Environmental Policies, Illegal Logging,
Trade, and the US Hardwood Industry
Mike Snow - AHEC
The major driving factors behind the myriad of "green procurement" and other environmental policies that are being enacted in our major export markets around the world, and how US hardwood producers can satisfy those requirements.

First Six Months of an Obama White House:
What Has It Meant for Western Hardwoods?
Grace Terpstra - Hardwood Federation (no ppt available)
Washington experienced a cataclysmic change with the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Grace presented what this dramatic change in direction has meant for hardwood businesses across the country on issues such as the economy, renewable energy, and international trade. She discussed the outlook of what to expect from the White House and the Congress in the second half of 2009.

Future Wood Products Technology
Scott Leavengood - Oregon State University
Scott's presentation was an overview of the recent past, the present, and what the future may hold for the forest products industry. Discussion of the 'past' included examples of how the industry has responded to past challenges and the 'present' involved a brief review of current industry trends, as well as current 'hot topics' in research. Several new products and processes were presented as examples of what the 'future' may hold for the industry.

Working With AIA Architects to Specify North American Hardwoods
Criswell Davis - Frank Miller Lumber Company (no ppt available)
In this presentation, Criswell discussed the basics of kiln drying, sustainable hardwood harvesting, and the difficulty of gaining FSC Certification for the over 4 million private landowners in the US who control over 73% of the nation's hardwood resource. At the heart of his presentation was an animation of the Quartersawing process. He also showed the kinds of high end projects into which Frank Miller's beautiful Quartersawn Hardwoods have gone in the form of Millwork, Flooring, Furniture, and Cabinetry.

Education in the Hardwood Industry
Crystal Oldham - NHLA Education Director
Oldham discussed what NHLA is doing in terms of educating industry members during tough economic times. In addition, Oldham highlighted the Foundation and its efforts in teaching children across North America the truth about the forest products industry.

Connecting to FSC Hardwood Markets-An Update on Regional Supply, Chain of Custody Options, & Market Drivers
Ian Hanna - Director, Northwest Certified Forestry
Northwest Natural Resource Group
This session provided updates on current and projected Westside FSC certified hardwood timber and lumber supply in Washington and Oregon, an update on FSC chain of custody operations, and an overview of relevant market drivers in the FSC industry.

and special Guest Speaker...

Repeat Business – 6 Steps to Superior Customer Service to Maximize Opportunities in Today’s Markets
Larry Dennis - Turbo Leadership Systems (no ppt available)
This presentation began by reminding us who we work for – our customers. We examined the major investments required to secure new customers, and were reminded that attaining a new customer costs six times more than retaining a satisfied returning customer. To be competitive and profitable, we must secure repeat business. Six specific actions were addressed to guarantee continued repeat business. This program resulted in a renewed commitment to "wow" every customer, every time.