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Hope everyone had a great rememberance day long weekend and took a moment to remember the thousands of men and women who have given their lives fighting for Canada.  Image from cbc.ca
We wrapped up another excellent E-Commerce & Social Media Workshop and received great feedback. Many of you suggested that we offer a workshop on tradeshow preparation. We agree that this would be valuable information, so we will be holding our first workshop on December 6th in Surrey, BC. Read below for more information.
If you have not been featured in our Spotlight section and would like to be, please email me at rmann@bcwood.com or call 604-882-7100. You do not have to be a member of BC Wood, or any other association to participate. If you are using Microsoft Outlook to view this email, you may not be able to see all of the images, or the formatting might be a bit off. In this case you can view the webpage version of this email by clicking on the link at the top of this email "Having trouble viewing this email? Click here" or visit our Wood Connections archives and click on 'Wood Connections - November 15, 2012' Read below for highlights from the past 2 weeks. Also, feel free to send me news stories that you think our readers would be interested in. You can email them to me at rmann@bcwood.com |
| It's Show Time: Seven Amazing Ways to Make Your Trade Shows Pay | |
Hard hitting workshop on trade shows will prep you for a "great" new season
Did you know that over 70% of trade show leads are never followed up - even though the sole purpose of participating in trade shows is to generate sales? Learn why this happens - and exactly what to do about it - in this exciting workshop with wood products marketing specialist Neil Godin. Neil will share an array of hard-hitting, eye-opening tips on how to ensure your trade show investments produce sales. Here are just a few of the things you will learn in this interactive program:
- How to develop a total "Trade Show Action Plan" designed to help you produce sales (you start building your plan during the workshop)
- How to use "Pre-show Marketing" to create excitement - and attract prospective customers! (Check list is provided)
- How to use "In-show Marketing" to ensure that your booth is a show stopper - even on a shoestring budget! (Check list provided)
- How to use "Post-show Marketing" to ensure that qualified leads are converted to sales after the show (Check list provided)
- How to use social media marketing - in less than 10 minutes a day - to promote your trade show appearances (at zero cost!)
- How to develop a Q-List - a hot list of "Quick Qualifying Questions" (you will customize this list for your business during the workshop)
- How to create a "silent sales force" in your booth - a display of testimonials, awards, media coverage, photos, videos and posters etc - that help "do your selling for you!"
- And much, much more!
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel - 15269 104 Ave, Surrey
Presenter: Neil Godin
To register, please email rmann@bcwood.com.
Testimonials from previous workshops:
"This course was exactly the hands-on, 'what can we do right now,' kind of information that I have been wanting to learn" "This seminar was worth far more than the time and money spent. Despite the tough economy we have more than doubled our sales and while competitors are dropping their prices, we've just raised ours." "I attended your seminar today on how to make trade shows pay. I took a four year Business Management Degree program that included various marketing courses. I felt like I learned more tips and practical information in your seminar than I did in my four years of schooling." |
| Industry News | A traditional Japanese frame blessing
Daizen Joinery A frame-blessing ceremony is no longer common, but we had a good opportunity to do one recently in Kamloops. The client requested the ceremony, gathering family and friends together. The purpose of the ceremony is to show the last piece of the frame fitting into the house while the people who will live in the house look on. That last timber assembly included a wetting bush (small pine tree) and a Canadian flag.
Flying in the last roof truss, adorned with a Canadian flag and the traditional wetting bush. The truss end is padded against the lifting strap
Fitting the final assembly into place
The client contributed wine and snacks for everyone who gathered to celebrate the fine frame that was built. They greatly admired the work of the designer, the contractor, and we timber framers. In this event I witnessed the client's thoughtfulness.
I explained the process of creating a frame-trees in coastal BC, cut selectively, delivered to a specialty mill, and carefully kiln dried. Once the wood arrived at our workshop, we planed, sanded, stained, and fabricated the timbers. All were local operations employng local people. I have no doubt that they cared for the work and tried the best they could, each in their own specialty. I shared my pride and appreciation on behalf of all these teams.
I realized something important in this event. The cost of living is so high now, and supporting local businesses (as opposed to using big-box chains) can cause higher immediate costs. Those who allow us to team up with other local businesses who do good work are really supporting our society.
I then blessed the house in the traditional Japanese style. Salt, sake, and rice were prepared for the ceremony. We also created a piece of wood listing all teams and the raising date on its back, and a wish and celebration on the front.
On the red cloth are small bowls of salt, sake, and rice. Leaning vertically above it is the "blessing board."
I began by spreading salt at each corner: east, south, west, and north. Then, all together, we made two bows, two taps of the wood, and one bow. I explained this as follows: "We are asking this piece of wood to protect anyone who lives under this frame for ten generations to come. While we bow and tap, please put all of your wishes for protection into to this piece of wood. Once the ceremony is completed, this board will stay inside the roof."
After the bowing and tapping was done, the home's new owners spread the sake in the same manner as I had done with the salt. The general contractor followed suit with the rice. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony. |
Industry News - VIDEO
| NSCU Environmental Learning Centre - A Natural Approach to Learning
Naturally Wood The North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre (ELC) is an addition to the North Vancouver Outdoor School (NVOS) located in Brackendale near Squamish, British Columbia. The ELC is constructed with cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is a large multi-layer wooden panel made of lumber, and engineered for strength through laminations of different layers placed cross-wise to the adjacent layers. The centre also features a glulam column and beam super-structure made from engineered timbers consisting of wood laminations that are bonded together with strong, waterproof adhesives, creating an ideal structural component. Mass timber systems are very large, with complete wall, floor and roof sections made from engineered wood products and used in a variety of building types and sizes. These products offer significant benefits in terms of fire, acoustic and structural performance; plus scale possibilities, rigidity, strength, stability and construction efficiency. Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood spans, taller walls and higher buildings, and continue to expand the possibilities for wood use in construction. Wood is more than a building material; it's a renewable and responsible choice. If you can not see the video link above, click on this link: http://youtu.be/zJJlHfVwjew |
Industry News
| CAWP Update: New programs for Designers and Product Innovators
Iain Macdonald In October, CAWP launched two new programs aimed at promoting the creation of new wood products. The first is called Designing with Wood, and helps industrial designers get familiar with wood and the wood products industry by providing technical assistance and creating opportunities for designers to meet companies that may be interested in manufacturing their products. Designers pay a low daily or half-day fee to access these services: - One-on-one technical mentoring to understand the properties of different wood-based materials and select the best materials for a particular product application
- One-on-one mentoring on software and processing machinery used in the woodworking industry, including 3D CAD and computer-numerical-control (CNC) equipment
- Consultation and advice on industry structure and supply chains and how to find a manufacturer that can produce your product
- Prototyping and product testing services
We will also hold an evening "matchmaking" session in February where designers can present ideas to manufacturers who are looking for ways to utilize spare production capacity. Our second initiative has been dubbed "Outside the Box" and is a meeting series for industrial and interior designers, artisans, furniture makers, manufacturers, builders, architects, and anyone interested in or involved in the wood products industry (broadly defined) to meet, share ideas, and identify gaps in the market and possibilities for new product development and innovation. Our goal is to let users and makers of products interact and explore opportunities in a casual, relaxed atmosphere that encourages creative ideas and fosters new partnerships. Our group moderators will post takeaway points and resources that the group wants to share on a private blog. We plan to meet one evening a month at a casual venue in the Vancouver area where members can talk for a couple of hours in a relaxed atmosphere over light food and beverages. The inspiration behind Outside the Box is the WWII-era Skunkworks efforts to develop radical new products in unorthodox ways. We hope this group will become a kind of informal brain trust in which product users and makers can bring forward and vet ideas, brainstorm, identify opportunities, and match them to local capabilities. To ensure productivity, there will be a maximum number of participants, so to join the group and RSVP for our first meetup event on November 22nd, go to http://www.meetup.com/Outside-the-Box-Meetup-Group/ For more details on these programs contact CAWP at cawp@cawp.ubc.ca or call Barbara Bell at 604-876-1169. |
Industry News - FPInnovations
| BC Fenestration Conference Highlights Potential Changes Affecting the Industry
Derek Williams The fenestration industry in Canada has seen a rebranding in recent years with the result being the renaming of the national and regional associations to include fenestration in their respective association names. At the national level, the Canadian Window and Door Association are now named Fenestration Canada, and at the regional level, the Window & Door Manufacturers of BC (WDMA-BC) are now named the Fenestration Association of BC. The name change for WDMA-BC is a result of a merger between the WDMA-BC with the Glazing Contractors Association of B.C. By having these two trade associations working together as one entity, the continuing challenges associated with meeting regulatory requirements and keeping up with evolving technical innovations can now be dealt with more effectively. To read more about the topics covered at the conference, click here |
Industry News
| Global economic forecast - the world in 2013 and beyond - November 23, Vancouver, BC
Business without Borders This past year has been one of uncertainty. The global marketplace has seen big fluctuations in commodity prices and currencies, and recession or near-recession in many of the largest developed economies. Meanwhile, growth in the once-dependable emerging markets has become uneven or anemic. During these times of global unrest, it is difficult for business to look ahead, to manage change and its effect. As we look ahead to 2013, we can only expect more change. New stages in the world's economic evolution will see either a resolution of crises or missed chances at revival. And yet, new opportunities will arise, making way for a very different global economic landscape in the years to come. We invite you to join us to hear economic experts explore the global marketplace in its current and future state, the perception of Canada's role in the global stage, as well as discuss the role of emerging markets and how they will factor into the global economy in 2013. The event will provide insights into some of the world's new market opportunities - which ones will rise, which will fall - and discuss how Canadian companies can navigate this ever-changing terrain. This event will feature presentations from HSBC Bank Canada and the Balsillie School of International Affairs highlighting: - The current state and future projections on the global economy
- Key economic factors and socio-political-environmental activities in the emerging markets affecting their economy, growth and international business
- Canada's role in the global marketplace; a look at the risks, challenges and future of our country's natural resources and investments
- Macro and sectoral opportunities for companies in 2013 and beyond
Date: Friday, November 23, 2012
Time: 7:30am-10:00am
Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Fee: Free
For more information, and to register click here |
| Specifier Program Update | Roy Manion
In our last Wood Connections article, we mentioned that we had arranged for a couple of major seminars introducing made-in-BC hybrid wood curtain wall window systems. I am pleased to report that both sessions were very well attended. Our first one was held at UBC and attended by over 50 people, whose responsibility is to specify these types of products. Along with introducing the wood curtain wall window system, we also had presentations on the Energy Efficiency Act and associated regulations; introduction of several unique products related to installing windows into the envelope to insure a successful installation; as well as testing on windows for the required performance standards. This was a 3 hour session that was very well received by those in attendance. The UBC session was followed up a week later by a presentation on the same topic to a group of contractors, builders, and architects up in Whistler. The session was coordinated through CHBC Sea to Sky Chapter and we thank them for their efforts to make this a successful event. This was our first Lunch & Learn (L&L) event in Whistler since the Specifiers Program inception and based on comments, we will definitely be doing more. Since many of the participants actually joined us from Squamish, we may hold the next event there. Lunch & Learns We are now in the very busy stage for our L&L sessions, group seminars, and factory tours and will continue to go full speed ahead until the end of March, our fiscal year end - except the last two weeks of December when everything slows down for the holidays. We currently have a number of L&L sessions booked, all with architectural firms. We have been in touch with both the Vancouver Regional Construction Association and the Independent Contractors Business Association regarding group L&L sessions at each association's respective facilities. We also continue to work with major construction firms in our efforts to arrange for L&L sessions with them. As always, if you have a product or products that you feel are of value to any of the groups that BC Wood reaches out to with the Specifier Program, please contact me to discuss how to go about effectively doing this. We would be pleased to assist in any way we can. My contact information is rmanion@bcwood.com or 604-882-7100. |
Spotlight: Plytech Stair Systems
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Rumin Mann
 Introducing Burnaby based PlyTech Stair Systems - the only construction grade, prefabricated stair manufacturer in the lower mainland, specializing in interior stairs and pressure-treated exterior deck stairs and railing. (They have recently completed exterior emergency exit stair systems made from solid 3" fir, for a five storey building). They are also specialists in producing unique custom and curved stair systems.
PlyTech Stair Systems is affiliated with Sandhill Manufacturing, the largest stair manufacturer in Edmonton, Alberta and the pioneer of Ply-Lam. Ply-Lam is an engineered wood product developed primarily for use in the stair building industry. For more information on Ply-Lam, visit www.ply-lam.ca. 
A member of BuiltGreen, instead of using dimensional lumber, they use laminated plywood, Ply-Lam, to construct their stair systems. By manufacturing in a quality-controlled environment, PlyTech Stair Systems not only eliminates the problem of shrinking, twisting, warping, and splitting, but also saves their clients significant time and money. With wood waste being banned from landfills by 2015, PlyTech strives to produce as little waste as possible. By manufacturing with Ply-Lam in their facility, they already produce 40% less waste than using the traditional dimensional lumber on job sites to build starcases. They recycle the majority of their waste with large cut offs going towards other small hand crafted projects. They also deliver to the jobsite "just-in-time", alleviating the problem of lack of space on construction sites. For more information on Ply-Tech Stair Systems, visit www.plytechstairs.com 
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A Canadian Market Double-header for BC Wood in February, 2013
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Brian Hawrysh
Later this fiscal year, in February 2013, BC Wood will be coordinating a tandem of cost-shared trade shows in the Canadian Market. Member companies will be able to participate in the Montreal Wood Convention in Montreal and the Buildex show in Vancouver. While these shows occur on approximately the same dates, February 13-15th, the two shows target different audiences and are appropriate for different sectors with BC Wood. Montreal Wood Convention, Montreal, Quebec February 13-15, 2013 Buildex, Vancouver, BC February 13-14, 2013  Buildex Vancouver is one of Canada's largest trade expositions. The show focuses on the design and construction industry, and the manufacturers that supply the finished building materials required by these two sectors. Over 12,000 architects, interior designers, contractors, developers, engineers, and specifers attend the two day show where 600 exhibits showcase products and services. The Buildex Vancouver show is an excellent opportunity for manufacturers producing custom architectural millwork, furniture, windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, as well as exterior finishing products such as wood roofing, siding, and decking.  In contrast, the focus of the 2013 Montreal Wood Convention is on commodity and specialty lumber products. This year's convention will be in many ways the rebirth of the industry event that had a long storied history. For years, Wood Convention brought together industry representatives from the lumber industry to build key business contacts.
It is expected that the attendees to the Wood Convention will largely be Eastern based manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of lumber products. In addition, a number of representatives from European companies are also expected to participate in this event. Space is limited for BC Wood members wanting to participate in these two events, so the sooner you respond the better. For more information regarding exhibition space and costs at the Buildex show and the Montreal Wood Convention, please contact me by email at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or by phone at 604-882-7100 |
| Upcoming Show for Log & Timber Frame Manufacturers: BC Log Home, Timber Frame, and Country Living Show - March 9-10, 2013 | Brian Hawrysh
 Over the next couple of months, BC Wood will be coordinating the participation of its members in the BC Log Home and Country Living Show in Abbotsford in March. Held at the Tradex facility in Abbotsford, March 9-10th, this show draws over 12,000 attendees, primarily members of the general public who have an interest in log and timber frame homes. The Abbotsford show has traditionally been the best attended trade event for BC Wood's log home and timber frame sector, with 12 to 14 members participating in the event over the past few years.
This Abbotsford show features log & timber builders and a range of related products and services that go hand-in-hand with outdoor living. BC Wood's participation in the March 2012 show was marked by a general improvement in the public's confidence and attitude toward building. All exhibitors reported positively on the improved attitude of the attendees and the quality and quantity of the sales leads they generated from the show. While most of the exhibitors at this show are manufacturers of log and timber frame structures, there is an opportunity for manufacturers to promote other building and finishing materials including flooring, roofing, kitchens, doors, windows, and exterior finishing materials. The audience is drawn to the show to see a complete range of products, from log and timber frame shells to the materials that are need to finish them. Space is available for BC Wood members wanting to participate in the BC Log Home, Timber Frame and Country Living show this coming March. I would encourage any companies interested in more information to contact me at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or in BC Wood's offices at 604-882-7100.
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US Market Update
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Dave Farley
A few comments, suggestions, and ideas that may be of interest to industry...
BC Wood, along with a large contingent of members in the remanufacturing sector participated in the 17th Annual NALWA Traders Mart in Chicago. The event is the annual showcase for primary and secondary manufacturers to meet and network with wholesalers and wood product buyers from across North America and regions of Europe.
This year's event was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago from November 8 - 10, just one day after the US Presidential Election which certainly added to the energy of the event. Combine this with the fact that Chicago is President Obama's home and campaign headquarters resulted in creating an extra buzz in both the election and the Traders Mart.
The feeling coming out of NAWLA was dependent upon which political party you were aligned with and for the Americans in attendance, which State you live in. The buyers who voted Republican and reside in a State like Texas were certainly less optimistic than the Democratic leaning buyers from California. Generally though, most people were happy that the all-encompassing machine that is US politics has wrapped up and that the day-to-day business of buying and selling wood can continue.
Buyers that I spoke to held an optimistic perspective for the upcoming year with many being both hopeful and expectant that 2013 is going to be strong. Increases in residential and light commercial construction starts in many states is seen as a positive sign that the economy is on an upswing and resulting sales increases are to be expected. Buyers in the mid-west and the southeast part of the United States commented that they were seeing good sales for Western Red Cedar and specialty products, such as gazebos, trellises and other outdoor products.
Overall, NAWLA continues to be an important venue for the distribution of secondary wood products into the important US market. With the political landscape in the United States settled for the immediate future, many at NALWA were hopeful that business can now get back to normal and that sales will continue to improve.
For more information on this event or others in the US market, please contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com. |
Japan Market Update
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Jim Ivanoff
Nikkei Show 2013
This week, BC Wood is exhibiting at the Japan Home and Building Show with six member companies; however, it is already time to start preparing for the Nikkei Architectural and Construction Materials Show that will be held at Tokyo's Big Sight from March 5th through 8th, 2013. The first two days of the JHBS has been very busy with a significant increase in traffic over last year. The Japanese construction industry is very busy with both reconstruction work, as well as pent up demand for single family housing. This is a very positive sign for the March show so I encourage all members interested in the Japanese market to consider the Nikkei Show.
The Nikkei Show is the largest show of its kind in Japan and sees over 250,000 industry professionals over the show's four days. The event attracts a great number of architects, but is also well attended by importers, distributors, and both residential and commercial builders. Therefore, the show is a good fit for producers of cabinetry, millwork, house packages including log and timberframe, as well as specialty lumber and reman products. For more information, please e-mail me at Ivanoff@canadawood.jp.
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Marketplace
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In this section, you can post anything from a job postings (for employees looking for a job and employers), to machinery for sale/wanted, to a request for a particular type of wood or service.
If you would like to include a posting in our Marketplace section, please email me at rmann@bcwood.com or call 604-882-7100 and ask for Rumin. |
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| Upcoming Events |
November 14-16, 2012: Japan Home & Building Show 2012, Tokyo, Japan
December 6, 2012: It's Showtime: 7 Amazing Ways to Make Your Trade Shows Pay, Surrey, BC
January 14-19, 2013: Bau, Munich, Germany
January 22-25, 2013: International Builders Show, Las Vegas, USA
January 25-27, 2013: BIA Hawaii, Honolulu, USA
February 13-14, 2013: Buildex Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
February 13-15, 2013: Montreal Wood Convention, Montreal, Canada
February 14-18, 2013: Housing Brand Fair, Seoul, Korea
For a list of all trade and industry events, please visit our |
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Sincerely,
Rumin Mann
BC Wood |
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