features
Running on
Empty
Every building product company is facing higher energy costs, and truck fuel is a big part of the equation. Shelter staff talked with distributors, dealers and transportation companies to find out how they are reducing fuel consumption.
A Personal Account: Behind the Great
Wall:
Last summer, Rosalie Leone, chief executive officer of the Association of
Millwork Distributors, was invited to speak at the China International Wood Products Summit in China. Leone gives a firsthand account of what motivates the Chinese people and how their continued economic growth might affect the rest of the
world.
Mouldings Per
Gallon
A faded housing market, increased demand for green products and certifications and rising fuel prices have some manufacturers and distributors feeling like they’re in a vice. Fortunately, all of these issues interrelate. A general manager for one Doswell, Va.-based manufacturer and wholesaler explains how every detail of his business relates to getting “maximum mouldings per
gallon.”
Annual Guide to Moulding and Millwork
departments
columns
only online
Reaching
for Green:
The National Association of Home Builders has launched the National Green
Building Program, an education, verification and certification program
that will allow builders to build green homes. The program sets point
requirements in each category for the bronze, silver and gold levels. An
Emerald level will also be available once the standard is complete in the
spring.
“Import”-ant News:
- Court
Gives Split-Ruling in Softwood Lumber Dispute
A London Court for International Arbitration has ruled that Canada has violated U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement commitments relating to export quota volumes. However, the court made separate rulings relating to export tax levels applicable to British Columbia and Alberta shipments. The tribunal will decide on an appropriate remedy in the next few months to cure Canada’s breach of the agreement. - Mislabeled
Scaffolding Planks Imported from China
Non-certified Chinese laminated veneer lumber used as scaffolding planks recently failed tests conducted by the APA-The Engineered Wood Association.
Stats:
Government Jobs May Prove Strong in 2008
Aligning with contractors who service the government sector may prove to
be a profitable tactic for 2008. While other areas of the building
industry remain slow and continue to make cutbacks, purchasing officials
at state and local government and educational entities are indicating they
plan to maintain or increase spending.
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