With mortgage rates at their lowest levels in decades, Alaska’s housing market (specifically Anchorage) is very strong. The Anchorage Home Builders Association (AHBA) estimates that single family and duplex housing starts will be about 1500 for the year 2003. The remodelling sector is also very strong with a record number of permits being issued last year. New housing prices range from US$190,000 to US$1,000,000, with most homes in the US$230,000 to US$300,000 range. The trend is toward higher density developments as Anchorage is running out of developable land.

As there is little local manufacturing, most building products are imported and shipped to Anchorage via Seattle. Very few Canadian building products are currently being imported. With transportation costs relatively high, the range of products offered through stocking distributors is very limited. Higher-end, or non-standard products, are individually sourced, usually from suppliers in Seattle.

Market Channels

There are three distinct channels/opportunities for BC manufacturers to sell products into Alaska: private distributors and builders, regional housing authorities, and public housing.

Distributors and Builders
The majority of the stocking distributors and builders are located in Anchorage. This is no surprise since almost half the state population lives in the Anchorage area.

Distributors:
There are four major stocking distributors in Anchorage: Spenard Building Supply, Builders Choice, Uresco, and Builders Millwork. In addition, there are Home Depot and Loews outlets. Of the stocking distributors, Spenard is the dominant supplier to homebuilders and remodellers throughout Alaska. Builders Choice is a smaller distributor owned by the builder/developer Hultquist Homes. Uresco supplies to rural housing and Builders Millwork consists of primarily doors, windows and interiors. BC Wood is in the process of contacting these distributors and will be arranging a meeting for members participating in the upcoming August tradeshow/mission.

Builders:
Most of the major builders in Anchorage belong to the AHBA, which is associated with the NAHB. This is a strong and active association, offering an excellent way for BC Wood members to access Alaskan homebuilders. BC Wood has recently become an associate member of the AHBA. AHBA newsletters and other material of interest will be available to BC Wood members interested in this market.

The lack of choice and competition in Alaska gives rise to another frustration expressed by builders - the typical interior finishing of a higher-end home does not differ significantly from an average home. Again, if a customer wants something different, it must be special-ordered through Seattle.

The builders who spoke with BC Wood wanted more affordable, higher-value building products, whether through existing distributors or directly imported by the builder. They are very interested in meeting and discussing opportunities with BC wood members.

Regional Housing Authorities
There are 17 regional housing authorities in Alaska and they are responsible for native housing. The majority of the houses are "stick-built", but packaged homes have also been imported. Typically, the homes are being constructed in remote areas and the materials are imported via barge.

Specific opportunities for BC Wood members to sell products to regional authorities are not known at this time. However, we do know that financing on these homes is provided by the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. and all products must be certified to US standards. BC Wood is attempting to arrange a meeting with the Executive Director of the Housing Authorities Association during the BC Wood tradeshow/mission in August.

Pubic Housing
Public Housing is primarily multi-family, low-income housing development through the US federal program, Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As mentioned above, Ureseco is the supplier to these developments and BC Wood is researching the opportunities for members to access this market.

Product Opportunities

Given the research to date, the primary product opportunities for BC Wood members include:

• Trusses
• Interior Doors
• Mouldings
• Housing packages
• Furniture
• Cabinets
• Lumber

Back by popular demand, BC Wood will once again offer advertising space in our Annual Membership Directory, which is distributed to all Members and Associate Members of BC Wood. The Directory is also made available to our major stakeholders and supporters. Approximately 1,000 are distributed annually.

Registration forms, with size and file requirement details, will be sent to all BC Wood Associate Members this week. Please contact Randi Walker if you require more information.

Don’t miss this chance to advertise with BC Wood!

European Market Report
Ludger Spohr, BC Wood European Representative

As some of you may already know, I have officially moved to Brussels, so you will no longer be able to reach me on my German phone or fax anymore. My new address is:

12A Place Stéphanie
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 - 2 - 512 5051
Fax: +32 - 2 - 502 5402
Email: lspohr@bcwood.com

After this move, BC Wood will have a stronger presence in the European marketplace, as Brussels is considered the "European Capital".

With the summer being rather quiet, we are focusing on upcoming events in the early fall. Salon Maison Bois in Angers, France is coming up in early October (3rd - 6th). I am glad to hear that some of you have already signed up for this show as the demand for wood frame construction in France is strongly increasing. France is also a very good market for Western Red Cedar as I saw at the Carrefour International du Bois show last year (professionals only show in western France) and at the last Salon Maison Bois show.

Other European construction shows in the fall include Salon Européen du Bois à Grenoble, October 16th - 19th, covering the east of France as well as Switzerland and the North of Italy; and Batimat in Paris, November 3rd – 8th, an international building products show.

In November I will be at the Maderalia show in Valencia, Spain to meet with purchasing managers of the Spanish furniture industry. The Spanish market is one of the strongest importers of furniture grade, both softwoods and hardwoods.

From August 31st – September 2nd, GAFA/SPOGA, the show for garden furniture and outdoor equipment, will take place in Cologne, Germany. I highly recommend walking the show to those of you who are thinking about selling products of this genre to Western Europe. It will give you excellent insight into what is available in the market regarding price, design, and material.

Based upon industry support and interest, BC Wood will look at participating at some of these shows. To see a current tradeshow schedule, please visit the BC Wood website at http://www.bcwood.com/Prod/marketing/tradeshows.asp.

A request for show participants in general. Please prepare information in the language of the country you are in. Even if your brochures cannot be translated into the appropriate language, a black and white insert with translation would be much appreciated by many visitors, as English is not spoken or understood by many of them.

Before these European tradeshows I will be in BC, presenting at the 2003 International Marketing Conference, held October 1-4 in Vancouver. The week before that I will be in BC with the publisher of the only German log home magazine, and with a German–Austrian–Swiss Group of builders who are looking for suppliers of log homes and wood frame construction.

I hope to welcome some of you either at one of the shows, in our new office here in Brussels, or at the 2003 International Marketing Conference.

BC Wood 2003/04 Japan Program
Michael Jahraus, Managing Director, Asia Pacific

A new Japan Manager (Jim Ivanoff) and program funding is now in place for the 2003/04 BC Wood Japan program. This year, we will participate in three tradeshows and offer an attractive mission program for companies that are recent entrants or new to the Japanese market.

Trade Shows

Japan Home Show, Tokyo Big Sight, November 11-14, 2003
The Japan Home Show is the largest annual housing and building materials tradeshow in Japan. With over 100,000 visitors and 500 participating companies, it is the premier trade event for the secondary wood products industry in Japan. In 2002, 21 BC Wood members participated in this show. The Japan Home show has proved to be a strong sales generator for participating members.

Home Builders Expo Osaka, Intex Osaka, November 20-22, 2003
The Home Builders Expo Osaka 2003 is in its second year after a successful inauguration last year. This show is delivered by the same organization as the Japan Home Show (Japan Management Association), and holds great promise for targeting housing and building materials buyers in the greater Kansai region. Over 20,000 visitors and 150 companies are expected. In 2002, feedback from the 14 BC Wood members that participated in this show was very positive.

For both the Japan Home Show and Home Builders Expo Osaka, BC Wood has received applications for most of the available space. However, limited space is still available on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact Ken Hori of Tradeworks at 604-844-1952, who is acting on BC Wood’s behalf to confirm booth space.

Nikkei Architecture and Construction Materials 2004, Tokyo Big Sight, March 2-5, 2004
The Nikkei Architecture and Construction Materials Show targets the architectural housing and building materials market. Over 200 companies are expected to exhibit, targeting architects and specifiers of products for commercial, housing and office buildings. Architecture and Construction Materials 2003 is part of a series of concurrent exhibitions, which collectively attract over 200,000 visitors. In 2002, 9 BC Wood members participated in this show and generated good sales numbers.

Trade Missions

This year we will be offering a more comprehensive trade mission program to members. Trade missions will include scheduled visits to relevant potential buyers, promotion and participation at select trade events, and the opportunity to participate in Japanese language marketing material for your company. We plan to target the following major sectors:

• Log and timber frame homes
• Western Red Cedar outdoor products

Details of the missions are being developed, with the first mission being offered in November to coincide with the Japan Home Show. BC Wood will also be conducting targeted market research in these areas to support the missions. For more information on these missions please contact Mike Jahraus at the BC Wood office, 604 556-3373, or e-mail mjahraus@bcwood.com.

Member Spotlight: Britco
Mary Quinn, Member Services Marketing Coordinator

Chances are you are already familiar with Britco. If you have been to the PNE in the last few years, you might have seen a prize show home that was built by Britco or the last time you stopped for gas or drove by a construction site, it is very likely that the service station or construction site office was from Britco.

In business for 26 years, Britco is a modular building company started by David Taft and Rick McClymont. What started out in a 10,000 sq. ft. plant in Langley, BC has now grown to 92,000 sq. ft. in Agassiz, BC, the largest factory of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Britco Structures has grown into a very successful design-builder of factory-built modular buildings, and Britco Leasing, started in 1979, has a substantial lease fleet of portable buildings.

Britco Structures specializes in the design and construction of commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. They manufacture modular buildings for schools, daycares, offices, and camps as well as the retail and hospitality industries. Involved in the residential building industry for the last twenty years, Britco also manufactures single-family homes, condominiums, town homes, and senior housing facilities.

These factory-built structures offer many benefits over the conventional methods of building on-site. "Time and money can be saved as site preparation and building construction are done at the same time. In addition, factory-built structures offer speed of delivery, relocation capability, environmental friendliness, and quality products as they are built in a controlled environment," comments Mike Ridley, Director of Sales.

What sets Britco apart from other construction and building companies is their versatility. Mike Ridley says, "We are willing to take on any project and try anything. We are very flexible and will custom-build to meet our clients’ needs." This flexibility can be seen in their most recent and most custom project; a destination resort in the mountains of Colorado. This 20,000 sq. ft. lodge, located at an elevation of 9,500 feet, will be completed at the end of September. Heavy open timbers and five star finishes will be just a few of the custom touches to this extraordinary getaway.

Locally, Britco is once again supplying the Pacific National Exhibition with the annual PNE prize home. This will be the second consecutive year and fourth time that they have built the prestigious show home. This year "The Granville" is over 3,000 sq. ft. and features cedar decks and railings, an in-floor heating system, hardwood flooring, and granite counter tops. Last year, over 100,000 people toured the show home in hopes that they might one day live in such luxury.

The prize home was built in 6 modules in the Agassiz plant and will be relocated to a lakefront lot at Cowan Point Estates on Bowen Island. "A typical home can be built in the plant in about 20 working days. Delays due to poor weather are eliminated as well as other wet-weather problems such as mold," adds Mike. "We are very pleased to be working with the PNE again on this year’s home, and to be part of such an exciting project." For more information on the PNE prize home, you can visit the PNE website at http://www.pne.bc.ca/homelottery/index.html.

Proud to be a BC company, Britco is looking forward to the 2010 Olympics. "We are really excited that Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Olympics as we believe that this will create a lot of opportunity for modular building construction." The Salt Lake City Olympics required over 800 temporary buildings for offices, press boxes, first aid facilities and accommodations and there are legacy infrastructure opportunities to explore as well for 2010.

Today, Britco buildings can be found in the US, Russia, Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, and China. Looking to external markets helps Britco to diversify and stay profitable as the local economy changes. Britco’s vision for the future is to look at new and greater opportunities, including focused growth in the residential sector. For further information, check out Britco’s website at www.britco.com.

Retirement of Tomoko Shiotsu from the BC Wood Japan Office
Michael Jahraus, Managing Director, Asia Pacific

From all the staff and members of BC Wood, we would like to wish Tomoko Shiotsu all the best in her retirement. Shiotsu san joined BC Wood five years ago, and before that she worked 28 years for Zealand, a US shipping company.

Shiotsu san reported to Eric deGroot, and as outlined in the following words from Eric, proved herself to be a very capable and dedicated employee.

"Shiotsu brought a strong work ethic to BC Wood, along with a very typical Osakan love of 'the sell'. It didn't take her long to learn the basic product offerings of BC Wood members and to reach the point where she could take visitors to our showroom through a full half an hour explanation of Canadian wood products, British Columbia, BC Wood, its members, and right down to products and the specific characteristics of different wood species. She would have loved it if BC Wood could have been selling material right out of the showroom, and said on many occasions that she wished we had a stock of products in the basement of the ATC. Some days she would conduct three or four 'tours' like this, often lasting over an hour in the case of some especially interested visitors."

We would also like to thank Shiotsu san for all her assistance over the last few months with the transition to a new Japan representative. Good luck Shiotsu san, and we hope you enjoy your passions for golf and traveling the world with your husband.

Associate Member Spotlight: CSA International Forest Products Group

CSA Group is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organization serving business, industry, government, and consumers, and has been in operation for more than 80 years. CSA Group is comprised of three business units, which operate throughout North America and in select global markets.

In 2001, CSA International launched the Forest Products Marking Program (FPMP), which was created in response to the growing marketplace demands for products from well-managed forests. The program tracks the product from the forest throughout the phases of ownership, transportation, and transformation prior to consumer. Qualified forest products are identified by the CSA Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Mark. The SFM Mark on products indicates that the wood-based components of the product originated from a certified forest in the percentages noted on the Mark.

CSA International’s FPMP brings together decades of product marking knowledge and experience and combines it with SFM. This creates a powerful opportunity for both suppliers and buyers of forest products to demonstrate and communicate their commitment to sustainable forest management.

Which of your products/services would be best suited for BC Wood Members?

CSA International services are best suited for the provision of a forest products certification program. The strengths of the program are in technical capability, and exemplary service with a strong commitment to sustainable forest management. Members that are responding to the growing national and international demand for certified forest products can have their products certified through CSA International’s comprehensive, credible, and affordable Forest Products Marking Program. The program consists of two parts – chain of custody and product marking.

The first part is a "chain of custody" for forest products. In its simplest form, chain of custody is the traceability and accountability of forest products from a certified forest area. It is a tool to provide customers with assurance that the products they are purchasing have originated from a sustainably managed, and independently certified forest. The chain of custody requirements are outlined in the document CSA PLUS 1163: Chain of Custody for Forest Products Originating from a Defined Forest Area Registered to CAN/CSA-Z809 which is available for free from our website, http://certifiedwood.csa.ca. In order to become certified by CSA International, the chain of custody is audited by an independent third party.

The second part to the program is the application of the CSA SFM product mark to "certified" forest products. The option to license the SFM Mark is available to organizations that have successfully completed a CSA third party audit of their chain of custody process. The CSA SFM Mark is not connected to product characteristics such as load requirements, stress ratings, or dimensional capacity.

There are three marking options available. Two are based on inventory control and accounting of certified wood flows, and the third is based on physical separation of certified wood. An organization implementing the chain of custody and marking program would select the most suitable approach. CSA issues the CSA SFM Mark based on the following options.

1) Input / Output System (% in / % out) for Solid Wood
The input/output system is based on the premise that the total batch of products can be labelled with the CSA SFM Mark when the amount of certified (originating from a forest certified to Z809) wood based raw material in the input batch meets or exceeds the set minimum average threshold.

In order to apply the CSA SFM Mark, the minimum average input is 70% (by volume or by weight) of certified (originating form a forest certified to Z809) wood based raw material. In addition, none of the wood based raw material (including the remaining input percentage of wood-based-raw material) shall have come from controversial sources.

2) Minimum Average Percentage System for Composite Products
The minimum average percentage system approach is based on the premise that the total batch of products can be labelled with the CSA SFM Mark when the amount of certified (originating from a forest certified to Z809) wood based raw material in the input batch meets or exceeds the set minimum average threshold.

In order to apply the CSA SFM Mark, the minimum average input is 70% (by volume or by weight) of certified (originating form a forest certified to Z809) wood based raw material. In addition, none of the wood based raw material (including the remaining input percentage of wood-based-raw material) shall have come from controversial sources.

3) Physical Separation
In this approach, certified wood, wood raw materials, and wood products are received and clearly marked, physically segregated, or otherwise identified as certified (originating from a forest certified to CSA Z809 DFA) and remain clearly identifiable as certified throughout transportation, handling, processing, manufacturing or remanufacturing process(s). This Mark can be applied on packaging and/or directly onto the product.

How can BC Wood members and people in the secondary wood products industry benefit from your service?

CSA International services are best suited for the provision of a forest products certification program. Market access and product differentiation are the two main benefits our program can offer to members. The list of organizations requiring certified forest products and accepting the CSA SFM Program as a source of certified forest products is growing within Canada, the United States, and abroad. Major buyers such as Home Hardware, Centex Homes, Pella Corporation, and Hallmark Cards are accepting the CSA SFM Program. CSA International’s Forest Products Group regularly meets with buyers, influencers, and organizations to generate their support for the CSA SFM Program.

Who should members contact if they are interested in your service?

Peter Johnson (Manager) or Teresa Borgiel (Coordinator)
CSA International Forest Products Group
Tel 1-866-CSA-WOOD, 905-275-0284 Fax 905-272-2491
Email: peter.johnson@csa-international.org
Website: http://certifiedwood.csa.ca

Value-Added Industry News

US Housing Starts for June 2003
Builders broke ground on new housing units at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.8 million units in June, up 3.7 percent from the previous month, the US Commerce Department reported.

Nationwide, single-family housing starts rose 5.3 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.46 million units. Multifamily housing decreased by 2.6 percent over a month ago.

Building permits rose 0.8 percent nationally to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.81 million units in June. Single-family permits registered a 5.3 percent increase for the month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.42 million units.

Regionally, the Northeast posted a 9.9 percent increase in overall housing production and the West and South registered 8.0 percent and 2.3 percent increases, respectively. The Midwest posted the only decline - .08 percent.

Source: National Association of Home Builders

Canadian Housing Starts for June 2003
The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts was 210,400 in June, up from a revised 198,000 in May, signalling that residential construction continues at a strong pace, reports Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban multiple starts was up 11.0 per cent to 82,800 units in June 2003 compared with 74,600 units in May. Nationally, year-to-date actual urban multiple starts have increased 12.6 per cent when compared to the same period in 2002.

In June, urban single starts increased 4.5 per cent to 98,300 units at seasonally adjusted annual rates compared to 94,100 units the previous month. This increase was reflected in all regions of the country except British Columbia where urban single starts decreased 3.8 per cent. In contrast, year-to-date actual urban single starts are 4.7 per cent lower than for the same period of 2002.

Source: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Canadian Building Permits for May 2003
The value of building permits declined in May, as institutional intentions plummeted and construction intentions for single-family homes hit a 17-month low. Builders took out $3.9 billion worth of building permits, down 2.0% from April.

Municipalities issued $2.4 billion in permits for housing, as demand for multi-family dwellings pushed the total value of residential permits up 0.8%. In contrast, the value of permits for the single-family component fell for the fourth straight month.

Despite month-to-month fluctuations this year, Canada's building sector is still performing strongly. On a year-to-date basis, the value of permits in all major components was higher than during the same five-month period in 2002. In total, municipalities issued $19.7 billion in permits from January to May, up more than $1 billion from the same period of 2002.

Source: Statistics Canada

We are happy to announce that the 2003 International Marketing Conference website is up and running! Now you can view or download the program schedule and register on line from the comforts of your own computer. Information on speakers, venue, accommodation, program schedule, exhibitors, and social events are also available on the website.

For all you golfing fanatics, this year the annual tournament will be held at the beautiful Fraserview Golf course in Vancouver. Our first tee time is 12:00 noon and we’ll be playing a "best ball" format. You should register early and let us know if you have a favourite partner.

If golfing isn’t your forte, you should join us for an exciting afternoon of micro-brewery tours and beer tasting. You will enjoy an excellent lunch and tastings at the popular Yaletown Brewing Company; a trip to the Granville Island Brewery where you’ll learn more about the making of beer than anyone really needs to know; and tastings, tours and tips from the brew master at Steamworks in Gastown.

Or, if you like, you can spend the afternoon gallivanting in and around Vancouver and join us for the delicious prime rib/salmon barbeque at the Fraserview Golf Club at 5:30 PM.

If you would like more information on any of these activities, visit the BC Wood website.

Exhibitor Space for the 2003 International Marketing Conference

As the 2003 International Marketing Conference is quickly approaching, it is time decide if you want to be an exhibitor. Exhibit space for the conference is being allocated on a first come, first serve basis and there are only 34 reserved spaces this year. The exhibit area will once again be in a prime location to network with BC Wood members as all receptions, meals, and breaks will be held in this area. As with last year’s show, we expect booth space to sell out. Click here to see the floorplan.

To increase your exposure even more, there are many sponsorship opportunities available for Members, Associate Members, agencies, and suppliers. All sponsors are recognized in the conference program and have their company name listed on the conference website at www.bcwood.com. To view what levels of sponsorship are available, please download the brochure and registration form.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring at the International Marketing Conference, please contact Randi Walker or Mary Quinn at BC Wood for more information. We hope to see you there!

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Welcome New BC Wood Members

We are pleased to welcome the following new BC Wood Members who have joined us since July 1, 2003:

Waldun Forest Products Partnership, Maple Ridge - Remanufactured Products (semi-finished)

Rick Bowerman Antiques & Furniture, Brackendale - Furniture & Fixtures

Crestwood International Industries Ltd., Port Moody - Millwork & Finished Products

Unique Hardwood Designs Ltd., Surrey - Millwork & Finished Products

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Shanghai Trade Mission and China Wood Export & Import Conference 2003
Simone Liang, Marketing Coordinator, Asia Pacific

The next BC Wood trade mission to Shanghai will take place from October 27 to November 1, 2003. This mission, which includes three days of visiting wood buyers and manufacturing plants, will also include attendance at the upcoming China Wood Export & Import Conference 2003.

This trade mission will be very relevant to BC Wood members who can supply softwood and/or hardwood lumber and components to the Chinese market. The major market opportunities for mission participants include: lumber and components for furniture, giftware, and interior decoration manufacturers. Opportunities for lumber in construction applications, low-grade lumber for packaging, and treated wood will also be explored.

Participants will gain invaluable market intelligence, participate in a matchmaking session, visit developments and wood product manufacturing plants relevant to the mission group, and meet wood buyers and wholesalers from Shanghai and across China. Space is limited, so please sign up early to ensure your participation in this exciting trip.

For more information on this trade mission package, please contact Simone Liang by phone at 1-604-556-3373 ext. 225; fax 604-557 7745; or email: sliang@bcwood.com.

For details of the conference, please their website.

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New BC Wood Associate Members

We are pleased to welcome the following Associate Members who have joined us since the last issue of BC Wood News On-line. If you are interested in learning about the benefits of becoming a BC Wood Associate Member, please contact Randi Walker at 604-556-3373 or toll-free at 1-877-422-9663.

Cantex Stitching Company Ltd. is BC Wood’s promotional product supplier. In business for over five years, Cantex offers a wide range of services, from supplying clothing and promotional products, to design and digitization for both screen printing and embroidery. Our arts department designs posters and other promotional graphics and we also do in-house custom garment manufacturing.

James Lu
604-539-0878

B.E. Best Service (Canada) Ltd. is a promotion, marketing, and tour wholesaler for Vancouver and the lower mainland. We offer our clients full services including promotion planning, market research, leisure travel, groups, business meetings, tradeshows, and incentive planning. Our objective is to keep the highest possible standards for reliability, professionalism, courtesy, and attention to detail.

Brian Wong
604-657-2818

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New Additions to the BC Wood Website

The BC Wood Members Only site has seen some new additions lately. In the BC Wood Marketing Programs area, we have added a new section for the Taiwan market. Here you will find articles, facts, links, and reports on Taiwan.

Also, in the BC Wood Marketing Programs area under China, we have added more information on this market including information on the BC Wood China program, opportunities in China, partners, and presentations. Stay tuned for updates to the Japan, Korea, India, USA, and Europe sections as well.

In the tradeshow section of the BC Wood website, we have listed all of the tradeshows that BC Wood will tentatively be participating in over the next fiscal year. In addition, the tradeshow schedule has been updated and is available in pdf format for you to view or download.

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Tradeshow Tips

In the July issue of BC Wood News On-line, we featured the first 5 tips for Motivating Exhibit Staff. These five tips are:

1. Select people who want to be there
2. Leave negative attitudes behind
3. Realize everyone is an ambassador
4. Encourage personal goals
5. Get top management support

The next five tips in this series are:

1. Keep the team informed
A critical element of motivational success is letting the team know what is expected of them at the show and then providing any training necessary for them to do their job effectively. Successful people aren’t born - they’re trained.

2. Create a positive, fun and reinforcing environment
It is management’s responsibility to create a positive, fun, and reinforcing environment and to realize that it takes more than an incentive to succeed. Rewards and personal recognition provide an effective way of encouraging higher levels of performance.

3. Know your staff
Managers need to know their individual staff members and what motivates them. Studies show that more people are motivated by personal recognition than by money. The power of recognition and appreciation can create a more positive, productive and enjoyable environment while working a show.

4. Team spirit
Everyone should be working together as a team, helping each other out whenever and wherever necessary. If there is a large number of staffers, split them up into teams with technical people working alongside sales people. As a team they need to have time prior to the show to get acquainted, develop a level of trust and get to know and understand each other’s strengths.

5. Review performance
Each day, conduct debriefing sessions to review performance. Team members should be encouraged to give and receive feedback from colleagues, and to look for ways to improve performance each day. Managers need to remember that individual achievements are worth group recognition.

Source: Nomadic Display: "120 Ways to Successful Exhibiting" Susan A. Friedmann

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Fundamentals of Project Management Seminar

BC Wood Associate Member, Canada Training Group, is holding a two day course that will teach the basics of project management and provide an excellent foundation for getting the most out of your project management software training.

This course is valuable for mangers who are concerned with effectively managing projects for which cost, schedule, and performance must meet rigid requirements.

Castlegar, BC
September 11-12, 2003
Cost: $1095 + GST

For more information or to register call 1-866-306-5421 or go to the website at www.canada-training-group.ca.

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Catalyst Training Services Upcoming Seminars

Catalyst Training Services is presenting two Supervisory training programs targeted to Supervisors and Lead Hands called Front Line Leadership. In order to enable our Abbottsford, Chilliwack, and Langley members to benefit from the Front-Line Leadership program for Supervisors, the session will be held at the BC Wood Offices. For our members in the lower mainland, the Front-Line Leadership program is being held in Burnaby.

Click here to download the Abbotsford form and here to download the Burnaby registration form.

Catalyst Training Services is presenting its in-depth leadership program for Managers titled Results-Centred Leadership Program for Managers. The six-half day program is held over a period of three months to enable the participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the sessions. Click here to download the registration form.

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Upcoming Tradeshows

Anchorage Alaska Market Intelligence Mission & Tradeshow
Anchorage, Alaska
August 14-18, 2003

Glee
Birmingham, UK
September 21-23, 2003

Salon Maison du Bois
Angers, France
October 3-6, 2003

National Sash and Door Jobbers Annual Convention
Orlando, FL
October 12-16, 2003

Log Home & Timber Frame Expo
Suffern, NY
October 17-19, 2003

Shanghai Trade Mission & China Wood Export & Import Conference
Shanghai, China
October 25 - November 2, 2003

For more information on these tradeshows, visit the BC Wood website.

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