Vol. 4, No. 14 – July 5, 2005

 

Risk Management Workshop  

Plan now to attend the MLA Risk Management Workshop on Tuesday, August 23, in Kansas City. This is an opportunity for business owners and risk managers to gain valuable insight into causes and solutions for workplace risk.

 The workshop will be filled with valuable information designed to increase dealers’ profitability and improve employee safety. This program will show you how to reduce operating costs and control insurance increases. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll learn: 

·         Industry and Individual Loss Analysis

·         Motor Vehicle Records

·         Designated Risk Manager

·         Hiring Practices – Human Resources

·         Controlling Workers Compensation Costs

·         Distracted Driving

·         Contractual Liability

·         Forklift Operations

·         Securing Cargo 

All of these areas are rife with pitfalls, challenges and potential costly accidents. This workshop will be held from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will be limited to 20 participants. If you’d like to attend or send someone from your company, please contact MLA at 800-747-6529, and we’ll send you a registration form. Don’t miss out on this money-saving opportunity. 

NLBMDA Teams with OSHA to Create New Web Page for Dealers 

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has partnered with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to create a new Safety and Health topics web page for lumber and building material dealers.  The new web page, created and maintained by dealers, OSHA officials and NLBMDA staff, provides dealers with safety and compliance information specific to the lumber and building material industry including OSHA standards and hazards present in lumberyards. 

“The Safety and Health Topics page is an easy way for dealers to access information on OSHA standards affecting our industry and assists them in keeping their work environment safe and healthy,” said NLBMDA Chairman Sam Dunn, “This is another example of how NLBMDA is constantly working to keep dealers informed.” A direct link to the webpage is provided at NLBMDA’s web site: www.dealer.org. 

The easy to use Safety and Health Topics web page lists a series of common questions that dealers have about OSHA policies that pertain to the lumber and building material dealer industry.  Links take users to available information that covers OSHA standards, hazards and solutions, safety and health programs, and additional information. 

The web page is the product of a two-year partnership between NLBMDA and OSHA through the Alliance program. The NLBMDA and OSHA Alliance works to review and customize OSHA compliance assistance materials to ensure that they are understandable and applicable to the lumber and building material dealer industry. Plans are under way to renew the Alliance in the coming months to allow the two organizations to continue work on similar industry assistance projects. 

TRAINING WITHOUT TRAVEL 

The next teleconference in the “Training without Travel” series is “HazCom: Are You In Compliance?” on July 14 at 1 p.m. EDST. You can see a complete list of upcoming teleconferences and downloadable registration forms at:  http://www.dealer.org/html/education.html.  

The dates for the following teleconferences have been set with registration forms to follow:

August 18, 2005 - Woodworking Machinery Compliance; A Top Cited Item!
September 30, 2005 - How to Handle an OSHA Inspection

 If you need MLA to fax you a registration form, just reply to this email. 

 LUMBER NEWS – QUICK GLIMPSES 

Home Depot to Buy Pro Chain… According to high-level industry sources, Home Depot has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Suwanee, Ga.-based Williams Bros. Lumber. Though officials from both companies declined to comment on the sale, the deal is expected to close by month’s end and will mark another major push from Home Depot to serve the pro market directly.  

Source: Home Channel News, June 13, 2005 

Credit Card Accounts at Risk…The revelation last week that some 40 million credit card accounts are at risk only heightened concern in Congress about personal data security breaches. Even before that news came out, the Senate Commerce Committee conducted a hearing to gather information on proposed legislation to protect consumers’ personal information and what steps companies should take after a security breach has occurred. Both the Senate and the House are preparing to introduce bills to establish national standards on what constitutes a security breach and when consumers should be notified. 

Source: Last Week in Washington, June 21, 2005, published by National Retail Hardware Association 

New Report Emphasizes the Struggle Facing Forest Products Companies In Northeastern U.S…. In a report updating the work of the Northern Forest Lands Council, out this week, it was found that although efforts to conserve timber resources in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York have met with success over the past ten years, the forest products industries in those same states stagnated over the same period.  

The biggest reason for the slowing of industry growth: burgeoning overseas competition and the loss of well-paid American jobs.  

The report was sponsored by North East State Foresters Association, whose executive director, Charles Levesque, explained, “We're losing real, living-wage jobs in the forest products industry... It’s still a big industry, but like every other manufacturing industry, it’s struggling.”

 Source: LBM Daily, June 22, 2005 

Arkansas to See $10 Million Investment From Hardwood Platform Company… Anthony Hardwood Composites Inc. announced Thursday its plans to spend $10 million on a new plant manufacturing hardwood platforms able to support heavy equipment in areas with difficult or unreliable soil conditions or terrain.

 Using a process that is the patent-pipeline, the platforms are made up of “abundant, low-value hardwood products developed by sawmills in the region.”

 The company intends to employ about 100 people at the facility once it reaches capacity.  

Source: LBM Daily, June 23, 2005 

NLBMDA Gets a New Home … On June 6th NLBMDA moved its headquarters to the other side of the Capitol to the unique Railway Express Building by Union Station. The new office provides the space to hold their active staff, host meetings, and better serve the industry.  Phone numbers and email addresses remain the same. The new address is: 900 2nd St, NE, Suite 305, Washington, D.C. 20002
 

Okla. House of Reps Passes Bipartisan Workers' Comp Reform Legislation (Insurance Journal - 06/06/05)…Legislation that would bring comprehensive reform to Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system has cleared the state Legislature. The Oklahoma State Chamber awarded the plan an “A” rating, and a preliminary estimate by the National Council on Compensation Insurance suggests a compromise agreement reached on the measure would result in as much as $108 million in cost savings a year. The reform package addresses four major areas: increased benefits for workers; reduced legal costs; reduced medical costs for workers and increased workplace safety; and increased marketplace competition.

 Under the workers’ compensation reform package, benefits for disfigurement increase from $20,000 to $50,000, while death benefits rise from $20,000 for a spouse to $100,000, and from $5,000 for a surviving child to $25,000. The measure also encourages settlements on fair cases and discourages attorneys from taking bad cases. Also, injured workers would receive money and medical treatment in a timely fashion. Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry is expected to sign the bill into law. 

Source: NLBMDA Industry News, June 2005 

Weyerhaeuser Continues Environmental Efforts … Weyerhaeuser Co. released their latest citizenship and environment report on Monday. The 96-page report, entitled “Roadmap for Sustainability,” shows that, since the late 1990s, Weyerhaeuser has consistently lowered emissions, waste and energy consumption. The company also collected 6.7 million tons of recycled paper, a new company record, representing 13% of all paper recovered in the United States last year.  

Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Weyerhaeuser Co., is quoted as saying, “Over the past decade, Weyerhaeuser has significantly improved its environmental performance and reduced its environmental footprint. . .We are part of the environmental solution for the future -- both in how we make our products and in what we produce.” 

Source: LBM Daily, June 28, 2005

 Fax Bill Fast-Tracked Through House, Ready for Signature

 WASHINGTON, DC, June 28, 2005 - To the relief of the association and business communities, the House of Representatives passed legislation today maintaining the “established business relationship” exception that allows associations and companies to send unsolicited faxes to their members and clients. Following similar action by the Senate late last week, the bill (S. 714) is now ready for the president’s signature. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law before Friday, July 1.

The “Junk Fax Prevention Act” proved necessary due to new rules developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2003 that would have prohibited commercial faxes sent without a recipient’s written consent.

Congress had expedited the bill for signature because the FCC’s new rules were due to take effect July 1. In a late-breaking development, the FCC granted an additional six-month stay, postponing the effective date to January 9, 2006.

In addition to restoring the “established business relationship” language, the fax bill requires that all unsolicited commercial faxes include an opt-out provision on the first page of the fax, providing a cost-free, 24-hour means for the recipient to request to be removed from the fax distribution list; requires that fax numbers be obtained either directly from the recipient or from a public source to which the recipient gave the number for publication (i.e., a Web site, advertisement or directory); and “grandfathers” in fax numbers in the possession of the sender at the time of enactment.  

Source: ASAE, June 28, 2005

 2005 Mill Tour 

There are still a few openings left for the 2005 Northern California Mill Tour.  Don't miss this opportunity. We will walk through the redwood and pine forests, visit the sawmills and plants, and see the sights this area has to offer. The tour will take place October 8 - 13, 2005. We will start and end our tour in San Francisco. Travel along the rugged coastline, through the wine valleys and into the mountains while stopping along the way for three industry tours at Simpson Timber Company, Sierra Pacific Industries and Collins Pine Co. 

The 2005 Mill Tour is not only a chance to walk among the redwoods. It also provides a fun way to connect and compare notes with dealers from across the country.  Many lifelong friendships have been forged on past Mill Tours.  

The tour package includes lodging, lunches during the week, Sunday brunch, a Welcome reception, and ground transportation. Cost: $995/per person for double; $1,295/per person for single. To request an itinerary and reservation form please call 800-331-0193 and ask for Paula or Sally.

 NLBMDA Government Affairs Update 

Retailer Liability Relief 

NLBMDA lobbyists continue to meet with Hill staff to solicit feedback on our proposed legislation.  Meetings have been very positive so far.  We will soon be contacting dealers in targeted Congressional districts to arrange legislator yard tours during the August Congressional recess.  If you are interested in hosting your Representative, please let me know or call Kathryn at 800-634-8645.

 On Capitol Hill 

Last week - The Senate debated the Energy overhaul bill; the House continued to roll through the annual appropriations bills and passed a flag desecration Constitutional amendment.

 The Transportation Reauthorization bill conference leaders agreed to a total dollar figure for the bill, but remain divided about the guaranteed rate of return to states on Highway Trust Fund payments.  House Chairman Don Young (R-AK) is eager to finish discussions this week and avoid the need for yet another extension.

NLBMDA sent a letter to highway bill conferees urging them to reject the mandatory minimum fuel surcharge provision that was included in the House-passed version.  We also contacted targeted dealers and associations to encourage dealer contacts directly to Representatives involved in the negotiations.  

The Surface Transportation Board has given the seven main U.S. railroads (“Class 1” carriers) 30 days to report on how they are preparing to meet an increase in demand during the peak-shipping season this fall. 

This week - The Senate today passed the Energy overhaul by a vote of 85-12 and turns now to the Interior-Environment appropriations bill.  The House will focus on Foreign Operations and Transportation-Treasury-Housing appropriations and water resources authorization. Debate may also begin on the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). 

Senators Kyl (R-AZ) and Baucus (D-MT) continue to discuss compromise death tax relief measures.  It is possible that the Senate will vote on full repeal to put Senators on record on one side or the other, but such a vote would almost certainly be purely symbolic as there is not enough Democratic support to meet the 60-vote threshold.  One compromise proposed by Kyl would raise the exemption to $10 million and set the rate equal to the capital gains rate currently at 15 percent (and indexed for inflation).  

NLBMDA is seeking dealer family business profiles to aid the lobbying effort for death tax repeal. If you own or are employed by a family-owned business, please send a brief description of your company and your thoughts about a $10 million exemption to me at colleen@dealer.org ASAP.  

Victory!  The House passed legislation today to restore the "Established Business Relationship" clause to “Do-Not-Fax” regulations.  The Senate passed the legislation last week, and the President is expected to sign the bill into law before the regulations take effect this Friday, July 1. 

ACTION ITEM:  If you have not yet completed NLBMDA's brief Transportation Feedback Survey, please click the following link to do so today: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=475091086928.  Dealer responses will help us prepare our talking points as we address these issues on Capitol Hill.  Thank you! 

Contact Colleen Rocha Levine at 800.634.8645 or colleen@dealer.org if you would like more information on any of these activities.

 Register Today for NLBMDA/ProSales Industry Summit 

The 2005 NLBMDA/ProSales Industry Summit is rapidly approaching. The meeting is in Vancouver, BC is September 28 - October 1; have you made your arrangements to attend?   

The hotel block cut off is only two months away (August 26^th).  With the busy summer season and vacation time here, make your reservations today. The Pan Pacific Hotel is the departure point for Alaskan cruises leaving from Vancouver, so the hotel fills quickly, especially on the weekends. We are expecting it to sell out. To guarantee that you get to stay in this hotel with panoramic harbor and mountain views, make your reservations now. Contact the Pan Pacific Hotel directly at 800-937-1515 and identify yourself as attending the Industry Summit to guarantee your room today. 

While you're at it, why not send your registration in to NLBMDA? Some of our recreational tours have limited availability. Make sure you can attend by signing up today! You can also visit www.dealer.org or call 800.634.8645 for more information.

 As the late September meeting approaches keep your eyes on the Industry News e-newsletter for information about exciting places to visit in Vancouver, travel tips and other insights on how to make this THE industry meeting of the year.    

Pro Sales – Call for Entries 

Enter the 4th Annual ProSales Excellence Awards honoring outstanding achievements in construction supply.

 Who Is Eligible?

Any dealer is eligible to enter a submission in any or all categories. Entries must be presented in an official Excellence Awards binder and will be judged by a panel of industry experts.

 Categories 

·         Overall or Manufacturing Facility Design

·         Showroom Design – General Lumberyard

·         Showroom Design – Specialty

·         Marketing/Customer Service Program

·         IT and/or E-commerce Initiative/Web Design

 Winner Recognition 

·         Feature in the November issue of PROSALES

·         Recognition award and reception at the 2006 International Builders’ Show

·         $1,000 donation to a local or national charity of the dealer’s choice

 Deadlines & Fees

Completed binder deadline: July 15, 2005
Fee: $100 per entry

To download an entry form, go to:  http://images.hanleywood.com/synergy/psea/pse_entryform.pdf.   

YOUR MONEY 

As a business owner, you face unique financial risks that require careful planning. The best way to start organizing your affairs is to review all of these risks and how you are currently covering them. You likely have insurance coverage for property damage, liability, disability, premature death, and other common risks. In addition, there are risks associated with key employee benefit programs, health insurance, estate plans, business debt, and much more. Keeping track of the details for all of your insurance policies and benefits plans can be overwhelming.

 Most of us have important documents but where are they? In a shoebox, a file cabinet, a stack of papers? If you don’t know, how will others know where to find them in a crisis? 

Recent additions to Federated’s Financial Protection Review make it easier for you to organize and focus on the financial aspects of your business at least annually. New features include an inventory of all of your benefit programs and personal insurance policies with Federated and lists of important information such as current beneficiaries, cash values, ownership, and premium schedules. Information on your policies with other insurance carriers can also be shown. This service makes it easy to keep your information in one place and know it is right. After reviewing all possible exposures, you receive a summary for your records, which provides quick access to this information in the future. More importantly, it serves as a planning tool that can help you accomplish your financial and estate planning goals.

 You probably won’t choose to insure all of the risks discussed during the review, but it can help you organize your records and use your insurance dollars wisely to protect your business, your family and your employees if a catastrophic event should occur. 

Source: The Shield, Winter 2004, published by Federated Mutual Insurance Company

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY