NELA Gathers For North
NELA Gathers For North Conway, N.H.– The Red Jacket Resort, located here, was the venue for the recent summer meeting of the New England Lumbermen’s Association (NELA). The day began with coffee and registration, which allowed attendees the opportunity to network before the busy schedule of the day. Seventy members took advantage of a beautiful summer day in the White Mountains to discuss the current conditions of the lumber markets. The next agenda item was the popular “business discussion” moderated by President Andy Godzinski of Rex Lumber Company. Members expressed their concern for the business activity going forward into the summer months. Many members spoke of lumber inventory needs, but were unwilling to purchase lumber with the uncertainty of business this summer. Last year’s experience still was fresh on their minds and many didn’t want to make the same mistakes. Many sawmill owners expressed frustration with the spring weather conditions, which wouldn’t allow them to fill their log decks. One owner expressed his low log inventory as a blessing due to current pricing levels. After the discussion, the group enjoyed lunch and an afternoon filled with activities. Many members took advantage of the summer day and played golf at the nearby North Conway Country Club. Those not playing golf visited and toured the Madison Lumber Company sawmill located a few minutes south of North Conway in Madison, N.H. Established in 2003, Madison is a manufacturer of high quality Eastern White Pine. The evening found the members enjoying dinner at the hotel as well as each other’s company. After dinner many retired to the lounge to watch the Stanley Cup Finals Series where on that night the Boston Bruins were victorious, which left a good feeling in the members’ hearts. The next NELA meeting is in October. Questions regarding this meeting or issues pertaining to the NELA can be directed to Chris Castano, Sec./Treas. at 802-878-5000. • Denis Dube, J.D. Irving Ltd., Clair, N.B.; Katie Warner, New England Forest Products Inc., Greenfield, N.H.; and Dave Hubbard, GMC Hardwoods Inc., Dover, Mass. Ernie Way, J&J Log and Lumber Corp., Dover Plains, N.Y.; Sam Glidden, GMC Hardwoods Inc., Dover, Mass.; Tom Walthousen, National Hardwood Lumber Assoc., Memphis, Tenn.; and Scott Ferland, Cersosimo Lumber Co. Inc., Brattleboro, Vt. 26 Hardwoods...A Renewable Resource
Summer Meeting PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NELA Andy Godzinski, Rex Lumber Co., Acton, Mass.; and Karla Allen-Garland, Garland Lumber Co, N. Conway, N.H. Ed White, Wagner Hardwoods, Cayuta, N.Y.; Alan Manchester, Manchester Lumber Co., Johnson, Vt.; Bob Elwell, Woodcraft Industries, Greenville, Pa.; and Chris Strang, Downes & Reader Hardwood Co. Inc., Stoughton, Mass. Bob Cafiero, J&J Log and Lumber Corp., Dover Plains, N.Y.; and Shawn Collins, Tioga Hardwoods Inc., Berkshire, N.Y. Loren Voyer, Champlain Hardwoods Inc., Essex Junction, Vt.; Peter Miles, Northland Forest Products, Kingston, N.H.; Alain Ratte, Cambium Hardwoods, Ville Ste. Georges, Que.; and Andre Dumontier, Ben Hokum & Son Ltd., Montreal, Que. Vern Martin, Sebasticook Lumber, St. Albans, Maine; Shawn Collins, Tioga Hardwoods Inc., Berkshire, N.Y.; and Jean Desilets, C.A. Spencer Inc., Laval, Que. Mark Alden, Northland Forest Products, Kingston, N.H.; Brin Langmuir, Falcon Lumber Ltd., Toronto, Ont.; and Dave Hubbard, GMC Hardwoods Inc., Dover, Mass. Additional photos on next page AUGUST/2011 27
