National Hardwood Magazine - Christmas Buyers Guide 2014

2015 FORECASTS 2015

2015 FORECASTS 2015 FORECASTS 2015 FORECASTS 2015 FOR Continued JOHN BEARD BEARD HARDWOODS, INC. GREENSBORO, NC There was a book published in 1943 called The Fascinating Lumber Business by Stanley F. Horn. It’s an interesting read for people who appreciate the history of our industry. I think in 2014 we could write a book by the same title and chronicle the lumber business for the past five years. We’ve seen dramatic changes to our industry over that time that makes our lives interesting and fascinating every day. The “Great Recession” might have been the best thing that has happened to our industry in the past 50 years. We’ve all had to become smarter operators and have figured out how we can compete on a global level, not just a regional or national level. Going forward I see our products continuing to be important to the global market place. For the most part, we’ve proven as an industry that we are reliable in shipping consistent quality. We all should be proud of where we’ve come from and where we are going. Here at Beard Hardwoods we feel good about 2015. We’ve just completed our fiscal first quarter. We were very pleased both from a sales perspective and production perspective. We accomplished that feat during a rather rocky summer as there were some price corrections. As we approach fall we see inventories and demand close, and look forward to a good year. We continue to work with the best mills that this area has to offer. The mills that supply our premium Poplar continue to produce the best grade and color possible for that species. We are proud to call them our friends and partners. 42 CHRISTMAS 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

ECASTS 2015 FORECASTS 2015 FORECASTS 2015 FORECASTS One of our goals over the past several years has been from a business perspective to control what we can control. I think we continue to accomplish this goal very well. I hate to get negative here…but, one thing we can’t control is what is going on in state and national politics. For example, Obamacare will continue to play out as a nightmare for small businesses. Our company has prided itself over offering the best health benefits for all of our employees at no or very little cost to them. This year we are able to hold the line on those benefits, however next year if we offer the same benefits our rates are projected to increase at least 50-70%. This would negatively impact us at least 0,000! If this holds true we will have no choice but to do away with offering health insurance and our employees will have to seek out health insurance through the national system. The predictions of a nationalized health care system are now coming true and it’s going to be at the expense of small business. There’s a long list of “what we can’t control” but, I guess I’ll spare you that until next year… On a positive note, we look forward to continued good business in 2015 and wish all of our suppliers, customers and friends a very blessed Christmas and New Year! PHILIP BIBEAU WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION WESTMINSTER, MA Our goal for 2015 will continue to focus on providing networking opportunities and added exposure for members to expand Continued on next page Season’s Greetings from Holmes & Co., Inc. Walnut Hard Maple White Oak Red Oak Soft Maple Ash Butternut Basswood Cherry Mista Feist and Ray Thompson standing behind 16/4 F & Better White Oak Lumber. Daniel Almendinger standing with exceptional White Oak logs at Holmes & Co. We specialize in heavy stock 4/4 through 16/4 Band Mill Automatic Stacker Dry Kilns Surfacer Predryer Annual Production 9,000,000 ft. Avg. AD Inventory 2,000,000 ft. Avg. KD Inventory 3,000,000 ft. Phone: 800-222-5376 ext. 240 FAX: (260) 244-5694 P.O. Box 370 • Columbia City, Indiana 46725 E-mail: holmescomfeist@earthlink.net Sales: Mista Feist and Ray Thompson CHRISTMAS 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 43