NHLA News
NHLA News 2011 - The Year Ahead Will Be Full Of Surprises Many folks have made their predictions for the New Year, and some are downright optimistic. It is easy to see the glass as half empty rather than half full; but half full reminds us that there is hope and optimism for an improving Hardwood lumber industry this year. Here are a few of my observations. There should be a continued improvement in the economy this year. 2010 started strong and finished weak. 2011 may begin weak but should finish stronger, at least as far as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Some things will remain weak, such as housing prices and new home construction. The stock market seems to be ambivalent to any bad news and should see a continued comeback. Banks should strengthen; though we will probably still see several more close their doors. In Washington, D.C., we may not see the legislative blockbusters that have highlighted the past two years, but expect to see regulatory fireworks. Expect compliance to become more difficult… and expensive, as the new administration has many people in place that are veterans of past environmental and regulatory campaigns. One of the biggest disappointments so far has been the treatment of wood waste, as an energy source. Many assumed with the wood industry’s great track record of using waste for energy, we would lead the way for breaking the dependence on oil. Unfortunately, the current minds in D.C. see this as an environmental negative. You will hear a lot more about this issue through the Hardwood Federation. by MARK BARFORD, CAE Executive Director National Hardwood Lumber Assoc. Memphis, Tenn. 2011 will also be the year that the Hardwood industry begins to fight back. For example, a group of industry leaders has launched the United Hardwood Promotion campaign, with other industry groups looking at ways to fund a positive message about wood for years to come. This brings me to my last point; more co-operation and participation in 2011. One of the best ways to get involved is to attend the meetings of the industry. Not only do you get to meet the people you have been doing business with, but you have the opportunity to learn how to adapt your business in order to remain successful. NHLA firmly believes in the power of face-to-face business and invites the entire industry to attend the 2011 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase set for September 21-25 in Nashville, Tenn. Of course before September, there are other important Hardwood meetings that the NHLA staff will be attending and we hope to see you there. • 12 Hardwoods...The All-Purpose Material
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