Twelve Students Graduate
Twelve Students Graduate From The 197th Class of NHLA Inspector Training School (Front row, from left): Jacob Whyatt, Oscar Ortigosa, Roman Matyushchenko (Instructor), Colby Hinze, and Devin McInerney. (Back row, from left): James Souder, Mario Castillo, Garrett Austin, James Schroeter, Will Rushing, Nathaniel Flynn, Corey Workman, and John Olabode. Memphis, TN–The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) recently celebrated the graduation of the 197th class of the Inspector Training School (ITS), located here. Twelve students received the certificate of completion. Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector and ITS Dean of Education, welcomed and thanked the families, friends, and employers who supported the students during their time away from home. Instructor Roman Matyushchenko congratulated the students, advising them to, “Give more than what is ex- Graduates of the 197th class were: •Garrett Austin, Austin Timber Co. •Mario Castillo, Somerset Wood Products •Nathaniel Flynn, Pine Knot Lumber Inc. •Colby Hinze, Cole Hardwood Inc. •Devin McInerney, Billsby Lumber Co. •John Olabode, J. Gibson McIlvain Co. •Oscar Ortigosa, Soriel SL •Will Rushing, J.M. Jones Lumber Co. •James Schroeter, Bryant & Young Lumber •James Souder, Bryant & Young Lumber •Jacob Whyatt, Bryant & Young Lumber •Corey Workman, Somerset Wood Products pected from you, and be more than what you’re expected to be.” Bobby Atkinson with Somerset Wood Products, a graduate of Class #119 in 1995, gave the keynote address. He commended the graduates and spoke about the joy of working in an industry that is sustainable, saying, “We are fortunate to work in a business centered around one of the few completely renewable resources in the world. As we carefully remove Hardwood trees from the forest, we make way for sunlight to reach the younger trees, so they can grow tall.” Jacob Whyatt with Bryant & Young Lumber was elected class president. He spoke to his fellow students during the ceremony reminding them, “As we return home, let us remember to be an example of what a leader looks like. We are the future of this industry, and the generation behind us will look to us to learn how to make a difference and succeed. So, let’s take on the responsibility of being a leader with honor, with integrity, and with compassion.” Roman Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards. Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows: •Jacob Whyatt, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average •John Olabode, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average •Jacob Whyatt, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average •James Souder, The Milt Cole and NHLA Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship REHMEYER WOOD FLOORS Continued from page 23 Surface texturing at Rehmeyer Wood Floors is accomplished by a Trivec Sawmark and Brushing machine. change geographically and with the feel of the home. We listen to the end user and learn what they want to try to achieve and give them that floor for the space we are working on.” Providing this customized approach requires a streamlined operation, and Rehmeyer Wood Floors is constantly fine-tuning its production. With a staff of eight spread over a 30,000 square-foot facility, workers employ a range of optimizing rip saws, Weinig moulders and optimizing chop saws, Timesavers sanders, Trivec sanding, structuring equipment and roll coaters. According to Rehmeyer, embracing automation does not mean sacrificing quality or customizability. Quite the contrary, in fact. “The one thing about being a custom manufacturer is to keep pricing down and create a good working environment for the employees,” he explained. “These machines are here to help us craft the wood and create the product we desire; they are a tool, but we still need craftmanship and a streamlined manufacturing process.” As a result, the layout at Rehmeyer Wood Floors is designed around the concept of efficiency. The facility features a series of conveyers, linking a number of C-shaped work shells. Please turn the page Quality. Consistency. The best that money can buy. We specialize and manufacture Northern Appalachian kiln dried hardwoods such as Walnut, Red Oak, White Oak, Cherry, Ash, Hard and Soft Maple. Call us today! Enrollment is now open for the 199th class, at the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center in Clearfield, PA. Class 199 begins on June 6, 2022. Enrollment is also open for class 200 at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, TN, beginning on September 26, 2022. To enroll or learn more about the Program, please visit www.nhla.com. The NHLA Inspector Training School has a proud and rich 70-year history, graduating more than 7,500 students since its conception. The Program teaches the rules and applications of the NHLA grading system and prepares students for a career in the Hardwood industry. This unique Program has earned worldwide respect, attracting students from throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. The world’s largest and oldest Hardwood industry association, NHLA represents companies and individuals that produce, use, and sell North American Hardwood lumber or provide equipment, supplies, or services to the Hardwood industry. It was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of Hardwood lumber. Since 1979, its headquarters have been in Memphis. n To learn more about NHLA, please visit www.nhla.com. 570-836-1133 | Fax: 570-836-8982 3042 SR 6E Tunkhannock, PA 18657 www.deerparklumberinc.com 44 MAY 2022 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE MAY 2022 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 45
