Mark Rufiange, President and Owner of Structurlam, was elected BC Wood’s new Chairman of the Board at this year's AGM. A member of BC Wood since 1992 and a board member since 1997, Mark has always been an active and valuable member of BC Wood. I had the opportunity to ask Mark a few questions as he starts his tenure as Chair of BC Wood.

Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you got started in the industry?
I graduated from the University of Waterloo as a Civil Engineer and have been involved in the industry since 1987. Structurlam is a family based business started by my father-in-law in 1962. During my studies at Waterloo, I completed a four month co-op term at Structurlam and after graduation, I came to work here as the Assistant Manager. At the time, the company wasn’t doing very well and nobody really wanted to run it – so I took over the job of turning it around. At the time I came to work for Structurlam sales were $500,000; today we are selling over $7 million annually. Two years ago I bought out the business and I am now the owner and president.

How has being a member of BC Wood helped you with your company?
We have been a member of BC Wood since 1992 and it has been great for our company. From 1992 to 1994 we belonged to a program directed by BC Wood called Canada Comfort Direct, a marketing strategy with twenty or so companies. During that time we attended many tradeshows in Japan, averaging about three or four a year, and that is how we got started with BC Wood and the Japan market. We currently participate in about one tradeshow or mission a year.

Why did you get involved with the BC Wood Board of Directors?
BC Wood was very helpful when Structurlam first became a member, so I wanted to put my time in to contribute back to the organization. I also joined because I enjoy meeting and networking with people in the industry. You can learn a lot from people - information is the key to running a business.

Why have you made such a large commitment of your time to BC Wood?
I don’t think about the time I spend on the board as taking time away from my company. It’s just what I do, and I enjoy doing it so it’s not an issue for me. I do a lot of volunteer work such as coach soccer and participate in the IVAWA: I like to keep busy and it just becomes part of my schedule.

What is your vision for BC Wood in the coming years?
In the future I hope to see more participation from the BC Wood members. There is so much opportunity for them, they need to just jump on the bandwagon and explore new markets. I would like to get members more active in what we have to offer and realize all of the opportunities available to them. The challenge is getting members involved. I think more one-to-one contact is required to keep members informed.

What do you hope to accomplish in your term as Chair of BC Wood?
Well, I must say that Bill Reedy did such a great job that he will be a tough act to follow. But I am in a good position to build on what Bill started. As mentioned, I would like to see participation levels increase. In regards to the standards set by Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), I hope to see BC Wood well exceed those targets. I would also like to see our new board work together to provide the right direction for the employees of BC Wood.

What do you see for the future of the secondary wood products industry?
I am very optimistic because there are so many opportunities for the industry. With the problems of free trade and the softwood lumber agreement, we need to keep adding more value to lumber so that we don’t have to worry about these issues. We can make it happen if people work with BC Wood.

In the future I think small to medium-sized companies will grow, rather than the emergence of new companies into the market. There are a lot of great value-added wood manufacturers out there right now and with the help of organizations like BC Wood, they can build their companies. There has been huge growth in this industry in the last 10 years and I think it will continue to grow.

What do you see as the greatest challenge the industry faces?
In general, I think one of the greatest challenges is getting a good reliable source of wood at a decent price. This has and always will be a difficult issue.

Specific to marketing?
In terms of marketing, finding the right market for your product is a big challenge. Once the market is there it’s just a matter of finding the customer. BC Wood provides market access and helps companies market their products with the new MEP program. It takes time though, and you must be persistent. There are always barriers to overcome in new markets, such as language.

What would your advice be to someone looking to get into the secondary wood products industry?
First, get to know others in the industry. This is a huge thing - you can learn so much from others and avoid many mistakes just by talking to people. You can do this by joining a local association, like BC Wood, and networking with the members and talking about what is happening in the industry. My second piece of advice would be to take advantage of programs that are offered through other local associations.

“Dream Big”.

On September 14, 2002 at the BC Wood AGM, new board members were elected by the BC Wood Membership. The two newest members of the board are Max Srih and Roy Manion. To see a complete listing of all BC Wood Board members, visit the BC Wood website.

Roy Manion - VP Export Sales - Masonite International
Roy has been involved in the BC wood industry since 1961, primarily with two major companies, Canfor and Premdor (now Masonite), in various sales and marketing capacities. Roy’s sales endeavours have seen him travel extensively throughout North America and most recently, Asia, selling made in BC wood products. Roy oversees all Masonite’s door sales throughout Asia and Oceania. Current key Asian & Oceania markets include: Japan, Korea, China, Philippines, India, New Zealand and Australia.

Max Srih - President & CEO -Van Gogh Design Furniture Limited
Max Srih is the President & CEO of Van Gogh Designs Furniture, a built-to-order sofa manufacturing company based in Surrey BC, with distribution throughout North America. Max has 18 years of diverse international business experience, including accounting designations in both Canada and the UK.

I recently attended a conference organized by the Wood Promotion Network (WPN), called Best Practices in Communications.

This was intended as an International Networking Forum to discuss issues in the forest industry that effect us globally. An extremely impressive array of speakers and specialists from around the world presented information on topics ranging from “The Challenge of Defending and Growing Wood Markets” to “How to Transform Public Attitudes Rapidly on Divisive, High-Profile Issues”, to “Providing Environmental Product Assurance”.

The WPN is a growing coalition of over 315 Forest Product Companies, Associations and Allied interests across North America, that have joined together to promote wood as a great building and finishing material that comes from forests that are abundant, growing and renewable.

As a first effort – this conference was exceptional. In attendance were speakers and guests from Canada, Sweden, Finland, UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand and Norway. There were also representatives from the United Nations and the Confederation of European Wood Industries. Peter Mansbridge, Chief Correspondent of the CBC News opened the event, followed by our own Minister of Forests, Michael de Jong. Both offered enthusiastic praise for the Forum and encouraged all attendees to continue not only listen and learn, but also to get involved in the very important issue of promoting the use of our best, sustainable, building product resource – wood. For more information on the speakers and presentations, view their online newsletters at www.wpnupdate.com/Oct17/ and www.wpnupdate.com/Oct29/.

The WPN hopes to make this an annual event, held in a different country each year. My vote goes to New Zealand for 2003!

For more information about the WPN and how you can get involved, visit their website.

From September 21-29, 2002, BC Wood staff and eight BC Wood member companies visited furniture and giftware factories, wholesalers, and Chinese industry associations in southern China. The trip was “very intense” according to one participant, who also said “it exceeded my expectations”. One member summed it up by saying “This trip was well organized and full of opportunities and potential business for the participating mission companies”.

Well, what did we learn? For certain, the greatest immediate opportunity discovered was for the replacement of typical Chinese hardwood species with the following BC hardwoods: birch, aspen, alder and cottonwood for furniture and giftware.

Why is that? Well, domestic Chinese supply of hardwoods is in decline, while demand for these species is surging. BC birch, aspen, alder and cottonwood make perfect replacements!

What about softwoods? Although it was discovered that our softwoods are relatively unknown in southern China, we visited companies that utilized BC softwood species in furniture, giftware, doors, outdoor applications and in concrete forming and scaffolding.

We received solid inquiries for:

• Spruce (SPF) for giftware factories
• Pine and hemlock for furniture factories
• Hemlock for stiles and rails in solid core doors
• Treated SPF and Western Red Cedar for outdoor applications
• Hemlock and SPF for construction applications (concrete forming and scaffolding)

So, what do typical factories look like?

To check out the details of our company visits, see more pictures, and learn about specific lumber inquiries received on this trip, please go to the “Members Only” section of the BC Wood website and under "BC Wood Marketing Programs", click on “China”.

If you are interested in investigating the Chinese market for lumber and wood components, please consider participating in the upcoming trade missions to Shanghai and Beijing in January of 2003 and to Guangdong province in late March 2003. For more information, please contact me at mjahraus@bcwood.com or 1.877.422.9663 (604.556.3373 in Abbotsford) or visit the Tradeshow section of the BC Wood website.

Photo Credits: PTL Industries, Apex Forest Products, and BC Wood.

In previous issues of this newsletter I told you of upcoming events in Europe - now I can pass along the results.

After three busy weeks in early September meeting members in BC, Québec and the Maritimes, I returned to Europe for a log home mission in Austria. This mission offered good matchmaking meetings in Innsbruck and Vienna where several potential projects are coming up, including a 2,000-bed project (about 320 units) in a ski resort community just north of Innsbruck, Austria.

At the beginning of October BC Wood, in partnership with CMHC Vancouver, led a mission to Spain and France. With Western Red Cedar furniture, components, and prefabricated housing being the focus of this mission, members met with developers, architects, and importers from Spain. I will be following up on potential projects, one of which includes a 130-unit residential wood frame housing project right outside Madrid that would provide a lot of opportunity to member companies.

After an introduction to the market by the commercial officer for the Canadian Embassy in Paris, mission participants attended the “Salon Maison Bois” tradeshow in Angers, France. This is a regional show and it is the only event in France focussing specifically on wood houses of any kind (wood frame and log homes) and related products. As a result of the show being open to the public, we received several potential end customers and single housing inquiries.

Many architects and developers interested in Canadian technology also passed through the BC Wood booth. From this there are two project opportunities of particular interest for members. One architect/developer from Paris, partnering with investors, is developing a 3 hectare and a 10 hectare development and is looking for log homes, residential housing and other commercial units. Another engineer from the French Alps region is exploring the opportunity to work with BC manufacturers of prefabricated structures to design and build projects throughout France. For more information on these projects please contact myself, or Dave Farley at the BC Wood office.

The Salon Maison Bois show also set the groundwork for a working partnership between BC Wood and AFCOBOIS, the French wood house builders association. An AFCOBOIS delegation came to BC in mid October and attended a BC Wood sponsored reception. Several members attended this event, which provided a great networking opportunity for companies interested in this growing and potentially lucrative market.

The next shows coming up in Europe are DOMOTEX – the flooring tradeshow in Hanover (Jan 9th – 13th, www.domotex.de). Please contact me for more information on this show. BC Wood will also be sponsoring qualified members to attend BAU, THE housing and builders show to go to in Europe (Jan. 11th – 18th, www.messe-muenchen.de). I hope to meet many of you on these important European events in January 2003!

In searching for a theme to this month's article I realized there were too many divergent streams of news I wanted to convey. So, here's an update in point form from Japan.

- It’s always great to get back to BC, and the trip I look forward to each year is the BC Wood AGM. What I find especially rewarding is renewing acquaintances with members I’ve had contact with either in Japan or Canada over the past year. This year I met several companies who told me of business deals they'd finalized with Japanese firms initially contacted at shows, missions, or WWIS inquiries. In some cases these deals came about as long as two years after the first contact, not untypical in Japan as many of you know. Congratulations to all those members for staying the course and displaying the patience needed to succeed in this tough market.

- Lot's of stuff going on in November in Japan. From the 12th to 14th we'll be conducting seminars in Kyushu. These are the jointly organized Canadian wood products and design seminars BC Wood holds in conjunction with Canply, SPF, QWEB, the Canadian Embassy and consulates throughout Japan. From the 19th to the 22nd the Japan Home Show will be held in Tokyo, followed by the Osaka Home Builder's Expo on the 26th and 27th. In addition to the 25 BC companies and organizations taking part in these shows, there will be at least five BC Wood members taking part in the Japan Market Intelligence mission from the 26th of November to the 4th of December. There are still places available on this mission if you'd like to attend. Contact Jennifer Rose for more details. We are also conducting a mission jointly with CMHC from November 11-15, and we've invited a delegation from Korea to attend the Osaka Home Builders Expo to meet our members.

- As many of you have figured out by now, there is less European and South American wood cluttering up the Japanese market now than at any time in the previous year. The CVD has meant more offshore wood is being diverted to the US where prices are stronger, leaving some Japanese customers scrambling for product and knocking on Canadian doors again. At a show recently, I met the Japanese representative of a large Chilean remanufacturer and plywood shipper. He told me that he was only able to get 1000 m3 a month out of his mills, just enough to hold their market share, as the rest of their production was heading straight to the US. So on the remanufacturing side, there's a definite opportunity for Canadian suppliers to take back some market share in Japan right now.

- We just had a very successful visit by Rick Thorpe, Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise. It was the minister's first visit to Japan and the Embassy and consulate posts worked closely with the BC Wood Japan office to arrange various tours. We took the Minister to a condominium being finished with interior doors, cabinets and moulding from BC, as well as to the model house park of a large log home importer. His message to industry in Japan was two fold: Firstly, that BC is greatly appreciative of the business they've given our value-added manufacturers up to date; and secondly, that we will listen more closely to the concerns of Japanese businesses and work hard to meet their demands long into the future. He was very clear on this last point. We will endeavour to manufacture products the Japanese tell us they want, not necessarily those that are convenient or easy for us to make. Although the bulk of our manufacturing by necessity is geared to the demands of the US market, we will continually search for niches in Japan that can be filled within the limits of our current production models. The Minister was very supportive of BC Wood and our efforts in Japan, and indicated a desire to help in a variety of ways.

Finally, if you want to keep abreast of what's happening in the lumber and wood products industry in Japan, BC Wood provides members with downloadable copies of the bi-weekly Japan Lumber Journal, available in the Members Only section of the website, under BC Wood Marketing Programs/Japan/Reports.

Country Woodworkers is still in shock. Rick Hopper made the decision to exhibit at the Calgary Market Showplace because he heard that it was a buyers show- in a best case scenario you could sell your display right off the exhibit floor. It went better than that for Rick and Country Woodworkers. On the second day of the show, they sold all the contents of their booth to one Calgary dealer. This included bedroom sets, living room tables, wall shelving, china cabinets, and even their colour sample board.

In business since 1998, Country Woodworkers first started as a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, R. Hopper Cabinet Making Ltd. They occasionally built furniture on the side for family and friends, but when other people started taking an interest, they decided to pursue the furniture making idea. Now Country Woodworkers produces hand-crafted country pine kitchens and furniture.

Originally, Rick Hopper was not a big fan of government sponsored agencies, but after searching for assistance for secondary wood manufacturers with no luck, someone finally informed Rick about BC Wood. At the time he figured he had nothing to lose, but since then, he has become a true believer in BC Wood and has been an active member for two years. “The cost-shared trade shows have been the biggest benefit so far,” claims Rick. He goes on to say that he wouldn’t have made the Calgary dealer contact if it was not for the help of BC Wood.

The Calgary Market Showplace was the first wholesale furniture show that Country Woodworkers has attended. Over the past nine years they have exhibited at numerous home and garden shows and received great response. Recently, they even had one of their kitchens displayed in the show home at the Vancouver Home Show. However, they noticed that business seemed to slow down when they got back from the show, as there was no follow-up on the orders and few sales. As many of the attendees at the Home and Garden shows are the general public, Rick realized that he needed to target the designers, dealers, and buyers in the furniture industry in order to get the right response.

With this being his first wholesale show, Rick learned many things that he will take with him as he goes to future shows. One thing he learned is that you must be patient. “When you are dealing with the buyers they waste no time. They see your product, your price, and then they decide if they will buy or not.” In fact, he was surprised at how few people he actually talked to. “This is a huge difference compared to the Home Shows. At these shows you are talking non-stop, but at the wholesale shows you only talk to people who are seriously interested in doing business with you.”

Rick offers some additional advice, “You have to build your product to sell it and you must have good price levels. If you get anything out of attending these shows, it’s the learning experience and the feedback that you receive on your products.”

The Calgary Market Showplace was a great success for Country Woodworkers and they hope that other Members can benefit from it in the future. Rick Hopper has nothing but positive things to say about his experience at the show. “It was the most helpful show that I had ever been to as it gave me direction for my business.” He definitely recommends the show for first-time exhibitors like himself, and for those just “testing the waters”. “It’s a no-brainer.”

For more information on BC cost-shared tradeshows for export ready companies, please visit the Tradeshow section on the BC Wood website.

Looking to get involved in one of the fastest growing and largest future markets for value-added wood products in the world? Two recent documents are now available via BC Wood: the “Wood and Wood-Based Products Market in India” report, October 2002, from the Federal Government, and the “Welcome to India” AGM presentation by Jagdish Toprani (Manager India office). Some of the highlights in these documents include:

Reasons to look at the India market:

• High growth - annual economic growth of 5-6% over the last decade
• Limited competition – the India economy is just opening up to imports
• Purchasing power - over 150 million middle and upper-middle class potential customers
• Increased awareness and demand for western products

Specific opportunities in the India market:

• Lumber
• Value-added wood products (i.e., kitchens, doors, windows, flooring, furniture)
• Housing and building materials

What our competition is doing:

• Pricing
• Advertising
• Displays, trade show activities

And much more! Please check it out on the BC Wood Members Only website, under India, Reports.

To date, 40 BC Wood members have signed up for the Market Expansion Program. Soon they will be submitting their marketing planning templates in order to become Export Ready. Participation and response to workshops has been excellent from both members and non-members. For details on upcoming workshops, visit the MEP website.

Thanks to the continued support of our Associate Members, who facilitate our workshops; business-oriented organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Committees; and government agencies, we are able to offer workshops at a minimal cost and cover 100 percent of venue, food, and beverage expenses.

Assisting members who are new to exporting is vital to the industry. To achieve this, we are working ‘one-on-one’ with participants in all regions. Meeting face-to-face enables participants to submit their templates for earlier review, enrol in one of our 'core' workshops, and be Export Ready in a short time. These ‘core workshops’ are: “Export Finance & Insurance”, “You want to Ship What, Where?” and “Clearing Goods Hassle-Free.” Additional workshops may are recommended to participants, depending on the degree of detail in the submitted marketing plan. In all cases, Program Managers will provide feedback through the ‘work plan’ and advise when participants are “Export Ready’.

New Exporters To Border States (NEBS) Mission: A Unique Opportunity for MEP Participants

If you manufacture a building product and have signed up for the MEP or are about to, but have not yet submitted your marketing planning template for review, the following may be an incentive to do so.

MEP participants who submit their finalized templates, and register for one of the core workshops by November 15, 2002, will qualify for cost-share of CAD$150/day for the NEBS mission “Exporting Building Products to the United States” in Portland, Oregon. This mission takes place December 4th- 6th, 2002, and is held in conjunction with the JLC Live Residential Construction Trade Show.

This three-day mission, organized by Industry Canada’s International Trade Centre in Vancouver and the Canadian Consulate General of Canada office in Seattle is designed to familiarize you with the logistics of exporting building products to the United States. This mission combines seminar sessions with site tours as well as a visit to the JLC Live Show. Seminar topics include:

• US Customs clearance compliance
• US Immigration requirements
• Business planning from a US taxation perspective
• Introduction to market entry strategies such as dealers, agents and manufacturers reps
• How builders, building supply wholesalers and retailers make their buying decisions

Mission participants will get a first hand look at the products being used by touring a subdivision under development as well as a product distribution facility. At the JLC show, participants will be able to view the competition and have the opportunity to meet with builders and contractors.

The fee to participate in this program is US$100. This includes the three-day program as well as transportation via chartered bus from Delta to Portland. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Delta as well as accommodation, meals, etc. while on the mission. Space is limited. Registration and pre-payment of the program fee are required.

So, if you are a manufacturer in either the Cabinets, Factory Build & Pre-Fabricated Housing, Furniture and Fixtures, Engineered Building Products, Millwork and Finished Products or Remanufactured Products sector, let us know today if you’re interested. We will then work with you to complete your template as soon as possible.

Even when you are not formally “Export Ready", you still qualify for cost-share for this exciting event. This is just another way BC Wood assists you to expand your market and become globally competitive.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1.877.422.9663 (604.556.3373 in Abbotsford) or by email at mep@bcwood.com.

There are two upcoming opportunities for manufacturers of building products to gain exposure to the US market and connect with buyers. Manufacturers wishing to sell through distributors shouldn’t miss the Western Building Material Association’s convention in Portland, November 14-15. This is a unique opportunity to display your product to over 200 different distributors and retailers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. BC Wood has booked exhibit space and there are still some spots available. With the cost-share, you can attend this event for under $800 Canadian, including all your travel, accommodation, meals and exhibiting costs.

Secondly, BC Wood is offering cost-share for manufacturers participating in Team Canada’s New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) program, running in conjunction with the JLC Live construction show in Portland, December 5-7. The NEBS program includes a visit to the Consulate in Seattle, transportation to Portland, and a full day program with speakers from industry representatives, buyers and reps, and site visits. The trip also includes time to walk the show. This program is open to all BC Wood members and is a great opportunity to network with other BC manufacturers. For more information on either of these trade events, check the BC Wood web page or contact Yuri Akeroyd at 1-877-422-9663 or yakeroyd@bcwood.com.

BC Wood is pleased to present the following upcoming Market Expansion Program Workshops:

You Want to Ship What? Where?
November 5, 2002
6pm-9pm
Guildford Ramada, Surrey

Beyond Leads & Brochures
November 14, 2002
6pm-9pm
Comox Valley Economic Development Centre, Courtenay

Export Finance & Insurance
November 21, 2002
6pm-9pm
Coast Canadian Inn, Kamloops

Export Finance & Insurance
November 27, 2002
6:30pm-9:30 pm
Coast Bastion Inn, Nanaimo

Beyond Leads & Brochures
December 5, 2002
6pm-9pm
Guildford Ramada, Surrey

Beyond Leads & Brochures
January 16, 2003
6pm-9pm
Coast Canadian Inn, Kamloops

For more information and updates on the Market Expansion Program, please contact Henk Gauw or Sharon Hambly or check out the Market Expansion Program on our website.

We are pleased to welcome the following new BC Wood Members who have joined us since October 1, 2002:

Okanagan Barrel Works (2001) Ltd., Oliver - Specialty Items

3R Demolition Corp., Burnaby - Millwork & Finished Products

Kelric Kitchens & Millwork, Campbell River - Cabinets

Woodtone Ind., Chilliwack - Remanufactured Products (semi-finished)

North American Wood Treating, Abbotsford - Remanufactured Products (semi-finished)

The BC Wood website and the Members Only section is growing everyday with more information for the secondary wood products industry. Even though we are adding information to our site all the time, there are still some of you who do not know the full extent of the information that is available to you. Therefore, each month we will feature one section of the website to refresh you memory about the resources that are right at your fingertips.

Market Intelligence
Within the Market Intelligence area there are many sections that offer information on the secondary wood products industry. Under Business Resources you will find links to financing, industry contacts, industry trends, international trade, regulatory/taxation, statistics, and supplier resources. E-mail newsletters includes a listing of free e-mail newsletters for the secondary wood products industry. Market Reports offers the latest reports on the secondary wood products industry and Tradeshow Updates includes tradeshow summaries from mission leaders and International representatives, as well as leads gathered from tradeshows. The Resource Centre contains information on publications, reports, articles, and market intelligence that are available from the BC Wood resource centre. Be sure to check this section often as we add new items to it all the time.

Now for the latest on what we have been up to and added to the BC Wood website.

Tradeshow Information
In the Members Only section under Tradeshow Tips we have added a new section called Union Labour. Here you will find information on common union labour job descriptions as well as some tips for dealing with union workers.

New Reports to the Resource Center
BC Wood receives and sources market intelligence reports on a regular basis. Some of these reports are not available in electronic form but in hard copy only. You can find out what the latest reports are by going to the Members Only section under Market Intelligence, Resource Center, What’s New in the Resource Center.

- Statement of the US Market Review and Prospects - ECE Timber Committee

- General Economic Conditions – Canada – September 2002

- An Assessment of Market Opportunities for Western Canadian Aspen in the US, Japan, and Europe – Forintek - July 2002

Please contact Mary Quinn for more information on these reports.

New Tradeshow and Mission Promotions for Registration
In the Marketing Program area under Tradeshows, you will find new promotional and registration material for the North American shows that BC Wood will be attending and sponsoring. You can link to the promos by selecting a tradeshow from the calendar and then clicking on “How to Register”.

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 Yuri Akeroyd at 604-556-3373 or toll-free at 1-877-422-9663.

Custom Dry Kiln Co. is a full service provider of kilns, controls and related burner systems. We offer 24/7 emergency parts & service throughout the province on all makes and types of kilns. Custom is 100% BC privately owned and we are a class A boiler and gas contractor. Other areas that we provide expertise to is ventilation systems, heating, air conditioning and air driers.
Peter Harteveld
(604) 945-7728

Oscar Contracting was incorporated in 1992 with extensive experience in development and project management. Through the provision of market intelligence and consultations services in China, we aim to establish successful business ties for our clients in the Canadian wood industries. We charge fair and competitive fees for our services.
Pato Chan (604) 267-4968

Marvin Funk, founder of Timber-Pro, helps your company develop processes that will increase the productivity and manage business systems more effectively. Mr. Funk's expertise in remanufacturing, management, plant flow, machinery design, kiln drying and inventory control is extensive. Timber-Pro can help increase the efficiency of any business in the value-added wood manufacturing industry.
Marvin Funk (250) 828-0270

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is one of Canada’s pre-eminent national law firms with more than 600 lawyers, intellectual property agents, and other professionals working in five major cities, namely, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. We offer a full range of legal services spanning more than 70 areas of practice, and provide timely, integrated solutions for the local, national, and global marketplace. We have acted as counsel for transactions in many regions including India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Valli Chettiar 
(604) 640-4131

TLA Convention & Coastal Forestry Trade Show

Asian Development Bank Business Opportunities Seminar