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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 - July 15, 2016' 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
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| Industry News |
BC Wood Specialties Group 2016 Annual General Meeting
Thursday, September 8th, 2016 Whistler Conference Centre
BC Wood will be holding its' 2016 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 8th at the Whistler Conference Centre in Whistler, British Columbia. All BC Wood members are encouraged to attend. To register or for more information, please contact me directly at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or by phone at 604-882-7100 (toll free 1-877-422-9663). We look forward to seeing you in scenic Whistler, BC for BC Wood's Annual General Meeting on September 8th, 2016. |
| 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 also be eligible for additional support with your specific marketing projects. Aimed at developing your marketing skills, these projects may include branding, training, strategic planning, or project specific consultation. For more information, please contact Rumin Mann at rmann@bcwood.com or 604-882-7100.
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| Industry News |
A New Promotional Video by the BC Log and Timber Building Association
The Log and Timber Building Association recently published a new video promoting the Log and Timber industry in BC. Click on the video link below to watch the video or click here: https://youtu.be/2h9hw3Z0VKM
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Industry News - CAWP Update
| Robot Made: Large-Scale Robotic Timber Fabrication in Architecture
Date: September 17th - 19th, 2016 (plus optional 2 days)
Location: Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, Vancouver, BC
 Research Associates, David Correa and Oliver David Krieg, of the Institute for Computational Design (ICD) will hold a technical workshop on robotic fabrication at the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) of the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver. While many industries have made leaps and bounds in adopting highly flexible and fully automated fabrication workflows using robotics, the construction and design industry are only just starting to open the door to these technologies. Recent developments in robotics combined with more accessible design-to-fabrication tools can now offer architects, designers and fabricators unprecedented access to a new design paradigm.
The Workshop:
ICD at the University of Stuttgart is world-renowned for its leading research expertise in robot-assisted design and fabrication. CAWP and the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at UBC is pleased to bring ICD to Canada to offer this one-of-a-kind opportunity to participate in a hands-on workshop on Robotic Fabrication. Using a state-of-the-art eight-axis industrial robot configuration, the workshop will guide participants through the unique technical and conceptual foundations that underpin robotic milling in wood through the development and construction of a full-scale fabrication project.
The workshop is structured as two full days of intensive training with the robot, followed by a hands-on fabrication session the following week:
- Robot Training (2 days): The two full-day training sessions will cover an introduction to the computational tools, robot operation and safety procedures.
- Fabrication/Prototyping (1 core day, with optional attendance on two subsequent days): Participants will take control of the robot and assist in the making of an architectural prototype made from large timber elements. Participants will directly engage in the fabrication process by starting with a base geometry, generating a buildable structure using computational design tools and the machine's constraints.
The Prototype:
By using advanced timber fabrication techniques and taking full advantage of the extended fabrication range of the multi-axis set up, large sections of plywood will be custom milled and assembled into a unique one-to-one scale architectural prototype. The prototype will showcase distinctive wood fabrication possibilities that integrate computational design, material characteristics, and digital fabrication in a direct design to production paradigm.
For more information please contact cawp@cawp.ubc.ca
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Industry News - CAWP Update
| Kiln Drying Training Program - Essentials of Wood Drying (5 days)
Date: September 19th - 23rd, 2016
Location: Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, Vancouver, BC
A comprehensive, hands-on introduction to drying technology taught from a practical, real-life perspective and backed with solid explanations into the scientific background of drying.
This highly-regarded workshop discusses the key processes and concepts involved in drying wood. Beginning with wood properties and moisture movement, students become familiar with kiln design considerations, drying schedules and kiln loading considerations. Other topics include drying with air, drying degrade, lumber storage and handling, control systems and power plants.
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| Industry News | Masse Sales Ltd. announces retirement of Gord Gulbranson
 After over 6 decades in the woodworking machinery business, and over 20 years with Masse Sales Ltd., we have the honor of announcing that Gord Gulbranson has retired, effective June 15th, 2016.
Gord started his career at Akhurst Machinery, and worked his way up from entry level to senior management before leaving that company. In 1995, Gord joined Masse Sales by investing in the company and becoming an equal partner with the founder, Stan Masse. Gord was a key factor in the growth of Masse, working to hire new employees, adding new suppliers and customers to our growing base, and being a strong contributor to our sales revenue year after year.
Gord's contributions to the wood industry cannot be overstated, serving on advisory boards, mentoring new machinery salespeople, and helping many manufacturing companies grow by finding them the correct machine for their needs.
We wish Gord well in his retirement and want to thank him for his many years of service.
Masse Sales sources top-quality equipment, tooling, and supplies from around the world, making us a leading machinery & tooling supplier to manufacturing companies across British Columbia. Masse Sales Ltd. is a privately held company with offices in British Columba. www.massesales.com 1-604-474-0411
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| Industry News | Introduction to U.S. Tax Issues and Cross-Border Business Solutions
When: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - noon to 1:30pm
Where: Burnaby, BC - Business Centre Solutions Boardroom
Cost: $35 (plus GST) Free to first 10 registrants
Info: How-To Seminars
Learn valuable information on how U.S. state and federal tax agencies determine whether there is a "nexus" for taxing you or your business, as well as other U.S. federal and state taxation requirements. Obtain valuable tips on marketing, warehousing, and fulfillment. In addition, BC accountants and lawyers will receive 1.5 hours of Professional Development Credit.
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Industry News
| Roy Manion
The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) is looking to industry for assistance with materials to build displays for their upcoming exhibit titled: "Vancouver Transformation". This will be a permanent exhibition that will celebrate the culture of a city and province that lives and builds with wood. This immersive experience, constructed of wood products, will engage a broad audience with stories about wood. Vancouver Transformation will position BC as a global leader in wood innovation and serve as a showpiece for the history and potential of wood. For more information on the exhibit please click here.
The assistance the museum requires consists of materials as follows:
Needed immediately (all Douglas Fir):
Posts: 28pcs 6" x 6" 18' Kiln Dried
Beams 24 pcs 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" 16' / 60 pcs 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" 12' 60 Fir - Kiln Dried
Needed Prior to Installation in Gallery:
Sleepers 1,000 pcs1" x 1" 16' (No.1 or better)
Skin 55,000 lineal 3/16" x 1 1/4" (No.1 or better)
Any donation will be greatly appreciated and donors will be well recognized in this exhibit. To donate or request additional information, please contact Amanda Burrows, Director of Development, Museum of Vancouver. Her telephone No. is 604-730-5304 or you can e-mail her at aburrows@MUSEUMOFVANCOUVER.CA.
You can also get in touch with myself, Roy Manion, at rmanion@bcwood.com or call me at the BC Wood office. |
Tradeshow Tips/Advice
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How To Stop Trade Show Attendees in 5 Seconds Flat
Skyline Tradeshow Tips
 The goal of any trade show exhibitor is to stop attendees in their tracks in just 5 seconds, before they take a few more steps and are gone. But how do you do that? I've found in my years of trade show experience there are 5 things that reliably have the stopping power of disc brakes: 1. A powerful demonstration Attendees are walking the aisles looking for answers to their problems, but they also have their guard up. A demo creates movement that attracts the eye, plus a demo allows an attendee to see for themselves that your product does what you say it does. Put together a great demo and watch the attendees pile up. Just be sure to design your exhibit so that the demo is easily seen. And speaking of your exhibit ...
Click here to read the entire article
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Spotlight: SOFO Kitchens
| Rumin Mann
Founded in 2008, by Radu Soos, SOFO Kitchens, produces high-end residential custom cabinetry and millwork. The company made its start in Radu's garage, and soon after, word got out about the quality of his work and the orders started pouring in. Before long, Radu rented his first commercial space. A year later, SOFO Kitchens was bursting at the seams. SOFO Kitchens is now in at its fourth location, a 12,000-square-foot facility with 1,000 square feet of showroom space, where Radu hopes to stay for at least the duration of their lease.
SOFO's impressive growth is attributed to a talented team and commitment to having the best in technology. "Most of our people have been with the company since the beginning, and they bring decades of skill and craftsmanship to the table," Monika, Radu's wife and business partner explained. "Another contributor to our growth is the fact that we invest in cutting-edge technology and in staying on top of trends," added Radu.
With services such as in-house estimates, drafting complex CAD drawings and 3D designs, and LIFETIME limited warranties, SOFO has earned a top spot among high-end cabinet manufacturers. They recently were awarded with Best Of Houzz 2016 Award for Customer Service which follows a Best of Houzz 2015 Award and a Best of Houzz 2014 Award. They also won four diamond awards at the Cabinet Makers Association Wood Diamond Awards in Las Vegas for Best Bathroom over $25,000, Best Closet over $25,000, and Best Overall European Kitchen.
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| Japan Market Update | |
GBM Information Session in Tokyo
Jim Ivanoff
The BC Wood offices in Asia spend a lot of time and effort on recruiting qualified buyers each year for the GBM. Our promotions usually begin in early May and include mailouts, company visits, and a lot of phone calls and e-mails. This year in Tokyo we also partnered with the Canadian Embassy to hold an information session for people interested in the GBM.
We decided to give this try as we handle a lot of questions every year about the extended mission tour schedules and an information session is an efficient way to provide this. Also, we thought that an official event at the Embassy would also draw out people interested but sitting on the fence. During the planning of this event we expected 10-15 people, but in the end almost forty came!
This year there is tremendous interest in Japan in the Brock Commons 18 storey CLT building going up at UBC. We already had ten people signed up for the extended mission containing this site visit, but as a result of last week's seminar we are now looking at twenty. Even more impressive is the fact that the Japanese major general contractors will be very well represented in our group of buyers. As a result, exhibitors at the GBM in Whistler will have an excellent opportunity to meet with these key buyers as Japan heads into a commercial building boom ahead of the 2020 Olympics.
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Global Buyers Mission
| Randi Walker
Have you booked your space at the 2016 GBM EVENT yet?
If you haven't experienced the GBM, or have had to miss it this past year, you should be aware that this is the greatest opportunity of the year to showcase your products to over 300 pre-qualified international buyers and North American Architects, Designers, Builders, Contractors, Developers & Engineers. One architect said:
"I've been attending BC Wood's GBM for several years and always look forward to it. [The] event is exceptionally well organized and I always come away with a new appreciation for wood: The materials available, wide variety of product lines, applications, fabrications and installation techniques. The trade show and mini-seminars make for effective learning and first hand observation." - Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects
"GBM is an excellent show for Conifex. Every year we meet new accounts and get a chance to spend some time with other suppliers and existing customers in a wonderful environment. BC Wood does a terrific job in qualifying the buyers and introducing us to their markets. This is the best Export Show in North America." - Conifex Marketing
Meet the local industry stars in a short video from last year's event: (if video link does not work, click here: https://youtu.be/Z7pf0fPaNJM)
Pre-qualified Buyers will come from the US, Australia, Western Europe, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Taiwan and some newer markets like Malaysia. One buyer had to say,
"I was very pleased to have been invited to attend the BC Wood Global Buyers Mission as a delegate of the Consulate General. It was important for our organization to learn more about Canadian expertise in the construction of wood buildings and to develop important contacts that will help us import Canadian wood products, hire Canadian consultants and grow the demand for Canadian products in our region. I came away not only impressed by Canadian knowledge in this sector, but inspired to learn more." - Mithun, USA
GBM Program Schedule
Thursday - September 8th
- BC Wood AGM; Exhibitor set-up
- Evening Welcome Reception at the spectacular Roundhouse Lodge at the Peak of Whistler Mountain for all participants
Friday - September 9th
- Breakfast with Opening Ceremony and Morning Networking/Tradeshow/Meetings
- Afternoon Sponsored Golf Tournament; Architects (Wood First) in-booth presentations; or Whistler free time
- Evening Networking Dinner/Reception & Private Showing at the Audain Art Museum
Saturday - September 10th
- Breakfast and Morning Networking/Tradeshow/Meetings
- Exhibitor lunch and teardown
Exhibitor Fees
BC Wood, WRCLA, CSSB or other BC Based Wood Products Association Member
10 x 10 booth space - $1,629.00
Outside BC Canadian Wood Products Association Member
10 x 10 booth space - $ 2,199.00
Non-member
10 x 10 booth space - $ 2,729.00
Each company booth personnel $425
Spousal Program $100 for each Evening event
Exhibit Registration Includes:
- Basic electrical, pipe & drape, covered table & 2 chairs, carpet & Wi-Fi
- All meals during the event including the Thursday night Welcome Event at the Roundhouse Lodge & Friday evening Networking Dinner Event
- Full access to Thursday Association Programs
- Complete multi-lingual company listing in the Mission Program Guide
Exhibit space is now VERY limited and will be available on a first-come / first-served basis. If you haven't already registered, contact us for your online registration link at gbm@bcwood.com or call Randi at 604-882-7100.
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Upcoming Tradeshows
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Upcoming Trade Events in Vancouver
Ken Hori
Based on the feedback from our members and Sector Advisory Groups, BC Wood has put together a comprehensive list of market development activities for the coming year in Vancouver. Follow the links for information on a few we have limited space for our members in now:
If you are looking to market your products and connect with designers, architects, builders/developers and consumers , join the BC Wood Pavilion at Interior Design Show Vancouver (IDS West) , Sept 22-25th, 2016. Click here for more information on this show.
If you would like to exhibit in Western Canada's largest trade show and conference for the Construction, Renovation, Architecture, Interior Design and Property Management industries, join the BC Wood Pavilion at Buildex Vancouver, Feb 15-16th, 2017.
Click here for more information.
Space is generally limited, as we have to make commitments in advance. If you are interested in any of these trade events, please contact me as soon as possible for more details at khori@bcwood.com or 604-882-7100.
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USA Market Update - PCBC Show Report
| Dave Farley
Few comments, suggestions, and ideas...
 BC Wood and member companies participated in the annual Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in San Francisco this past week and upon reflection, one could come away with a couple of ideas and thoughts. First, if there is any commentary that the US Economy is not firing on all cylinders, you wouldn't have known it visiting PCBC. The builder and architect community that I spoke to at the event were all crazy busy. The general comments were along the lines of "we haven't been this busy since 2005" and " we are having a hard time keeping up". The show itself is experiencing somewhat of a resurgence with a reported attendance reaching the 20,000 mark for the first time in over a decade. The cautious optimism, experienced at last years event in San Diego has been replaced with a "we're going full throttle" as one Napa based residential builder commented. With the relatively weak Canadian Loonie and pent up demand, sales potential in the California market remains strong for BC producers. Secondly, the trend towards contemporary or modern aesthetic in residential housing was evident at PCBC. Gone are the California monster homes of the mid 2000s', replaced with smaller, well designed, thoughtful homes that incorporate modern aesthetic and the latest in technology. This was probably best evidenced by the latest offerings showcased by the numerous "cultured stone" companies at PCBC. Firms such as Eldorado Stone and Boral had displays that were completely different from years past. The stacked stone and rustic designs have been replaced with clean lined brick and stone offerings better suited for today's modern designs. How this push to a contemporary aesthetic impacts the wood industry and in particular the BC secondary wood products sector is, I think interesting, and will be further explored in the next Wood Connections Newsletter. As always, for more information on the US market please feel free to contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com.
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Marketplace
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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.
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| Upcoming Events |
August 17-20, 2016: Techno Mueble Expo, Guadalajara, Mexico September 8-10, 2016: Global Buyers Mission (GBM), Whistler, BC September 22-25, 2016: IDS West, Vancouver, BC October 12-14, 2016: Osaka Living & Design Show, Osaka, Japan October 13-15, 2016: China International Exhibition on Housing, Beijing, China October 23-25, 2016: Cottage Life & Cabin Show, Mississauga, Canada October 23-26, 2016: Build Exchange, Palm Beach, USA October 26-28, 2016: Japan Home & Building Show, Tokyo, Japan 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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