The BC Wood 2002 AGM was held September 12—14th at the Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort in Kelowna. 331 participants representing Members, Associate Members, and Federal & Provincial Government Representatives attended this year’s event.

The response to our survey feedback questionnaire was great. To the question “How satisfied were you with the event”:

• 98% were very satisfied with the event
• 83% were very satisfied with the presentations
• 99% were very satisfied with the location

• 87% were very satisfied with the duration of the event
• 98% were very satisfied with the social and networking events

Here are some comments in response to the question “ What did you enjoy most about the AGM?”:

“Market intelligence & networking”

"Export information, meeting other members, networking”

“Having speech delivered to us from Forest Minister”

“The speakers, especially Mike de Jong, Stephen Poloz, Ludger Spohr and Ken Woods”

“Meeting people, getting ideas, sharing ideas”

“Food, golf tournament, speakers”

“Showcase and exhibits by associates”

“Informative and knowledgeable speakers, well organized staff, pleasant networking”

Be sure to check out the AGM website for more information. You can now download the speaker presentations and view pictures from this years event. Thank you to all those who attended and we hope to see you again next year!

Unless you were at BC Wood's last AGM or attended a tradeshow in Europe, chances are you have not met Ludger Spohr, BC Wood's European Representative located in Koln, Germany.

As the European Representative for BC Wood, Ludger's job is to conduct market intelligence on the European market, learning what is in demand and where that demand exists. He explores different markets in Europe, as well as the different regulations that are pertinent in each country. He told me that log homes with log furniture are quite popular at the present time in Europe. Timber frame housing and pre-fabricated homes are gaining acceptance in Germany, but builders must be aware of the energy efficient regulations.

Ludger works for the benefit of BC Wood Members. He meets with various people in the industry to educate himself on the market as well as educate the market on BC wood products. He consults with importers to see what kind of products they are looking for and to tell them about the benefits of BC wood products. Ludger regularily meets with Associations, consultants, and commercial officers in the Canadian Embassy in addition to attending industry trade shows.

So, as a BC Wood Member, what can Ludger do for you? You can contact Ludger to tell him about your products and ask for his advice on the market. In turn, when meeting people, he can offer information on your product if it suits the prospects needs. If you travel to Germany, Ludger would be happy to meet and assist you with the legal aspects involved in your trip such as working permits or regulations. While in Germany, Ludger can also help set up meetings with various people in the industry.

Ludger is in Germany for the benefit of all BC Wood Members. Feel free to contact him with any questions you have about the European market and your products. You can reach him by email at lspohr@bcwood.com or by phone at 011-49-221-1700410.

With the objective of increasing the number of new BC Wood members who are exporting to the US, BC Wood has created the Western US program. This program will focus on introducing new exporting members to the US market through three separate distribution channels:

1. Assist manufacturers in connecting with building supply retailers in the United States through participation in trade events focussed entirely on this distribution channel.
2. Regional tradeshows in markets closer to BC such as Seattle and Portland to help manufacturers cost-effectively reach customers in markets who are familiar with BC product.
3. Work with a builder/distributor for a project to incorporate several products from different BC Wood manufacturers.

Two excellent opportunities for exposure to the Western US market are currently scheduled. BC Wood has reserved space for members to exhibit at the Western Building Materials Convention in Portland, November 14-15, presenting a unique opportunity to showcase product directly to buyers and purchasing agents representing over 200 Western US distributors.

Following that, in early December, the JLC Live show is a regional builders show in Portland where BC Wood has reserved space for manufacturers selling direct to builders to promote their product. There are also plans to visit the Seattle Interior Show taking place in the beginning of November in Seattle, depending on member interest. For information on these shows and the Western US program, you can contact Yuri Akeroyd at the BC Wood office.

The Members Only section of the BC Wood webiste has seen a couple of new additions in the last few months. Not only have the WWIS inquiries been coming in at a steady pace, but we are gaining more and more submissions in the Members Exchange. Be sure to check this section out regularly as new entries are always coming in.

Another new addition is located within the BC Wood Marketing Programs section. For China, we have added an "Events" section. Here you will find a listing of events that are held by various organizations in BC, pertaining to the Chinese market for secondary wood products. We will include other international events as they are announced.

Lastly, we have received some new reports in the Resource Center, as well as added a downloadable CMHC newsletter.

We hope you find these tools useful. Stay tuned for more news on the lastest in the Members Only section. Feel free to submit your comments about the Members Only site to Mary Quinn.

Whether you are a seasoned exporter or just gearing up to becoming Export Ready, sooner or later you have to research your market, your competition, and so on. Of course you can do this by requesting information from governments or other potential resources, work your way through directories, hire a professional to do the work for you, or contact BC Wood for assistance. Increasingly, because of its convenience and low cost, many BC Wood members turn to the Internet.

The Internet is no different from other information sources. Some information is free; some has to be paid for. Some information is of high quality and highly relevant to the topic you are researching. Some information is of low quality, is irrelevant and may even be described as useless.

Before you begin your research:

• Think about the information you are searching for.
• What key words or concepts would best describe what you are looking for?
• Would a printed or other electronic source be quicker or more appropriate, e.g. an industry directory or a government database, or material that is available in the library?
• Would it be better to use a search engine or a subject directory?

What Are Your Searching Options?
Although the distinctions are often blurred, there are three basic ways of searching the Internet for documents or sites. They are:

1. Search Engines
   Search engines enable you to search the Internet using keywords or concepts, which describe the subject you are looking for. Examples: AltaVista, Google, Excite, or one of my favourites, HotBot. Most offer an “Advanced Search’ option, allowing you to refine your search.
2. Metasearch Engines allow you to search across many search engines at once; e.g.,Dogpile, Search.com and Metacrawler.
3. Directories
   Directories or subject gateways are basically organized lists of web pages, divided into subject areas. Some are very general and cover material on as many subjects as possible; e.g., Yahoo, LookSmart. Others are specifically designed to cover a particular subject area in depth.

All of them have sections that help you learn the basics such as how to interpret results, refine a search, and other special features.

Your search tool of choice should be determined by the kind of information you are looking for. However, within each category, personal preference also plays an important part. Experiment to find a tool that works for you. For comprehensive analysis and comparisons of search engines check out Search Engine Watch.

If you have not done so yet, give on-line market research a try. To get the taste of it, visit the following government web sites, and take things from there.

ExportSource
A website for exporters of goods and services complete with multi-database search engines and online guides. Your link to all Team Canada Inc. partners.

Strategis
Canada’s largest business information website with a large virtual library, information on industry, and trade statistics.

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
A variety of programs for export ready companies are offered, including the Trade Commissioner Service, and access to financial support.

If you have signed up for the Market Expansion Program, do not forget to check out the links under ‘Resources’ in the back of your User Guide. You can also find market research information and useful websites in the Members Only section of the BC Wood website or by contacting Mary Quinn at BC Wood.