The 2013 Interzum Fair is now over. What a whirlwind week!   I must say HORIZON's display,  the mystery container and booth we prepared, was a terrific hit. It generated loads of compliments and provided the perfect backdrop for the Horizon/Holz Braun people to talk  

about the uniqueness, passion and capabilities of our company. Thomas

Braun, shown above with the Terbovich's at the Horizon booth is the  

owner/CEO of Holz Braun, handling the exclusive sales of HORIZON in Germany. 

 

I was a bit skeptical about how HORIZON's booth would be viewed, considering most participants at this bi-annual trade show display in huge, commercially designed spaces; sophisticated in detail and staffed with armies of salespeople.  The lumbers and veneers displayed at these sleek booths are rare and stunning. The companies' production standards are top shelf and to be envied. They are professors of wood knowledge.  But frankly speaking  most exhibits' décor  are a bit like expensive doctors and lawyers waiting rooms.   Participating at a show like this with a home grown  display,  attempting to show imagination and product detail, while not losing sight of a bit of lightheartedness and comedy was a risk.  Considering the number of thumbs up and compliments, we must have done alright.

 

 The days I spent at the Interzum were preceded by a couple days at the Ligna machinery show.  I was curious as to what I would feel to be the overall mood of our industry.  Needless to say, since late 2008 wood can only get better: the question has been, "when"?   I was happy to see a real enthusiasm at both shows.  Not just happy people walking around feeling good to be out of the office, but people looking inquisitively at new machinery, sitting with salesmen over a piece of paper drawing out ideas, getting quotes.  At the Interzum the same was going on with the product side.  

 

I expected to hear loads of people complaining about the various economies  but most conversations were of the future not the present or past.  I speak basically about the hardwood sector when I say this, but I think the general consensus to take to heart is that the changes that were necessary in our industry, a return to value first then volume, are becoming apparent.  We can find niches that work for us and encourage us to invest.  I think this was the optimism prevalent but certainly not a "rules are off mentality"  which is good.

 

 (Continued..... please follow the link) 

What is it they are saying about these Generation Y and Z'ers? Tech savvy narcissists? Unskilled verbal communicators? Wanting to call their own shots, and work on their own schedules? We have heard the sentiments and, although we don't entirely buy the negativity, we have to admit we have grappled over how this upcoming generation can fit into a manufacturing based company. Yes, there have been occasions when we were quite disappointed by some of our younger hires and their seeming lack of understanding about what it takes to be an integral part of the team.

 

BUT that has changed for HORIZON. We have made a discovery! If you want a good worker, hire an Eagle Scout.  Whether by design or lucky accident, we have tripped into a treasure trove of young men who are primed, prepped and ready to work.  These guys have a lot of great characteristics: leadership skills, teamwork, and an realization of what it means to do a job, see it though to the end, and take pride in the process.

 

The Boy Scouting program is right at this moment on the cusp of a landmark decision related to their acceptance of gays.  BSA is in the spotlight and we hope the outcome shows a sense of fairness to all.   

But in spite of the present controversy that is casting 

a pall over the organization, we can not shout loudly enough about the things they do RIGHT in influencing the transition of boys to men.

 

Jeff, Cody and Derek, ....  we salute you!  These Eagles represent the youngest of our workforce.  They came on as High School students working summers or after hours and they have done us proud.  They are polite and respectful, while not being afraid to state their piece.  They have learned, grown and played an important role in HORIZON's operations.  Like the other Eagles that grace our Horizon, (George and Andy Terbovich) or previous birds ( Derrick, Peter, and Richard) their work reflects their Boy Scout training.  They do the job, and work hard to do it right!  

 

      

   We are still tweeting

                                                                                 




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           From the team at HORIZON WOOD PRODUCTS