American lumber is that there is a standard and that they have
someone to call when there is a problem”.
all NHLA members producing North American
hardwood lumber as demand for their products
will continue to grow in the global market.
NHLA’s focus is, and has always been, on North
American hardwood lumber! By expanding
into China, and into other areas of the global
market place in the future, NHLA is helping to
promote the understanding and use of North
American lumber and thus not only supporting,
but enhancing the market opportunities for its
domestic membership.
Sincerely,
Scott Heidler
Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co.
As the industry and NHLA continue to educate the Chinese market place on the proper
grading Rules for North American lumber, the second goal the board of managers envisioned
will be achieved - the market share for North American lumber will increase against
competing global species in the Chinese market place. In the long run this mission will help
4 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 5

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
INTERNATIONAL GRADE PROMOTION
TOPS AGENDA AT FALL BOARD MEETING
The NHLA fall board meeting was held November 8-10 and began with a special report
from Chief Inspector Dana Spessert and China based NHLA inspector Randy Wilson on the
challenges of meeting the demands of the number one market for hardwood lumber. This
special report set the tone for a number of actions and the meeting concluded on positive
based motions.
The seven standing committees of the Association met on day one. The committees are as follows:
communications and marketing; continuing education; convention; hardwood advocacy (formerly
promotion); inspection services; inspector training school and membership. Each committee
discussed the new international role of NHLA and several new actions were approved.
The first new action involved the continued expansion of education and inspection services
around the world, not just in China. The second was the development of a Chinese
language lumber grading program held at NHLA headquarters in Memphis next summer.
The summer program would include all of the elements of the 14-week course currently
operated and provide a well rounded education for the buyers and users of North American
hardwoods. From the direction of the membership committee, NHLA will continue efforts
to maintain and expand overseas membership, but primary efforts will focus on expanding
domestic membership and strengthening support among the North American industry. The
communications and marketing committee approved a new magazine titled “International
Matters” that will focus on the grading Rules and be distributed around the world. And
lastly, the convention committee will add to efforts to make the convention the true “global
gathering” place for the hardwood industry.
The full NHLA board of managers met on day two with a vigorous discussion of these and other
ideas to ensure the relevancy and effectiveness of NHLA far into the future. An important part of
the discussion was to also ensure the future financial strength of NHLA as it invests in new programs
that may not see an immediate financial return. The board has challenged the NHLA staff to grow
the organization in a time of retrenching, and I can assure that the staff is up to the task.
Despite the importance of export markets to the North American hardwood industry,
North American exports make up a small portion of the wood imported around the world.
Recognizing this, the NHLA board has taken some strong steps to increase the share by
supplementing the Association’s efforts.
The full NHLA board of
managers met on day two
with a vigorous discussion
of these and other ideas to
ensure the relevancy and
effectiveness of NHLA far
into the future.
Sincerely,
Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director
National Hardwood Lumber Association
6 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

INSIDE NHLA
2012 NHLA FALL BOARD MEETING
BRINGS CURRENT AND FUTURE
INDUSTRY LEADERS TOGETHER
This year’s NHLA fall board meeting, November 8-10, took a
different turn when volunteer leaders and board members hosted
a cookout at NHLA headquarters and invited the current students
of the 169th Class of the Inspector Training School to dinner. The
evening provided a wonderful opportunity for board members,
staff and students to interact and really get to know each other. The
evening also afforded board members, who had never before visited
NHLA headquarters the opportunity to receive a staff directed tour
of the facility.
“The informal atmosphere of the cookout was definitely new
territory for the board meeting but was so well received that plans
are already underway to repeat the event,” noted Executive Director
Mark Barford.
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WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 7

INSIDE NHLA
NHLA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Active Member with Annual Sales Between $5M and $20M
■ Ohio Valley Veneer, Inc. | Piketon, OH
Active Member with Annual Sales between $1.5M and $5M
■ Mitcheltree Bros. Logging & Lumber, Inc | Pulaski, PA
■ Pro Mark Percussion LLC | Houston, TX
Active Member with Annual Sales less than $1.5M
■ Greentree Hardwoods, LLC | Marion, MI
■ Porosky Lumber Co., Inc. | Preston Park, PA
■ Levi Byler Hardwood Lumber | Andover, OH
■ Yasam Wood Veneer Company | Little Rock, AR
Active Member Branch
■ BPM Lumber LLC | Whitesburg, KY
■ BPM Lumber LLC | Hyden, KY
■ Inter-Continental Hardwoods, Inc. | Currie, NC
Partner Member
■ Sang Trong Import Export Co., Ltd. | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
■ Shouguang Fushi Wood Co., Ltd. | Shouguang, China
Sustaining Member
■ BNY Mellon Wealth Management | Los Angeles, CA
■ CrossCheck, Inc. | Petaluma, CA
Hardwood Research Member
■ Diego Camacho | Costa Rica
If you know a company that would also benefit from membership
in NHLA or services provided by the Association, please refer them
to John Hester, at 901-377-7558 or j.hester@nhla.com
Quarter Ending October 2012
8 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

RULES
CORNER
INSPECTION OF SURFACED LUMBER
By Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector
One of the more confusing Rules associated with surfaced lumber
seems to be when it is surfaced to the standard rough thickness such
as 4/4 (1") lumber after kiln drying which allows for 1/16" scant
for shrinkage now being 15/16". If lumber is sold as S2S or Surfaced
Hit or Miss, the key being that it is sold as surfaced and represented
as such on the contract, it is to be inspected from the better face.
One thing that must be considered is the amount of skip and
whether or not it will clean up at the standard surfaced thickness
in this case being 13/16".
Below is the page from the 2011 NHLA Rules Book which explains
this Rule.
“INSPECTION OF SURFACED LUMBER”
Surfaced lumber S2S shall be inspected according to the
established grades under the caption of the respective woods,
with the following exceptions:
The “Clear-Face” Cutting Grade
In those grades determined on a defect basis, the missed portion
of the board shall be sufficiently thick to permit dressing to the
next standard thickness for dressed lumber, except where the
board may have wane or its equivalent, and provided that not
over one-third of the area of the board in the aggregate may
be skipped.
Lumber specified “hit or miss” to a finished thickness more than
1/16" thicker than standard thickness for dressed lumber will
admit unlimited skipped areas, provided that the missed portion
of the required cutting area is sufficiently thick to surface to the
next lower standard thickness for dressed lumber.
The important thing to remember is that surfaced lumber is
inspected from the better face as opposed to the poor face, due
to some defects that have been exposed that were not possible to
see in the rough. Contact Chief Inspector Dana Spessert by email at
d.spessert@nhla.com or by phone at 901-399-7551.
The grade shall be determined from the better face of the piece.
Paragraphs 56, 57, 58, 60 on pages 14–15 apply to both faces in
FAS and to the better face in F1F and Selects. The reverse side of
the cuttings in both FAS and No. 1 Common are not required to
be sound for the standard grades of F1F and Selects.
Slight skips, chipped or torn grain will be admitted on the better
face of the required cuttings, the aggregate area not exceeding 6"
long by the width of the piece in FAS; 12" long by the width of
the piece in F1F and Selects; 18" long by the width of the piece
in No. 1 Common, No. 2A and No. 2B Common and No. 3A
Common and on the reverse side in aggregate area not exceeding
one-third of the surface of the required cuttings.
Surfaced Lumber “Hit or Miss”
Lumber ordered dressed “hit or miss” shall be inspected as
provided for lumber dressed two sides except that, in the cutting
grades, the missed portion in the required cutting area shall
be sufficiently thick to permit dressing to the next standard
thickness for dressed lumber, provided, however, that not
over one-third of the required cutting area of the board in the
aggregate may be skipped.
WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 9

RULES
CORNER
A REPORT FROM THE INSPECTION SERVICES TEAM
DOMESTIC INSPECTION
NHLA has been ever vigilant in its role as the keepers and teachers
of the Rules. This is evidenced by the number of training sessions
taught by the inspection services team over the past 12 months; 29
courses taught in 28 different locations throughout the United States
and Canada.
The NHLA inspectors are also taking on the role of quality assurance
for companies that want to be a cut above the rest by identifying
and thus eliminating some of the issues that can cause customers
and suppliers a great deal of strife. In addition to handling the 67
members of the NHLA Facility Grade Certification Program, 13
different companies rely on the inspection team to regularly double
check the quality of their products in a never ending pursuit of
producing on-grade lumber.
If any company is struggling to ship complaint free lumber to its
customers, take the proper steps and bring in the professionals that
can help you and your employees to do it right – the NHLA team
of National Inspectors!
INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION
The National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Rules and Standards
for Hardwood Lumber may soon become the common language for
the global hardwood industry. Recently, NHLA crossed paths with
an Italian lumber trading company in the Dongguan area of southern
China. The Italian contingent was dealing with lumber and timbers
coming out of West Africa and into Asia. A topic of discussion raised
over tea and lunch was how much effect NHLA Rules education and
adherence was having on the Chinese market. It was conveyed that
European companies had taken notice of the fact North American
lumber had taken on a more enhanced appearance, in bundle form at
least, over the past year. In addition, it was also brought up in passing
that many of Italian contingent customers in China had taken to
stocking American and Canadian products where previously there had
been none. When queried why that was so, the Italians explained that
they had been told it was because of consistency and reliability of the
product. Further conversation revealed that NHLA Rules were the
primary force promoting this trend. They lamented the fact that such a
system was not in widespread use within their market, both in Europe
and beyond. They noted that in the past year many of their Asian
customers had desired to know how certain “house” or company grades
compared to NHLA standards for hardwood.
It was an interesting exchange to say the least. Most importantly, it
highlighted the effect NHLA’s global expansion, particularly in Asia,
is having on the lumber industry’s world stage. Thus, NHLA Rules
recognition, globally, is in fact a reality.
10 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

IRON MIKE DITKA KICKS OFF
THE ANNUAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO-STYLE
WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 11

The 2012 National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Annual
Convention & Exhibit Showcase – the global gathering of the
hardwood community – was held September 12-15 in Chicago,
Ill. with eight hundred delegates in attendance. The sold out
exhibit hall featured seventy-two companies and organizations
showing off their products and services on the show floor.
During the September 13 Opening Session, outgoing NHLA
president Dave Redmond welcomed delegates from the United
States, Canada and 12 other countries as he gave his final
presidential report. The membership then heard reports from
the NHLA executive director Mark Barford and the Hardwood
Federation president Brad Thompson. After presentations from
the nominating committee chairman Ted Rossi, the NHLA
membership unanimously elected two new officers and six new
board members. Scott Heidler, president of Heidler Hardwood
Lumber Co. of Chicago, Ill. was elected to serve as president
and Pem Jenkins, president of Turn Bull Lumber Co. of
Elizabethtown, N.C. will serve as vice president.
The six new board members include: Mark Cifranick of Baillie
Lumber Co.; Shane Cook of Midwest Walnut Co.; Charley Fiala
of GMC Hardwoods, Inc.; Scott Holley of Industrial Timber
& Lumber; Steve Jones of Ron Jones Hardwood Sales and T.J.
Rosengarth of Northwest Hardwoods.
After the business side of the meeting was finalized Keynote
Speaker, legendary coach and player Mike Ditka officially kickedoff
the 115th Annual Convention events. During his address
Ditka talked at length about attitude, enthusiasm and character
as essential elements of life. He concluded his remarks to a
standing ovation with a quote by Abraham Lincoln. “You cannot
build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and
independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for
them what they could and should do for themselves.”
12 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 13

Mr. Ditka’s motivational opening remarks were followed
on Friday, September 14 by President of Caterpillar Forest
Products Inc., John Carpenter who presented Caterpillar’s global
economic outlook focusing strongly on China. And on Saturday
morning, September 15, Kevin O’Connor the charismatic host
of This Old House, America’s most watched home improvement
television show, shared his observations on the green building
movement and the green building bust.
The Annual Convention was a great time to catch up with fellow
members, network with customers and learn from keynote
speakers and educational seminars. The educational seminars
topics covered were: Talent Recruitment & Retention Strategies;
Energy Management & Assessment; Design Trends-the Factors
that Move the Market; Wealth Planning for a Lasting Legacy;
NHLA Rules Panel and the International Buyer’s Panel on
China, Germany, Mexico and Singapore.
The 2013 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase
will be held October 2-4 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth,
Texas. Registration will begin mid-April. Please visit
www.nhlaconvention.com for updates in the months ahead.
14 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 15

16 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 17

2012 NHLA
CONVENTION
ITS ALUMNI RECEPTION –
TRADITION CONTINUES AT
NHLA CCONVENTION
The Inspector Training School Alumni Reception was well attended
with an estimated 75 plus people enjoying the comrade of their
fellow alumnus. During the reception, School Instructor, Rich
Hascher was recognized for his 20 years of service to NHLA and
the hardwood industry. The attendees were also updated on the
progress of the Inspector Training School Educational Foundation
(ITSEF) by Committee Chairman, Larry Evans. Several monetary
pledges were made to ITSEF during the reception to support
the foundation’s goal of enhancing the educational experience of
students attending the NHLA Inspector Training School.
The Height of Technology
THE PEAK OF
PERFORMANCE
800.522.5760 woodmizerblades.com
18 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM
BLA 24357 Hardwood Matters Nov.indd 1
10/11/12 2:35 PM

2012 NHLA
CONVENTION
RULES PANEL RECAP FROM CONVENTION
During the 2012 NHLA Annual Convention and Exhibit Showcase in Chicago,
the educational offerings included a Rules Panel moderated by Chief Inspector
Dana Spessert. The panel included all full-time National Inspectors and Inspector
Training School instructor Rich Hascher.
The seminar began with Chief Spessert
explaining the type of work being performed
by all inspectors. He went on to explain the
different types of inspections and how these
services can help gain security and confidence
in unstable markets. The discussion led to the
different types of education offered by the
NHLA inspectors; everything from lumber
inspection to edging/trimming and sawing
training. There was also discussion on how
a quality control type program can assist in
eliminating problems before they arise.
The seminar continued with an update on the
NHLA international program. It was reported
by the inspectors who have worked abroad,
including the Chief, that the majority of the
North American hardwoods exported are ongrade
and that customers are happy with the
quality. He went on to explain, that inspectors
normally only inspect the off-grade lumber as
the international understanding of the grades
becomes more prevalent.
Discussion then shifted to the 2013 Rules
Change year, and the process of how to submit
a Rules change proposal. Chief Inspector
Spessert explained that Rules change proposals
will be accepted until March 31, 2013, and
the importance of the Rules changes and how
the changes keep the Rules relevant for years
to come. After speaking on the various topics
Chief Inspector Spessert asked the audience for
questions. The attendees were engaging in the
final discussions about the various topics and
complimented the inspection staff upon the
conclusion of the seminar.
WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 19

2012 NHLA
CONVENTION
HARDWOOD FOREST FOUNDATION EVENTS AT NHLA ANNUAL
CONVENTION & EXHIBIT SHOWCASE A SUCCESS
Event Hosts Fundraisers for Children’s Educational Programs
The 2012 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase proved
to be another successful year for the Hardwood Forest Foundation’s
fundraising events.
With its Annual Golf Tournament- presented by Pennsylvania
Lumbermen’s Mutual Insurance Company, Silent Auction and the
NHLA Spouse Program’s 50/50 Drawing, the Foundation raised
more than $30,000.
Golfers kicked off Convention with a fantastic event!
Winners were as follows:
First Place
Brian Walsh
Karl Brown
Fred Coffrin
Todd Anderson
Second Place
Chuck Bice
Mark Vollinger
Scott Heidler
Wally Fields
Third Place
Richard Loveridge
Roy Reif
Terry Stockdale
Dana Spessert
Sponsors included:
Presenting Sponsor
Pennsylvania Lumbermen’s Mutual Insurance Company
Beverage Cart
U•C Coatings
Hole in One
Spellman Hardwoods, Inc.
Closest to the Pin
Brewco, Inc.
Patrick Lumber Company
Atlanta Hardwood Corp.
High Score
Charley Fiala
Dr. Steve Playe
Jim Howard
Rich Conti
Closest to the Pins
Mike Goldston
Longest Drive
Fred Coffrin
Golf Shirt Sponsor
Newman Lumber Co.
Gift Bag Sponsor
Taylor Lumber, Inc.
Longest Drive
Abenaki Timber Corporation
Tee Sponsors
Champlain Hardwoods
Spartan Forest Products
Sirianni Hardwoods, Inc.
W. M. Cramer Lumber Co., Inc.
Walter M. Fields Lumber Co.
Sweeney Hardwoods
Hardwood Market Report
Ralph Taylor Lumber Co.
Rives & Reynolds Lumber Co., Inc.
Kitchens Brothers Mfg.
Fred Netterville Lumber Company
Highland Hardwoods Sales Inc.
Anderson-Tully Worldwide
Northland Corporation
Classic American Hardwoods
Thomas & Proetz Lumber Co.
Kerex, ,Inc.
Lumbermen's Club of Memphis
Peladeau Lumber
USA Woods
In addition to the Golf Tournament, the Foundation raised nearly
$8,000 through its Silent Auction with 58 items donated from the
following companies and individuals:
Tommy MacDonald of Rough Cut:
Woodworking with Tommy Mac
The Collins Companies
Quality Hardwoods
Harold White Lumber
Piel Leather, Inc.
W.M. Cramer Lumber Co.
Highland Hardwoods, Inc.
Frick Lumber Co. Inc.
Champlain Hardwoods
Mayfield Lumber Co.
NHLA
Milt Cole of Cole Hardwood, Inc.
Haywood Smith and USA Woods
Sweeney Hardwoods
U•C Coatings
Pike Lumber Co.
C.B. Goodman & Sons
Downes & Reader Lumber Co., Inc.
Alicia's Dragonfly Designs
Atlanta Hardwoods Corp.
National Hardwood Magazine
Walter M. Fields Lumber Co.
East Perry Lumber
ECHO
Veritas
Whillock Wood Carvings
Steve Sievers and CK International
Quality Hardwoods
The ladies of NHLA’s Spouse program worked tirelessly with its
Annual 50/50 Drawing and children’s book drive.
With a total of total $21,275 collected through the 50/50,
Norman Roberts of Roberts Plywood in Deer Park, NY took home
$10,637.50 as the winner of the event! (Pictured on pg 17)
20 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

2012 NHLA
CONVENTION
Thuy Murray, wife of Norm Murray of U•C Coatings in Buffalo, NY
sold the winning ticket, as well as the most tickets.
In addition, the Spouse’s Program donated more than 30 children’s
books to Chicago’s Daystar Elementary School. The program,
headed by NHLA First Lady and school librarian Frances Redmond,
has given countless books to schools in NHLA Annual Convention
& Exhibit Showcase host cities.
Fifty children from Daystar School also visited the Convention
for a Truth About Trees Presentation. The event was sponsored
by Mitchell Forest Products.
Foundation Board members
Kim Vollinger of W.M. Cramer
Lumber Co. and Norm Murray
of U•C Coatings served as
presenters of the program.
The children then spent the afternoon visiting Heidler Hardwood
Co. in Chicago. The Heidler family and staff offered the children
hands-on education about the hardwood industry while at
their facility.
Founded in 1989, the Foundation, a 501c3 organization, has
been involved in a variety of educational programs and activities
throughout the United States and Canada. Since its creation,
NHLA has supported its efforts and hosted its office in the NHLA
headquarters, located in Memphis.
WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 21

CALENDAR
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS NHLA
EDUCATION & TRAINING
115th Annual IHLA Convention
& Exposition
Indianapolis, IN | February 5–7, 2013
Attending: Mark Barford, CAE,
Executive Director
John Hester, Marketing Director
Canadian Hardwood Bureau Meeting
February 12-14, 2013 | Montreal, QC
Participating: Mark Barford, CAE,
Executive Director
Hardwood Federation/HFPAC
Board Meeting
Washington, DC | February 13–14, 2013
Participating: Renee Hornsby, Director of
Communications
AHMI 2013 Annual Meeting
Orlando, FL | February 28 – March 3, 2013
Attending: Mark Barford, CAE,
Executive Director
HMA 2013 National Conference & Expo
Charleston, SC | March 11–13, 2013
Attending: Mark Barford, CAE,
Executive Director
Interzum Guangzhou
Guangzhou, China | March 22–30, 2013
Participating: Mark Barford, CAE,
Executive Director
KFIA 2013 Annual Meeting
Lexington, KY | April 3–5, 2013
Attending: John Hester, Marketing Director
NHLA Board Meeting
Palm Beach, FL | April 17–19, 2013
2013 NHLA Annual Convention
& Exhibit Showcase
Fort Worth, Texas | October 2–4, 2013
www.nhlaconvention.com
Inspector Training School – 169th
Class Graduation
Memphis, TN | December 14
NHLA Headquarters
Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569
b.miller@nhla.com
5-Day Lumber Grading Short Course
Clarendon, PA | January 21–25, 2013
Bingaman & Sons Lumber Co. Inc.
Instructor: Barry Kibbey, National Inspector
Contact: Jason Lyon | 814-723-2612 ext 301
To Register for the Course:
Visit nhla.com/calendar to register online
Inspector Training School – 170th Class
Memphis, TN
January 7 – April 12, 2013
NHLA Headquarters
Instructor: Rich Hascher,
NHLA Instructor
Contact: Becky Miller | 901-399-7569
b.miller@nhla.com
To Register for the Course:
Visit nhla.com/calendar to register online
View a complete list of events and programs
at nhla.com
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club
Hickory, NC | January 8, 2013
Domotex 2013
Hannover, Germany | January 12–15, 2013
Delhiwood
New Delhi, India | January 31 – February 3, 2013
Ecobuild 2013
London, UK | March 5–7, 2013
Malaysian International Furniture Fair
(MIFF)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | March 5–9, 2013
6th Vietnam International Furniture
& Home Accessories Fair
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | March 11–14, 2013
Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club
Greensboro, NC | March 12, 2013
Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR
Shanghai, China | March 26–28, 2013
NWFA Wood Flooring Expo
Dallas, Texas | April 2–5, 2013
IWPA World of Wood Convention
Vancouver, BC | April 17–19, 2013
22 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

JOB BOARD
Experienced Veneer Log Buyer
Yasam Wood Veneer Company is seeking a veneer log buyer for walnut
log procurement. Qualified candidates must have 15 or more years of
experience purchasing walnut veneer logs for a veneer producer. The
candidate must also possess solid connections with walnut suppliers in
Indiana and Ohio and also live around the same areas. The position
offers a very attractive salary plus bonus. To apply please send resume
to Michael Huang at mmhmail@yahoo.com.
Yasam Wood Veneer Company
4 Eagle Talon Cove
Little Rock, AR 72211
Lumber Inspector
Rutland Lumber, a stable company located in south Mississippi just two
hours from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast is seeking a Lumber Inspector
to inspect kiln-dried lumber. A NHLA Inspector Training School graduate
or equivalent is preferred. Insurance, profit sharing and year-end bonus
is included. Salary is dependent upon experience. Qualified candidates
should contact Tom at tduncan@rutlandlumber.com or call 601-765-8892.
Rutland Lumber
PO Box 2349 | Collins, MS
601-765-8892 | 601-765-4352 (fax)
Lumber Inspector
Hull Forest Products is seeking experienced lumber inspectors to grade
hardwood lumber; who can grow into positions of greater responsibility in
production and sales. Salary is competitive. To apply, please fax or email
your resume.
Hull Forest Products
101 Hampton Road | Pomfret Center, CT 06259
800-353-3331 | www.hullforest.com
Lumber Inspector
Brenneman Lumber Company is looking for a Lumber Inspector to grade
green and kiln dried hardwoods. NHLA Inspection School graduate is
preferred but not mandatory. Non NHLA graduates must have sufficient
education and experience. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Mt.
Vernon, Ohio. Benefits include 401k, paid vacations, and health, dental and
life insurance. Salary is dependent upon on experience. Send resume to
Charlie Brenneman at charlie@brennemanlumber.com
Brenneman Lumber Co.
51 Parrott St. | P.O. Box 951
Mt. Vernon, OH 43050
740-397-0573 | 740-392-9498 (fax)
www.brennemanlumber.com
Bandsaw Filer
Walters Brothers Lumber Mfg., Inc., a family owned business since 1936
has an opening for a Bandsaw Filer. Duties include bench and sharpen
wide bandsaw blades, sharpen chipper and planer knives and light mill
maintenance. The ideal candidate will have several years of experience.
Salary is negotiable and health insurance, vacation, holiday pay and
pension are included. To apply contact Tom at: 715-945-2217.
Walters Brothers Lumber Mfg., Inc.
PO Box 158 | Radisson, WI 54867
715-945-2217 | 715-945-2878 (fax)
Current job openings are posted by NHLA member companies at
www.nhla.com free of charge. All positions are posted for 30 days and
openings can be renewed if necessary. Questions regarding job postings
should be directed to Renee Hornsby at r.hornsby@nhla.com.
Lumber Inspector
Porosky Lumber Co., Inc. is looking for a highly motivated and experienced
lumber inspector. NHLA graduate is required. Competitive wage, health
insurance, 401K, paid vacation and holidays. To apply send resume via
email to: scott@poroskylumber.com
Porosky Lumber Co., Inc.
1903 Crosstown Hwy | Preston Park, PA 18455
570-798-2326 | www.poroskylumber.com
Employers, Meet Job Seekers
At THE NHLA.COM Job Board
Employers, are you looking to fill a position with qualified, NHLA trained professionals
Checkout the NHLA Resume Listings online at nhla.com/resumelist. NHLA ITS alumni
post their resume, job preferences and contact information. Perhaps the perfect
employee is just waiting for your call!
WWW.NHLA.COM DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS 23

FOUNDATION
FOCUS
HARDWOOD FOREST FOUNDATION’S TRUTH ABOUT TREES
PROGRAM REVISED, REVAMPED AND READY
By Crystal Oldham, Executive Director Hardwood Forest Foundation
The Hardwood Forest Foundation recently partnered with
Lumberman’s Club of Memphis for the rollout of its revised
and revamped Truth About Trees program with a series of tree
plantings and presentations at elementary schools throughout
Shelby County, Tenn.
“Created in 2006, Truth About Trees serves as the Foundation’s
flagship program and although its message has always been clear and
is long from being outdated, the kit itself needed a facelift,” said
Crystal Oldham, Foundation Director.
Designed to teach children about the importance of harvesting trees
and the usage of tree products in our everyday lives, the kit is still
a box complete with educational materials targeting children in
third through fifth grade, but it is packaged to engage children
and educators.
“The Foundation’s Board of Directors worked tirelessly to rebrand
the kit with leaf characters and colorful artwork…it is designed to
draw children in and make them want more.” Oldham added.
Another notable change is the program’s new lesson plan format.
“One thing us lumbermen sometimes struggle with is reaching
outside of our industry…it’s as if we talk to the rest of the world
the way we talk among ourselves. So, we ditched the script format
and worked with a Tennessee early childhood educator to put the
program in teacher language through a lesson plan,” Oldham said.
“We also added a video featuring the Foundation’s newly acquired
Oakie Acorn and a couple of games that are engaging, force students
to get up out of their seats and involve critical thinking.”
Truth About Trees is available, free of charge, to educators and
industry members seeking to spread its message. To learn more
about the program or to obtain a kit, email Crystal Oldham at
c.oldham@hardwoodforest.org.
24 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM

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