SUBSCRIBE
Follow us on Twitter
 |
|
Missed previous Wood Connections issues?
| Our archive gives you access to any issue at any time.
|
|
|
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 must be a value-added wood manufacturer in BC; however, you do not have to be a member of BC Wood, or any other association to participate and it is free of charge.
If you are using Microsoft Outlook to view this email, you may not be able to see all of the images. 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 - September 25, 2015' F eel free to send me news stories that you think our readers would be interested in. You can email them to rmann@bcwood.com
|
| Industry News |
Wood First Funding Announcement
The B.C. government is investing $2.2 million in the Wood First program to promote the use of B.C. wood both locally and internationally, and help advance innovative wood-building systems and value-added wood products.
The funding is being awarded to six industry trade associations and institutions with proven records in research, development, and marketing of wood products and skills training to carry out Wood First activities. They include: - BC Wood Specialties Group - $558,910
- Canadian Wood Council - $770,109
- University of British Columbia - Centre for Advanced Wood Processing - $359,166
- University of British Columbia - Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability - $65,000
- FPInnovations - $428,928
- Design Build Research Institute - $51,762
Funding from the Province will be supplemented with additional funds provided by industry.
Wood First is focused on advancing the use of wood in B.C. Since the program was launched in 2009, wood use in the mid-rise and non-residential construction sectors is increasing and recognition of wood as a preferred building material continues to grow. A recent survey of B.C. engineers, architects, and builders confirmed that 40% are increasing the use of structural wood and 77% believe B.C. is well positioned to export its products and knowledge.
Building taller and larger with wood has also become more popular due to new innovative design and building methods. The Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George, opened in October 2014, is now the largest contemporary wood structure in North America at 29.5 metres high.
The Wood First program is managed by Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd., the province's market development agency for forest products. This announcement is another step toward fulfilling the BC Jobs Plan commitment to develop local and international markets for B.C. forest products to spur economic activity and job creation throughout the province.
To keep B.C.'s economy diverse, strong and growing, since September 2011 the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of our province's most competitive sectors utilizing our educated and skilled workforce.
Quotes: Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat - "B.C. is known around the world as a supplier of world-class, environmentally friendly forest products. We are proud to invest in the future of B.C.'s forestry industry by supporting organizations in their effort to develop wood product innovations for domestic and international markets. These innovations will be especially attractive for priority markets in Asia, the U.S. and emerging markets in Southeast Asia and India."
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -
"Product innovation and value-added processing is generating more value for British Columbians from each tree harvested, ensuring that B.C.'s forest sector continues to be a leading contributor to the B.C. economy."
Iain Macdonald, managing director, University of British Columbia Centre for Advanced Wood Processing -
"The Wood First Program is playing a key role in advancing B.C.'s wood products industry by building new business and technical capacities in companies, transferring leading-edge technologies and practices, and connecting partners along the supply chain to exploit new market opportunities. B.C.'s future as a leader in advanced timber construction has never looked brighter."
John Gillis, chairman, BC Wood Specialties Group -
"The Wood First Program has been instrumental in positioning wood as preferred building material and British Columbia as a global leader in wood use and innovation. The capacity building programs, which are a part of Wood First, have made B.C.'s value-added wood products manufacturers stronger and better able to compete in global markets."
Quick Facts:
- B.C.'s total forestry GDP reached $7 billion in 2014 and the sector continue to represent one of the province's top economic engines.
- Employment figures in the forestry sector have recovered from the low of 50,400 in 2009, with 60,700 direct jobs today.
- Forestry represents the largest export category in the province, accounting for 36% of commodities exports in 2014, up 5% since 2011.
- Wood has the smallest environmental footprint of all building products and is much less greenhouse gas intensive on a life-cycle basis than other building materials.
- B.C. has more forest certified by third-party organizations than any other region in the world, other than Canada as a whole.
Learn more: www.BritishColumbia.ca connects B.C. companies and communities with international opportunities and promotes our competitive advantages to investors and decision makers around the globe.
Find out more about Forestry Innovation Investment at: www.bcfii.ca/ |
| Industry News | Cost-shared funding available for Marketing Assessments & Projects for value-added wood product manufacturers
Do you have difficulty understanding marketing and communicating your company's benefits? Discover how to effectively communicate your unique selling features and correctly position your company for your target audiences.
A Marketing Assessment reviews and evaluates all your marketing activities and provides recommendations for fine-tuning your strategy to achieve your business goals. Working with a dedicated marketing consultant, you will receive:
- Expert marketing advice at a fraction of the cost
- A comprehensive report of your branding, positioning, target audiences and marketing activities
- Recommended changes to improve your marketing efforts
- New ideas to stretch your marketing dollars
- Simple changes to strengthen your brand and better position you against competitors
Marketing Projects:
Through the Wood First program, you may be eligible for additional support with your marketing projects. Aimed at developing your marketing skills, these projects may include branding, strategic planning, or project specific consultation. For more information, please contact Rumin Mann at rmann@bcwood.com or 604-882-7100.
|
Industry News - FPInnovations Update
|
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Webinar
October 22, 2015 - 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. PST (1:30 - 2:00 EST)
Buyers and product specifiers are demanding environmental information about the products they purchase and are driving the demand for environmentally friendly products.
Environmental product declarations (EPDs) are a standardized way for manufacturers to report on the environmental impacts associated with their products. The information reported in an EPD is primarily derived from life cycle assessment (LCA), a method used to measure emissions to air, land, and water resulting from the production, use, maintenance, and end-of-life of a product. EPDs are developed in line with well-established guidelines, and are viewed as a way to drive greater transparency in the marketplace.
In the construction sector for example, LCA and EPDs have recently been incorporated into the LEED rating system for buildings. It is expected that the trend that looks at the total embodied environmental footprint of a building will support increased market demand for wood products in the years to come.
Join us on October 22nd to learn more about how EPDs can make a difference in your business!
|
Industry News - CAWP Update
|
Wood Construction Tour to Italy and Germany - November 2015
CAWP is pleased to announce that it will lead a technical tour for wood products manufacturers interested in advanced timber construction and passive house design to Milan, Italy. The tour will start on Saturday, November 28th and end on Saturday, December 5th, including two days at the International Holzbau Forum in Garmisch, Germany.
A group of 15-20 industry participants accompanied by 'tour guides' from CAWP and UNBC will visit production facilities of state-of-the-art producers of prefabricated homes and building components (glulam, CLT, passive house windows, and other products). Visits to building projects both completed and under construction will be conducted, including some notable contemporary building projects realized in timber.
|
Industry News - CAWP Update
|
UBC - Online Certificate in Industrial Wood Finishing - A unique Industry Training Program
Part-time online training program with a one week hands-on practical session.
As North America's most comprehensive wood finishing certificate program, it provides participants with a broad understanding of the field of wood finishing. It's designed for individuals who have some general experience in wood finishing and would like to expand their knowledge.
Once completed, learners will have knowledge and experience to do the following:
- Understand why finish is applied to wood and how wood properties affect finishing
- To be able to identify the best finishing system based on the end use
- Trouble-shoot wood finishing problems
- Design a safe and efficient finishing facility
This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to start a finishing business or to improve an existing one.
Date: January 5, 2016 - April 8, 2016
One week intensive practical: April 4-8, 2016
Space is Limited, Register Now!
Tel: 604 822-0082
|
| Tradeshow Tips/Advice |
Skyline Tradeshow Tips - September 22, 2015
 Each attendee who sees your trade show display and visits your booth is a potential lead. But there's no way to qualify that lead until you have a conversation. That being the case, it's important you don't squander the opportunity to engage every visitor. Unfortunately, exhibitors often inadvertently drive attendees away.
Below, you'll find attendees' top 7 pet peeves. At your next event, keep the following attendee grievances in mind. #1 Booth Staffers Who Lack Expertise Visitors expect your staff to be knowledgeable about your products and your services. They want answers to their questions concerning how your products might benefit them. If the employees you brought with you to the show are unable to answer those questions, your visitors will be unimpressed.
Before your event, train your booth staffers so that they are ready to represent your company. Practice asking questions that an attendee may ask and give ideas on how to engage attendees from the aisle. The more prepared your staffers are, the more credible you will appear to attendees and potential leads. Click here to read the entire article |
Spotlight: Builders Door and Window
| Rumin Mann
Coquitlam, BC based Builders Door and Window manufacturer's high-end custom designed doors and windows for clients throughout the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and interior British Columbia. Their clients range from architects, designers, and contractors to homeowners handling renovations or a new construction project.
Dan Jillings started Builders Door and Window in 1986 in Burnaby, BC. Since then, it has remained family-owned and passed down to his son, Sheldon Jiillings. They are known throughout Lower Mainland for their high-end products and excellent personalized customer service. As a Canadian business, they want to protect Canada's natural resources and proudly enforce environmentally friendly practices throughout their manufacturing process. Their workshop has quality assurance placements in shop to facilitate each and every window is done to a high standard. Everything is customizable at Builders, from the kind of wood and sizing to the finish and hardware; they will work with the client to design the perfect windows and doors for their project.
One of their recent projects, The David Tam Residence, earned four GVHBA Ovation awards for People's Choice New Custom Home, Custom Home Under $1,000,000, Custom Addition/Transformation, and Kitchen Under $100,000.
For more information on Builders Door and Window, please visit their website: www.woodwindows.ca |
| USA Market Update | Dave Farley
 BC Wood is introducing a new approach to marketing to the growing US Vacation Home industry. BC Wood is partnering with the Log & Timber University to present a conference geared toward promoting the members and their services to a select group of log and timber home prospects. This conference will be held on October 17th in Santa Clara, CA. The day will be comprised of the University Class, networking opportunities for customers to meet with exhibiting companies, presentation opportunities from BC Wood members, and opportunities for one-on-one conversations. If you are in the log home, timber frame, hybrid, or custom wood home manufacturing industry and looking to expand into the US, contact Dave Farley at dfarley@bcwood.com or 604-728-8786.
|
| Asia Market Update | |
GBM 2015 Extended Missions
Jim Ivanoff
The Global Buyer's Mission was once again a tremendous success and we are grateful to all of our overseas buyers who made the long trip over for it. This year we had over 50 buyers from China, 43 from Japan, and 15 from Korea. As in past years, the buyers were also given the opportunity to participate in missions visiting member's facilities prior to the event in Whistler.
This year, we offered three themed extended missions: Coastal Species, SPF, and Wood First. This was our first time to run an SPF mission to the Prince George area and we were very happy with the strong interest in this program. This group of over 30 buyers was mainly made up with participants from China and Taiwan but also included participants from Japan, Mexico, and the USA. The group spent two full days visiting five mills around Prince George and we also included a stop at the Wood Innovations and Design Centre for them. The Coastal Species mission was made up of Korean, Japanese, and Mexican buyers. After assembling in Vancouver, they spent one day in Vancouver visiting three mills and the second day around the Lower Mainland stopping in at another three mills. The main interest of this group was hemlock but they were also impressed by the WRC and Douglas fir products that they were able to see on the tour.  The third group of Japanese and Korean buyers spent two days visiting non-residential, large-scale wood buildings around Prince George and Vancouver. BC Wood's Japan Office organized a seminar in Tokyo on the WDIC building earlier in the year so there were many people who were interested in seeing it first-hand. CLT is a hot topic in Japan these days so the participants were particularly eager to learn from Canada about how CLT could be used in commercial projects. This group also participated in the Wood First Forum at the GBM in Whistler and were very impressed by the quality of the presentations.
|
|
Marketplace
| |
In this section, you can post for free anything from job listings (for employees looking for work, and employers looking for new staff), 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.
|
|
| Upcoming Events |
October 2015: Osaka Living and Design Show, Osaka, Japan October 27, 2015: Wood Solutions Fair, Vancouver, BC November 4-5, 2015: Buildex Calgary November 18-20, 2015: Japan Home and Building Show, Tokyo, Japan December 3-6, 2015: International Wood Fair, Seoul, Korea For a list of all trade and industry events, please visit our |
|
Sincerely,
Rumin Mann
BC Wood |
|
|
