Webinar: FSC - The Cost, Chain of Custody, and Benefits

W E B I N A R
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): The Cost, The Chain of Custody, The Benefits
What Dealers Need to Know

With John Wagner, Green Editor for LBM Journal and Content Manager for the Green Dealer Certification Program

$139.00 per logged on computer.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) lumber has been a bugaboo for dealers and contractors alike. First, the FSC lumber standard is hard to understand. It is extremely difficult to determine what lumber is eligible for LEED or NAHB points in the lumber category.

After you have that figured out, the contractor and dealer both have to navigate through the Chain of Custody certification, regulation, recordkeeping, and evidentiary requirements to get those points awarded.

To complicate matters further, your builder customers can still attain LEED lumber points by using non-FSC lumber, IF 51% of the value of the lumber used is FSC certified. And to put the icing on the cake of confusion, this may all be changing, as LEED will likely accept other lumber standards besides FSC in 2010, based on certain benchmarks.

Navigating through the FSC point system and Chain of Custody is worth the trouble IF you are bidding LEED jobs.

This Webinar will sort out the confusion, and look at the current benefits of FSC certification for lumber…and for your yard. We’ll also look at what’s involved (in cost and labor) for getting FSC certified.

The presenter, John Wagner is the current green editor for LBM Journal and content manager for the national Green Dealer Certification program, a program he co-founded. He is also a green building consultant and sales trainer for building supply dealers across the U.S. John is a sought-after speaker for industry events and is also the green building columnist for Qualified Remodeler Magazine and Residential Design & Building Magazine.

Click the registration form to enlarge, print and use it to register.

OSHA Safety News

From Coastal Training Technologies



OSHA NewsRevamping the EEP and increasing OSHA funding.Last April 30, the Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee concluded in a hearing that a "special worker health and safety program is not working and needs to be refocused." The Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP) seeks to identify and target "high-risk employers" based on past performance.

However, as an Inspector General report revealed, OSHA did not carry out the aims of the EEP properly and did not prevent employers' from risking the lives of their workers. Witnesses in the hearing also testified that the scope of current EEP is limited, precludes "corporate-wide investigations" and neglects "the most flagrant violations that occur before workers are killed."

Several government officials are calling for and undertaking a revamp of the EEP. Last month, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis cited the details of the DOL budget, whose overall aim is to "restore worker protection programs and revitalize employment opportunities for the American workforce."

The total requested budget for the DOL is $104.5 billion, most of which will be mobilized for "unemployment insurance benefits for displaced workers and federal workers' compensation." $1.7 billion will be allocated for worker protection programs and $564 million for OSHA.

Both increases are 10 percent more than last year's. The OSHA budget increase entails the hiring 1,000 new workers, including 670 investigators. To see other details of the budget and learn more about the EEP revamp, click on Laura Walter's EHSToday article here.

Trading Places CSA Style

By: Larry Marler

Trading Places is a new program offered to members who are interested in taking advantage of a training opportunity by swapping your future owner with another company of your choice. The purpose of the swap is allow your future owner to gain different perspectives on the business.

If you are interested in hosting an "exchange dealer" at your site, or if you are a future owner who would like to gain experience at another yard, contact Larry Marler at larrymarler@gocsa.com.

We will create a list of interested members and share that with those who contact us to find a host yard. . CSA's role will be to make the connection between those seeking training and new perspectives and those who are willing to share their knowledge. It will be up to the two parties to work out the details regarding the swap

Help us make this a great program by getting involved now. Tomorrow will be here sooner than you think.

News You Can Use - Running Your Business

Firing Line: Check Mate
Source: PROSALES Magazine
Publication date: June 10, 2009
By Tad Troilo

"I know my account is overdue," Rick told me on the phone before I even said hello. "But I can't pay you yet."
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because one of my customers can't pay me yet," he explained.
I asked him to follow up and let me know when he thought he could clean things up, and he told me he would call the customer who owed him money right now.
We hung up. My phone rang. It was Rick.
"I'm calling to see when you can pay me," he said.
"Why am I paying you?" I asked.
"Because your account is past due."
"I think you are confusing me with you," I told him. Read more.

New Dimensions: A Popular Dilemma
Even as you cut staff, invest in those remaining so you'll be ready for housing's recovery.

Source: PROSALES MagazinePublication date: June 10, 2009
By Mike Butts

After several recent conversations with clients and friends, I have to admit something to you: I'm a bit frightened about our future, but not because it's so hard to tell when housing construction will revive. Let me explain.

An industry friend and I recently were discussing ProSales' list of facility closings and how many of them were clients of mine and also located in my friend's region. Soon we were discussing the impact this would have on our industry as a whole. Later, I made a few other calls to suppliers, manufacturers, and other members of our supply chain. The results were astounding. Read more.

News You Can Use - The Many Shades of Green

Green Goods: Countdown to Quality
Green expert Mark LaLiberte shows how to help builders avoid the top five errors on energy, resource efficiency, and health.
Source: PROSALES MagazinePublication date: June 10, 2009
By Mark LaLiberte

I'll be the first to admit that the basic building science details of a solidly built home aren't quite as sexy as green features like bamboo floors and solar photovoltaic panels. Even so, we need to get away from the idea that a green home is just about the products. While new green products are great, they're only "lipstick on a pig" if the home isn't also energy efficient, built to last, healthy, safe, and affordable to maintain. Read more.

Spiral Bound: What standards do dealers and distributors use to recommend green products?
ProSales found stark differences. And the deeper you go into the selection process, the trickier the choices get.
By Rich Binsacca

When contractors come to Ridgefield Supply for green building products, they often get more than they bargained for–and thankfully so. That's because Margaret Sims, vice president of the single-location dealer serving the New York City suburbs, has made herself and several of her sales staff experts on building science, sustainable practices, and products that promote that goal. "Our customer base is very confused about the green movement," says Sims. "They're getting tired of hearing conflicting information." Read more.

First Remodeled Home Certified To The National Green Building Standard
A recently completed remodeling project in Munster, Ind. is the first home remodel to earn certification under the National Green Building Standard, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced today.

The 1,100-square-foot ranch home built in 1974 was renovated by Lyng Builders, a Franklin, Ill., custom home building and remodeling company, after floodwaters filled the basement as well as two feet of the first floor.

Working within a tight budget to repair substantial structural damage, Lyng Builders also persuaded the home owner to make improvements that can help save on utility bills by decreasing energy and water consumption and to obtain national green certification through the NAHB Research Center, which trains and accredits third-party inspectors.

For projects to be certified, remodelers must address a range of factors, including energy, resource and water efficiency and indoor environmental quality in the newly renovated home. Read more.

News You Can Use - On Technology

New Lien Writer 9.1.5.1 Software Released
The latest version of Lien Writer, the premier program for Mechanic's Lien paperwork has just been released on the web. Read more.

Huber Engineered Woods Launches Sweepstakes to Promote New Website
Huber Engineered Woods LLC, a manufacturer of innovative building solutions, is launching an online sweepstakes at http://www.advantechcashgiveaway.com/ where contestants can register to win up to $5,000 from May 25 through July 31, 2009. One grand prize of $5,000 will be awarded, and five runner ups will receive a prize of $1,000 each. Winners will be notified on Aug. 30, 2009.

AdvanTechperforms.com is a newly launched Web site designed to help builders, retailers, architects and homeowners distinguish the superior benefits and performance of Huber Engineered Woods' AdvanTech flooring, sheathing and rim board from competing products. The Web site uses unique and engaging content to demonstrate the strength, moisture resistance and quality that make AdvanTech an unmatched building resource. Read more.

How 'Information Modeling' Is Affecting Your Work
Source: Contractor`s Business Management ReportPublication date: June 1, 2009By Miletsky, Robert

Information modeling offers con- tractors and owners a wealth of information on a project. Whether renovating or "restoring" an existing structure or building from scratch, it is clear that modeling offers signifi- cant advantages over the now "old- fashioned" method of reviewing the rolled-up plans and six-inch- wide book of specifications and building off of these items. Yet modeling has encountered significant roadblocks on its way toward gaining wider ac- ceptance and use. And the ability of modeling to overcome these bumps will go a long way toward determining how effective it will be and how useful it will be to contractors. These issues became clear at the American Institute of Architects (AIA - www.AIA.org) Annual Convention in San Francisco at the beginning of May, and from a conversation with Phillip G. Bernstein, FAIA, RIBA, LEED AP, and vice president, Autodesk Inc., www.autodesk.com. What are these roadblocks and what can you expect to see in the near future with respect to modeling? Read more.

News You Can Use - Product Information

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Tile Redi Debuts Line of Pre-Formed Shampoo Niches for Showers

Product Monitor: Siding
Accentuate the Positive: Pairing inexpensive siding with accents and unique materials can boost curb appeal.
Source: PROSALES MagazinePublication date: June 10, 2009
By Victoria Markovitz

When customers want siding on the cheap, it's difficult to persuade them that paying more can bring worthwhile results. There's an alternative, however. Some manufacturers and dealers are seeing builders pair basic siding choices, such as lower-end vinyl and fiber cement, with exterior accents to create a higher-end look. Read more.

Deadline Draws Near for FHUT 2290

By: Larry Marler

The deadline for filing the Federal Highway Use Tax 2290 is close at hand - July 1. If you have never heard of this, it may be because you haven’t operated a truck of 55,001 GVWR or larger until now.

Many of our members have upgraded over the years and are now subject to the law requiring businesses to file the FHUT 2290. The links listed show the graduated scale based on the actual weight of the maximum load carried and the weights of the actual vehicles as a total actual taxable gross weight.

An example of a vehicle you might think would pay the fee would be a truck GVWR rated for 65,000 but was needed for volume to haul loads of Styrofoam. This may not gross out but to 45,000 lbs and would not fall under the requirement if the vehicle only hauled the maximum as noted.

Note: Don’t fudge on this, there are too many ways to be caught and that can result in large fines and assessment for payments from previous years, as well.

Other points to consider:

►Strongly encourage efiling at www.irs.gov , if you have 25 or more vehicles you must efile.

►Due date is July 1st

►Period of filing without penalty by August 31st

►Be sure to get proof of payment on all used purchased vehicles or you will be liable for the total time of taxes for the tax year July1 – June 30.

►Must show proof of paying the tax when purchasing new truck tags.

►Filing forms change each filing year.

Other links for full instructions and forms are:

www.irs.gov/instructions/i2290/index.html

www.irsgov/pub/irs-pdf/f2290.pdf

News You Can Use

TRENDS, NUMBERS, REGULATORY ITEMS

AP Stress Index confirms easing of recession
Source: Associated Press/AP OnlinePublication date: June 8, 2009
By MIKE SCHNEIDER and JEANNINE AVERSA

The recession's grip appears to be loosening as seasonal hiring picked up this spring. That's the conclusion of the Associated Press' monthly analysis of the economic pain in more than 3,100 U.S. counties.

The latest results of the AP's Economic Stress Index show the free fall that marked the autumn of 2008 and winter of 2009 gave way in April to a more controlled descent, possibly even a bottom. Still, the analysis found that pain remains high compared with year-ago levels. Read more.

Builders Fear Consequences of New Appraisal Law
Source: BIG BUILDER NewsPublication date: June 8, 2009
By Sarah Yaussi

It's been little over a month since the switch was flipped on the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), and many builders are still unsure as to what the new rules mean for their business. However, many believe any regulatory change spells disruption.

The new code, a pet project of former HUD secretary Andrew Cuomo, was an attempt to secure the independence of real estate appraisers, who, say the code's supporters, have been under continual pressure from lenders, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and even home builders to inflate values. Under the new code, lenders have set up firewalls between their loan departments and their either internal or third-party appraisal services if they wanted be able to sell the loans on the secondary market to either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Read more.

A Housing Recovery: Not So Fast
Source: Business WeekPublication date: June 8, 2009
By David Bogoslaw

Stocks of homebuilders have had an impressive run recently, thanks to a stream of improving macroeconomic data, including home sales and consumer confidence, climbing an average of 38% since March 9. But will the recovery last? Recent gains in long-dated U.S. Treasury yields augur rising mortgage rates, while the likelihood of increasing foreclosures could further bloat the housing supply in the months ahead. Read more.

U.S. Lumber Production Falls 28% in 1Q09
Source: PROSALES Information ServicePublication date: June 5, 2009

Lumber production across the United States in the first quarter fell 28.3% from the year-earlier period to total 5.47 billion board feet, the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) reported. Meanwhile, production in Canada slid 24.9% in the same period to total 4.64 billion board feet. Read more.

HUD revises rules for stimulus money
Source: Associated Press/AP OnlinePublication date: June 3, 2009
By KEVIN FREKING

Federal officials have lowered the threshold that the nation's public housing agencies must meet to get some of the stimulus money set aside for new roofing, plumbing and other renovations. Read more.

There are Many Reasons to Attend the Summer Management Conference

Dear Fellow CSA Members:

Three weeks ago I drove from my home up to Hiawassee Georgia, to The Ridges Resort, site of CSA’s Summer Conference, July 9-12.

I wanted to check them out, after all Hiawassee isn’t exactly Hilton Head or Point Clear where we have gone the last two years. I was very pleased with what I saw – clean, comfortable and recently remodeled rooms; a lodge that has a rustic feel without seeming out-of-date; a great view of Lake Chatuge from the patio and from many rooms; and an adjoining marina from which water lovers can rent “any form of water-sport equipment” according to my guide for the morning.

In a survey taken at last year’s conference, members chose a mountain setting for this year’s meeting and our staff has done a great job in selecting The Ridges. The mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia surround and are easily accessible from our site. Check out http://www.theridgesresort.com/ to get excited about a weekend in the mountains.

The easiest decision to make regarding this conference would be to take a pass due to current business conditions. On the contrary I believe that now more than ever we all need the stimulation of speakers that understand our industry and the osmosis-type infiltration of great ideas that we receive from each other at these conferences. Our education committee has selected speakers that you will want to hear, for both their educational and entertainment value. And there will be no lack of leisure and recreational activities for you and your family.

I encourage you to sign up now for yourself and your family and for the top contributor in your company – sales rep or manager. I am bringing a couple of my managers and spouses as a way of saying thank you for their contributions and sacrifices over these two tough years. I look at it as an investment, not an expense, since I know what they learn will improve the financial health of Blake Builders Supply in the coming months.

I look forward to seeing you in a month.

Tom Hall
CSA Chairman of the Board, 2009