The Link The Newsletter of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association January 2014 Last chance for NatCon Registration Discount f you have yet to take advantage of the What other National Conference details I ‘early bird’ Registration are available at www.HMAmembers.org? discount, the question Glad you asked. is, “what are you Room reservations for the waiting for?” Hyatt Regency Savannah can HMA members be made online. Plus, check out who register which industry suppliers will be by January 10 participating in the Expo. can attend the 2014 And of course, the Program National Conference and Schedule - Expo in Savannah, March 12-14, at the dates, times discounted rate of $395. So why delay? and session Take advantage of this $50 members only topics – is also savings, today. at your fingertips, Online registration is easy. Simply log not to mention the onto www.HMAmembers.org and follow ever growing list of the Early Bird Registration prompts. Or, generous National Conference if you have questions, do not hesitate to and Expo Sponsors! call the HMA office, 412.244.0440, for our The clock is ticking. Register to attend, assistance. today! Exhibitors in Savannah-what a group! o date, these companies will be exhibiting at the HMA National T Conference & Expo, March 12-14: 1 ISK Biocides, Inc. 17 Pierce Construction & 2 BBandT Insurance Services Maintenance 3 Industrial Vision Systems, Inc. 18 Pennsylvania-Indiana 4 Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd. Lumbermens Mutual 5 Brunner-Hildebrand 19 Progressive Industries 6 Brewco, Inc. 20 C.S. Industries, LLC 7 Lonza Wood Protection 21 Baxley Equipment 8 SII Dry Kilns Company 9 U*C Coatings Corporation 22 McDonough 10 USNR Manufacturing Co. 11 USNR 23 Automation & 12 Cleereman Industries, Inc. Electronics USA, LLC 13 Equipements PHL 24 TS Manufacturing 14 Wood-Mizer, LLC 25 Taylor Machine 15 Buckman Works 16 Kop-Coat 2 MEMBER SERVICES Even more National Conference sponsors! A message from HMA’s hy all of the excitement about being a National Conference Sponsor? Consider asking W one of these generous HMA member companies. President At the Gold Sponsor level is Buchanan Lumber Birmingham, will always believe that a “forward think- Aliceville, Alabama! This show of support tells us that past Iing” mindset is the mechanism for get- HMA President, Bill Buchanan, continues to find value in HMA’s ting and staying ahead. And those who programs and the extraordinary networking opportunities know me well will confirm that “forward available through the association. and fast” has always been my style. (There (www.buchananhardwoods.com) has been the occasional “crash and burn,” ...... but most of the time, it has proved me At the Gold Sponsor level is Bill Hanks Lumber Company, Inc., well.) Danbury, North Carolina! To past president, Jeff Hanks, and all It’s no surprise then that during my of the fine folks at Bill Hanks Lumber, thank you for this show two years as HMA President, “forward of confidence and support. thinking” has been my mantra. Yet now ...... as my term winds to its close, I find myself At the Silver Sponsor level is “repeat” sponsor Frank Miller “thinking back” and reflecting on what Lumber Company, Inc., Union City, Indiana! Your sponsor- has transpired during my tenure. I ask that ship helps reduce conference overhead and also enables us you “reflect” with me on what I feel were to expand our American Hardwood Education/Promotion accomplishments for this, our “forward efforts. Thank you for stepping up to the plate, again. thinking” association. (www.frankmiller.com) ...... An overall successful shift in the direc- And at the Bronze Sponsor level of support is “repeat” spon- tion of the HMA, its relationship with sor T & S Hardwoods, Inc., Milledgeville, Georgia! Thank you its membership and its position in the Larry and Trisha! We’re heading to your home state. Hoping to industry see you, and Nathan, in Savannah. (www.tshardwoods.com) The successful restructuring of HMA dues to proportionately align with pro- If you would like to participate, simply call the HMA office, 412.244.0440, to lock in your pre- duction rates of our membership ferred level. A clear focus on the future with the establishment of the Millennial Coun- Supporting the industry that we love cil - our next generation of hardwood e’d like to thank and recognize all who have contributed to HMA’s Education/Promo- manufacturing leaders. Their role is to W tion campaign. Your support has aided us in our ongoing efforts to elevate American offer ‘next generation’ concerns and hardwoods as the building and remodeling material of choice. And as we begin this New insights to the HMA Board, while we Year, we look to all industry stakeholders to assist in the effort. Let’s make 2014 an extraordi- provide a learning/mentoring platform nary year by working together to promote the product and industry that we love. to develop them as the future leaders For the period December 15, 2012 through December 15, 2013, thank you to these gen- of our industry. Many thanks to Terry erous contributors: Brennan who serves as Council Coor- HMA Member Contributors Non Member Contributors dinator to these bright and energetic Anderson-Tully Co. Champlain Hardwoods young people. BWP Hardwoods, Inc. Corley Mfg. Enhanced Member Services – Equip- Baillie Lumber Co. Cotton-Hanlon, Inc. ment Information Center, Discussion Beal Lumber Co. Good’s Millwork, LLC Forum, Industry Calendar, and other Bill Hanks Lumber Co. Hardwood Market Report online assists – via the redesigned Brenneman Lumber Co. National Hardwood Magazine and now interactive member website, Cersosimo Lumber Co. Pennsylvania-Indiana Lumbermens Mutual www.HMAmembers.org East Perry Lumber Co. Insurance Company Ongoing promotion of solid American Frank Miller Lumber Co. Reel Lumber Hardwood products via the American J.T. Shannon Lumber Co. SII Dry Kilns Hardwood Information Center as well Jerry G. Williams & Sons, Inc. Swaner Hardwood Co. as HMA’s evolving social media activ- RAM Forest Products W.M. Cramer Lumber Co. ity on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest T & S Hardwoods Woodus K. Humphrey & Co. Continued on Page 4 Turn Bull Lumber 3 SAFETY FIRST

An online resource for OSHA’s Forklift training? Daily Checklist hat sawmill doesn’t utilize a variety of ment that the trainee will actually be using, s part of the Occupational Safety Wpowered industrial trucks? They’re part in addition to being compliant with OSHA Aand Health Administration’s (OSHA) and parcel to daily operations and a common- forklift certification requirements. “ongoing effort to assist employers and Evaluation of the trainee’s knowledge place site at every facility. But there’s nothing employees in ensuring that a safe and of and performance in two specific commonplace or ‘run-of-the-mill’ when forklift healthful workplace is provided,” sample safety is at issue. categories. m daily checklists for powered industrial Most everyone knows the general The specific equipment: The differ- ences between the powered trucks have been made available at rules of thumb when it comes to industrial vehicle and a car, www.osha.gov. forklift operation and safety: the capacity and stability of And while each type is unique and Before using a forklift, exam- the forklift, how to refuel requires operator training, specific to the ine it for hazardous conditions and/or charge the batter- manufacturer’s instructions regarding which would make it unsafe ies, operating the engine vehicle inspection, operation and main- to operate. or motor, maneuvering tenance, OSHA’s ‘generic’ forklift checklist, Wear a seatbelt and the vehicle around intended to serve as a guide only and drive safely; never the workplace, vehicle by no means totally inclusive, is a handy exceeding 5 mph; inspection and main- resource to have at your fingertips. slowdown and use caution in tenance, location and congested areas. operation of controls, Are there broken welds, missing bolts, Operators must be at least 18 limitations of the vehicle, etc. cracked, bent, worn or damaged years of age. m The workplace environment: The areas in the Overheard Guard or Covers and/or guardrails must be pro- characteristics of the surface/floor that the Mast Assembly? vided to protect operators and all workers vehicle will be used on, the composition Is there leakage or damage to the from open pits, tanks, vats, ditches and and stability of the types of loads that will lift, tilt, and attachment functions of other workplace hazards. be transported, stacking and unstacking of the Hydraulic Cylinders? Or is there And you also know that the Occupational loads, the nature of the expected pedes- damage, kinks, rust or squeaking to Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trian traffic, the layout and widths of aisles, the Lift Chains and Rollers? mandates that employers provide OSHA hazardous environmental conditions, etc. Are the Tires showing wear - large compliant training to employees, temporary Refresher training conducted whenever cuts around their circumference, miss- or permanent, assigned to operating a forklift. an operator has been observed operat- ing pieces of rubber or missing lugs? But did you know there is an online resource, ing the vehicle in an unsafe manner or Is there excessive free play in the ForkliftCertification.com, that can assist with has been involved in an accident. Plus, Steering? Or if the Brake pedal goes each operator’s performance should be all the way to the floor when brake OSHA compliance efforts regarding forklift re-evaluated, even if incident free, at least service is applied – forward or reverse certification and training? once every three years. – that’s indicator #1 that the brakes OSHA forklift training requires: Bottom Line: It’s the employers’ respon- are bad! Formal instruction – lecture, written Is the Propane Tank guard bracket material, interactive computer learning, dis- sibility to comply with OSHA’s workplace and properly positioned and locked cussion – conducted by a certified trainer. wellness standards. (www.osha.gov/SLTC/ down? Is the hose frayed, kinked, Practical training consisting of demos by poweredindustrialtrucks/) And modern tech- pinched or damaged? Should any the instructor and exercises practiced by nology can assist in that effort. To learn more gas odor be detected, turn off the the trainee. Training needs to be specific about online OSHA compliant forklift training, tank valve and alert the appropriate to the workplace and to the type of equip- visit www.ForkliftCertification.com. manager. JUST FOR LAUGHS Use caution when checking Engine fluid levels – oil, coolant, transmission fluid – using a glove or cloth for hand protection, standing to the side with your face turned away, and always when the engine is cool. Are gauges, lights, horn, windshield wipers, seat belts, tow hook, control lever, etc. working?

Download your checklist, today, and work safe! 4 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Hardwood Federation Update A message from HMA’s Happy New Year from the Hardwood Federation!! President by Dana Lee Cole unclear. At the top of the list is the Farm Bill. Continued from Page 2 Enhanced industry presence, promo- Hardwood Federation Executive Director Negotiations for a five-year bill will stretch tion and support - across the U.S., on into 2014. The good news is that many of the Capitol Hill, overseas – through the 014 promises to be a busy year and the programs important to the industry - Market efforts of HMA officers and industry Hardwood Federation (HF) is up to the Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Devel- 2 association affiliates challenge, eager to dive in and ready to make opment Program (FMD), the fix to the U.S. These significant strides forward progress for the hardwood industry in the Department of Agriculture’s bio-preferred are due, in large part, to the experience halls of Capitol Hill. But first, some comments labeling and procurement program so that and hard work of HMA’s Executive Vice regarding 2013. it doesn’t arbitrarily disqualify traditional U.S. President, Linda Jovanovich. She unites us, While it often felt like we were playing wood products - appear to be included in serves us, directs us, inspires us, educates more defense than offense, the bill that will be taken us, and appreciates us. But above all, she a high note of the year up this month. On a less cares deeply for us and our industry. She’s was the Department of positive note, the provi- an exceptional leader and a friend that I Defense’s (DOD) new guid- sion that would codify will cherish for life. ance for their green build- forest roads as non-point And she leads a second-to-none ing policy. The new policy sources of pollution team. With Darleen as her “right arm” and accepts multiple green building certification faced some opposition as Congress left for Courtney adding to the staff, the level programs, allowing for greater inclusion of the year end break. of professionalism, talent and service is wood and wood products in DOD building Ultimately, we’d like to see a five-year extraordinary. I’ve never worked with a projects. This has been a long time initiative Farm Bill signed by the President. We’re team that equals them. And should you of the HF and our many industry association joined in that hope by many key members of have the opportunity to work closely with partners, and was indeed a bright note to Congress, on both sides of the aisle, as well as these “super women,” you too will be very end the year. members of the Administration. During the fortunate. This is your HMA and they make But 2013 also ended with a number of recess, we were in constant contact with our it something for which we should all be issues unresolved and the path forward allies in both the House and Senate, pushing very proud. for agreement. Time will tell. We’ll stay on top MOVING FORWARD HMA LINK is published each month exclu- of this issue and hope to report good news sively for members of the Hardwood Manu- Because HMA has always cultivated early in 2014. facturers Association. Views expressed are a professional and proactive atmosphere Other 2013 efforts included: not necessarily those of the HMA; HMA Link in which members were encouraged welcomes comments and questions. Supporting implementation of the Lacey to offer ideas, openly discuss options, Act and opposing Congressional efforts Hardwood Manufacturers agree and respectfully disagree, the asso- to weaken its illegal logging provisions Association ciation has weathered many storms. But Efforts to ensure that bio-mass emissions through them all, it was clear that we – the 665 Rodi Road, Suite 305 are treated fairly Pittsburgh, PA 15235 association - were in this boat together. Supporting language in the proposed Phone: (412) 244-0440 And in order to sustain the association, comprehensive energy bill that allows Fax: (412) 244-9090 we charted a course, set our compass, Websites: www.HardwoodInfo.com the Government more flexibility regard- trimmed our sails and proceeded toward www.HMAmembers.org ing green building systems to rate new our goal(s), with “forward thinking” and fast Darleen Licina-Tubbs federal construction projects actions. Editor Efforts to improve management of fed- As we head to our National Confer- [email protected] eral lands ence and Expo in Savannah, I look forward All issues that will require careful atten- Follow us @AmericanHardwds to seeing you all as we welcome the next on Twitter tion in 2014! HMA captain at the helm, Skipper Beal. I wish you a happy and successful 2014 - Forgive the nautical analogy. I couldn’t Like us on and look forward to working with the HMA Facebook @ resist. - And whatever storms may lie and its members to effectively represent American Hardwood ahead, I encourage all members to assist Information Center the industry. For more about the HF and our the HMA in charting its course. Thank you Follow us efforts on behalf of the industry, visit us at AmericanHardwds all for your hard work and support. on Pinterest www.hardwoodfederation.com. ….. Jack Shannon, Jr.