Volume 16, Number 13  | June 26, 2017
MLA Lumber Industry News Express
Here's the new issue of the Mid-America Lumbermens Association online newsletter. We'll send a new issue every two weeks to let you know what's happening in the industry, at your MLA, and in the world that affects your business. We welcome your opinions and ideas. If you have information you'd like to share with other members, we'd be happy to include it in our next issue. We welcome both personal and industry-related news - members would love to hear your news and views - so don't hesitate to email us with information.
Second Wave of Softwood Lumber Duties Sets up “Dangerous” Talks for Canada
The other shoe is set to drop for softwood lumber producers Friday as the U.S. Commerce Department is expected to reveal preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian imports.

Combine this with the retroactive countervailing duties announced in April, and the already-high stakes for trade negotiations between Canada and the United States may rise again. Read more.

Source: CBC News, June 22, 2017

Described as “Unfair,” Warranty Bill Passes Anyway

Over the objections of Northeastern lumber dealers and manufacturers, Connecticut’s Product Warranty Bill was approved by the state legislature. It is expected to go to the governor’s office for approval in July.

The bill, S.B. 821, would require all roofing, window, and siding manufacturers to cover all labor and replacement costs in their product warranties. The bill also requires manufacturers to settle claims and make payments within 30 days of receipt of a warranty claim. Read more.

Source: HBS Dealer, June 8, 2017

Time to Consider the MLA MEP
MLA has offered a “group” MLA 401(k) plan for members for more than two years. It is saving participating dealers on their fees and offering a great benefit to reward their loyal employees. If you haven’t taken a serious look at this program, now would be a good time. Find out why smart dealers are making the move to the MLA program. Call the MLA Hotline at 800-747-6529, or click here to learn more.
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Member News

Gary Jacobs Obituary… Gary John Jacobs, age 62, of Augusta, Kansas, surrounded by his family, passed on June 14, 2017, in Wichita, Kansas. Mid-Am Building Supply enlisted his talent as their Southwest Regional Salesman in 1989. For 28 years, Gary served the Mid-Am company with integrity and pride. In 2003, Gary moved his family to the Wichita area to serve as the General Manager of the Wichita Branch. Read more.

Lumber News

Whacked with a 4x4Menards and Home Depot stand accused of deceiving the lumber-buying public, specifically, buyers of 4x4 boards, the big brother to the ubiquitous 2x4. Read more.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 21, 2017

A New Behind the Scenes Credit Service… Most dealers are tired of being the bank. They love how we fund their transactions upfront while taking the risk of non-payment. But not all dealers prefer our professional team to interact with their customers. Read more.
Source: LBM Journal, Scott Simpson of BlueTarp

Free Employer Guidelines for Hiring a VetThe construction industry is facing major challenges in attracting and keeping workers. One option well worth considering is recruiting and hiring veterans. But how do you go about finding them? The nonprofit Center for America has free guides that help answer the questions of when, where and how to recruit veterans or active guard members and reservists. Read more.
Source: Construction Magazine, June 2, 2017

The Heat is On

It's not the heat, it's the humidity! Unless you work outdoors, that is. Then it's both. Working outside on a nice summer day can be a pleasure. But if your job takes you outdoors when it's hot and humid, it can stop being pleasurable and become downright dangerous. In 2015 alone, 37 workers died and 2,010 were injured from environmental heat exposure. Read more.

This article provided courtesy of Federated Mutual Insurance Company, your association's recommended insurer.
The Last Word

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”

-Publilius Syrus    
Mid-America Lumbermens Association | 800-747-6529 | 816-561-1249 (fax)| ruhler@themla.com | Website