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As a mother, I find I am constantly giving reminders. Thus, the reason for my next
comments:
NEWS
Dr. Duane Lyon, Professor at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), Forest and Wildlife
Research Center, Mississippi State University,
has retired after 25 years of service. Dr. Lyon served as a professor and as the
Coordinator of the Furniture Research Unit (FRU) at the FPL. Since the creation
of the FRU within the FPL by the Legislature in 1987, the FRU has assisted the furniture
industry in building a strong technological base that will ensure that the industry continues
to grow and remain profitable. Under Dr. Lyon's guidance, the FRU has saved Mississippi
furniture manufacturers more than $3 million annually since the Unit was established. The FRU is the largest furniture research program in North America. The
furniture industry contributes significantly to the economy of Mississippi. Presently,
there are more than 250 firms in the state, employing 49,566 people, with a total
impact on the state's economy of over $3.2 billion per year. Mississippi's furniture
industry is best known for producing 70 percent of the upholstered furniture made
in the U.S.
"Dr. Lyon has established an excellent reputation with furniture industry personnel
through his work as the Coordinator of the FRU. Words cannot describe the invaluable
service Duane has provided over the years to the Laboratory, MSU and the furniture
industry. His contributions will be recognized long after he is gone and we will try
to continue in the pattern of excellence that he has set for us," said Dr. Philip
Steele, Interim Department Head of the FPL.
The retirement reception for Dr. Lyon was held in the FPL Log Cabin on Friday, January
30th. Dr. Malcolm Portera, President of the University, as well as MSU faculty and
staff, and many industry representatives joined in wishing Dr. Lyon the best of luck
in his retirement. Dr. Lyon matched the contributory gifts that were collected to
honor him on his retirement and donated $1000.00 to the Forest Products Laboratory
Scholarship Fund. Dr. Lyon will continue to reside in Starkville, MS, and remain
active at MSU.
Constitutional Change
A change needs to be made in the Constitution regarding the procedure for succession
should the office of president-elect be vacated. The current method of succession
would create a void in the presidency the year following the vacancy since the president-elect would have advanced to this office. The following constitutional change will
be brought up for a vote before the membership at the Annual Meeting, followed with
a letter ballot in July (per the regulations for amendment to the Constitution).
Thin Kerf Technologies, Inc. (TKT) of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
, has a new web site for presenting its products and services relating to sawing technology
and machine alinement. The site's address is www.thinkerf.com The site hosts
a discussion group, called the Filer's Forum, for anyone interested in sawing technology for the primary and secondary wood industries. This is an open forum to discuss
issues and problems, and to seek advice. The TKT web pages also have links to the
web pages of other companies and organizations involved in sawing technology. 
SWST Annual Technical Session - "Wood Products Industry in the 21st Century: Knowledge,
Technology and Work Force Training Needs",
JUNE 21, 1998, Fiesta Americana Hotel, Merida, Mexico
8:00 - 12:45 Technical Program
(Yucatan III)
8:00 - 8:25 Harry Cullinan, Professor
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Pulp & Paper Education and Research Alliance
8:25 - 8:50 Heinz Koester
, Professor
F. H. Rosenheim, Germany
European Industry Perspective
8:50 - 9:15 Ricardo Ayub,
President
Duraplay Co., Chihuahua, Mexico
Mexican Industry Perspective
9:15 - 9:40 Guillermo Guelle,
President
Forestal Copihue, Chile
Chilean Industry Perspective
9:40 - 10:05 Wood Links Demonstration
10:10 - 10:45 Discussion (all speakers)
Moderator: J. David Barrett
, Professor
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
10:45 - 11:45 Award Presentations
11:45 - 12:45 Annual Business Meeting and Lunch
1:00 - 4:00 Joint SWST/FPS Plenary Sessions
Session 1: Forest Fiber Biology, Its Control with Silviculture and the Effects
on Wood-Based Products
(Merida I)
Session 2: Predictive Techniques for Characterizing the Structural Performance of Fiber-Based
Composites
(Merida II and III)
Session 3: Using Knowledge of Wood Physics to Improve Wood Drying
(Valladolid room)
4:00 - 5:30 Joint SWST/FPS Technical Forum and Student Posters
(Student poster competition held June 20, 1998)
(Yucatan IV Room)
2nd Annual Workshop on Electronic Information Systems for the Wood Products Industries:
The Internet -
Surfing the Net! Cyberspace! The World Wide Web! Home Pages! We hear about how
useful the Internet is and about all the information that is available. How do you
find it? How do you navigate the maze? How do you use it to sell your products
and promote your company? The Department of Wood Science and Forest Products at Virginia
Tech will be conducting a one-day workshop for wood industry personnel to gain the
necessary skills with both the hardware and software to utilize the Internet regarding
the processing and marketing of wood and wood products. This program will be held on
May 12, 1998, at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, Virginia. Each
participant will have access to his or her own computer workstation throughout the
entire workshop. This will be a hands-on, logged-on program. Enrollment will be limited.
For additional information or registration materials, contact Fred M. Lamb, Department
of Wood Science and Forest Products, Brooks Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
24061,
ph: 540-231-7256, fax: 540-231-8868.
Four Teachers Tours Planned for 1998
- Under the umbrella of the Teachers Tour Coalition,
the Teachers Tour effort continues this year on an expanded basis. Four tours are
scheduled, twice the number of recent years. With the Temperate Forest Foundation
as the central point of operation, 12 associations are involved in the effort, with
NAWLA and the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers' Association at the forefront
of the sponsor-teacher recruiting process. One of the benefits of the Teachers Tour
program is that it acts as a catalyst to unite regional industry groups in the coordination of each event. This helps to create a localized infrastructure and, thus, pave
the way for subsequent similar activities to be carried out by these groups at the
grassroots level. The four Teachers Tours planned for 1998 are: Southeastern Region,
June 17-20, 1998, Alexandria, LA; Redwood Region, July 8-11, 1998, Fortuna, CA; Northwestern
Region, July 29-August 1, 1998, Kelso, WA (Mt. St. Helen); and Northeastern Region,
August 19-22, 1998, Bucksport, ME. In the near future, NAWLA
will send members information on what entails sponsoring a teacher. Until then, please
give this very important and gratifying opportunity a thought. Talk to your kids,
or your employees who have children in grade school about this program to help select a teacher in your area. For more information, contact NAWLA at 3601 Algonquin Road,
Suite 400, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, ph: 800-527-8258, fax: 847-870-0201,
email: nawla@aol.com
web site: http://www.lumber.org
11th International Symposium on Non-Destructive Testing of Wood
- September 9-11, 1998, at the Inn on the Park Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin. Topics
to be presented include: Advanced NDT methodologies for timber and wood composite
materials; applications of NDT for manufacturing, quality control and evaluation
of material properties of wood and wood products; and applications of NDT for in situ condition
assessment of wood-based components, connections, assemblies, and full-scale timber
structures. For more information or to request a brochure, call 800-942-4978 or
509-335-3530, Conferences & Institutes, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-5222
American Wood Preservers' Association
has a new address: P. O. Box 5690, Granbury,Texas 76049. Their phone number 817-326-6300
and fax number 817-326-6306 remain unchanged. Their email address is: awpa@itexas.net
Research, Tech-Transfer Team May Revolutionize Navy Ports
- Experts from several universities, government agencies and industries are teaming
up for an all-out attack on the marine elements destroying the nation's piers and
ports. The Office of Naval Research awarded the first $2.5 million of a three-year
$7.5 million contract to the multidisciplinary team of Washington State University's Wood
Materials Engineering Laboratory, Michigan Technological University, New Mexico Institute
of Mining and Technology, Amoco Polymers, Inc. of Georgia and the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) in California. The team will use the funds to
develop a new hybrid wood-based material impervious to marine borers, water logging
and many other destructive elements of the marine environment. The engineered pie
components made of thermoplastic wood may supplant the need for creosote- or pesticide-treated
timber. They will be used for pilings, wales, chocks and camels for a new generation
of concrete pier fendering systems to replace decaying wood in the majority of the U.S. Navy's waterfront facilities. As many as 8,000 tons of timber could be removed
each year as the Navy transitions these timbers. As much as $1 billion in structural
deficiencies affect current Navy shore facilities, most of which were established
in the 1940's. This unique joint university-industry-government research project
demonstrates how innovative "engineered lumber" can bring higher-performing building
products to the marketplace in a cost-effective, ecologically sound way.
Timber, Tourists, and Temples - Conservation and Development in the Maya Forest of
Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico,
edited by Richard B. Primack, David Bray, Hugo A. Galletti, and Ismael Ponciano.
This book brings together the leading biologists, social scientists, and conservationists
working the Maya Forest and around the world to present a single volume of information on the intricate social and political issues and the complex scientific and management
problems to be resolved there. The topics cover data collected on the Maya Forest
using GIS and remote sensing technologies; forestry and conservation policies of
the three nations on which the Maya Forest exists; efforts by communities to manage
their forest resources; the relationship between conservation and local consumers;
projects that seek to integrate biological research with assessment of impacts of
resource extraction and human activities upon forest species; and the need to involve local
people in the conservation of resources. You may order from Island Press, Box 7,
Dept. 2PR, Covelo, CA 95428, ph: 800-828-1302. Cost is $55.00 for cloth ISBN 1-55963-541-X or $35.00 for paper ISBN 1-55963-542-8
HPVA Publishes the 1998 Where to Buy Hardwood Plywood, Veneer and Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Buyers' Guide and Membership Directory.
This 172-page directory is the best single source of information available in the
industry about hardwood plywood and veneer manufacturers, finishers, suppliers, and
wholesale distributors, and the products they offer. Copies of the Guide are available for $5.00 to cover postage and handling. Mail request and check to HPVA, P.O. Box
2789, Reston, VA 20195-0789.
The Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management at Virginia Tech
held a workshop on February 2, 1998, for students to help improve their interviewing
skills and understand what to expect during their first year on the job. This workshop
was presented by representatives from the forest products industry. Dr. Dennis Yamasaki and Mr. Edward McLaughlin (Champion International Corporation) addressed interviewing
skills. Recent graduate, Ms. Emille Dillard (McEwen Lumber Company) discussed what
to expect the first year on the job. Ms. Claire Childress (Virginia Tech Career Services) discussed the services provided by her office. The workshop was well received
by all and will be continued in the future. Dr. Robert J. Bush, director of the
Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management, was pleased by the reception
this workshop received and explained, "We couldn't have done this workshop without the
help of the industry representatives. I appreciate them taking time out to help
prepare our students for a successful career in the forest products industry."
Graduate Fellowships in Forest Products Marketing are available at the Center for
Forest Products Marketing and Management at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University.
These fellowships are available for students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. with emphasis
on the Marketing of Forest Products. Fellowships provide students with a stipend
($17,000 per year plus tuition waivers) and the opportunity to work with one of the
top programs in the field. Candidates with an interest in forest products marketing,
regardless of educational background are encouraged to apply. Fellowship awards
will be based on academic achievement and potential to excel in graduate studies.
U.S. citizenship is required. To request more information contact: Ms. Joanne Buckner, Secretary,
Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management, Department of Wood Science and
Forest Products, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1650 Ramble
Road - Mail Code 0503, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (phone: 540-231-5876, fax: 540-231-8868,
email: ctrfpmjo@vt.edu)
The university is an equal opportunity employer.
Two Faculty Positions Available - Forest Ecologist and Natural Resource Economist
(both at the Resident Faculty or Program Director level), located at the Center for
Coastal Studies, Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada.
Anticipated start date of June 1 or August 25, 1998. The Forest Ecologist position
candidate must have a Ph.D. or Masters with relevant experience, four years teaching
experience at University level, and field experience. Candidates should also possess a background in Forestry, Forest Management, Forest Ecosystems, Coastal Zone Ecosystems,
Social Forestry, Canadian and British Columbia provincial land use management.
The Natural Resource Economist position candidate must have a Ph.D. or Masters with relevant experience, fours years teaching experience at University level, and field
experience. Candidates should also possess a background in Forest resource management;
alternative forest management models in the context of sustainable development, forest and wildlife management, landscape scale ecosystem management principles; and
familiarity with social forestry, forest ecology and resource sociology and management
of resources and policies in Canadian and British Columbia provincial land use management. To apply for either position, send CV and cover letter to: Daniel S. Adam, Human
Resources Recruiter, 16 Broadway, Beverly, MA 01915, ph: 978-922-7200, x304 or fax:
978-927-5127.
Two Faculty Positions Available - Natural Resource Economist and Forest Ecologist
(at the Resident Faculty level), at the Center for Rainforest Studies, Queensland,
Australia
. The Forest Ecologist position requires a Ph.D. or Masters with relevant experience,
four years teaching experience at University level, and field experience. Should
also possess a background in Forestry, Forest Management, Forest Ecosystems or Social
Forestry in tropical forests. Experience in Australia preferred. The Natural Resource
Economist position requires a Ph.D. or Masters with relevant experience, four years
teaching experience at University level, and field experience. Candidates should
also possess a background in forestry economies, restoration and forest ecology and
wildlife, landscape management ecology, working with alternate forest management
models in the context of sustainable development integrating social and resource
components in tropical forests. Experience in Australia preferred. To apply, send CV and cover
letter to Daniel S. Adam, Human Resources Recruiter, 16 Broadway, Beverly, MA 01915,
ph: 978-922-7200, x304 or fax: 978-927-5127.
Assistant or Associate Professor/State Extension Wood Products Specialist, Department
of Forestry, Oklahoma State University -
Faculty appointment: A nine-month, full-time, tenure-track position, 70% teaching
and 30% extension. Two years summer funding has been secured for additional extension
programming, renewable based on performance. Responsibilities: Teaching to include
wood properties, wood and fiber manufacturing/marketing, wood and fiber utilization
and harvesting. Extension to focus on the development of existing and new primary
and secondary wood and fiber processing industries in Oklahoma and the mid-south
region. Requirements: A doctoral degree in forest products or closely allied field, B.S.
and M.S. degrees in disciplinary areas supportive of the teaching and extension mission.
Submit letter, resume, transcripts and 3 references by June 19, 1998 to Dr. Ed Miller, Oklahoma State University, Department of Forestry, 008C Agriculture Hall, Stillwater,
OK 74078-6013, ph: 405-744-5438, fax: 405-744-9693, email forelm@okway.okstate.edu