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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 - August 31, 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, 9:45am 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 |
Province sets agenda to address forest sector competitiveness
BC Gov News - August 31, 2016
The provincial government today released its agenda to enhance the competitiveness of B.C.'s forest sector so that it continues to make investments and provide family-supporting jobs in communities throughout the province.
The agenda called "Strong Past, Bright Future" contains 49 strategic actions to address three key inter-related goals: healthy, resilient forests; diverse, globally competitive industry; and stable communities and First Nations.
B.C. is recognized worldwide as a leading jurisdiction for the production of high-quality wood products from sustainably managed forests. However, government recognizes the need to address the challenges that may undermine the industry's ability to compete, from the impact of the mountain pine beetle on interior forests to market uncertainty. This agenda sets the stage to improve B.C.'s competitive position, maximize the value derived from B.C.'s forests, and tap into innovation.
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| Industry News |
Wood touted as next big thing in highrise buildings
Business Vancouver - August 10, 2016
 Have we been overthinking urban development? Could wood skyscrapers make tower construction shorter, quieter and less intrusive? Proponents of the technology think so.
"It's really a shift. People have realized that we've got a renewable building material here. Why don't we use it?" said Bill Downing, president of Structurlam Products, a company that makes parts for mass timber construction. "Rather than bringing in steel from China, for example, maybe we should use the material in our own backyard."
The University of British Columbia is building the word's tallest timber tower, which is going up significantly faster than expected. Construction was predicted to take 20 months. But nine months after building started, Brock Commons is already 17 storeys and the final 18th floor is being built this week. Faster construction times are primarily a result of the prefabricated, mass timber pieces that are used to construct timber buildings. Large cross-laminated timber panels (CLT) and columns are made off-site and then delivered in the order in which they're needed.
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| 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 |
Build skills, expand your team's knowledge, increase overall productivity, and lower your manufacturing costs by attending these workshops!
How Much is Your Rework Costing You? September 13, 2016 in Surrey, BC Having to rework products ends up costing you money! Turn worst practices into best practices by determining your quality and how you can improve it. REGISTER HERE Job Instruction Training for Supervisors October 12 & 13, 2016 in Surrey, BC Supervisors play an important role in creating and training standard procedures. Companies need a sure and reliable method to ensure quality, productivity and costs.Standardized work is the key to ensuring quality of product or service to every manufacturer. REGISTER HERE Productive Maintenance - An Overlooked Opportunity for Small Businesses January 25, 2017 in Surrey, BC A lack of regular maintenance of equipment results in costly machine downtime, productivity loss and expensive repairs.Through Visual Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), lean how your employees can become problem solvers through better understanding of equipment and processes. REGISTER HERE
Did You Know?- Register now for these workshops and take advantage of the Early Bird Offers!
- View Youtube videos from other BC companies and their success in implementing new ideas - click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ8kUYhjrd8
- The technical resources of FPInnovations are available to small businesses in BC. Contact Roland.baumeister@fpinnovations.ca directly for more info.
- Need help to develop or test a product - we can help! (604) 222-5672
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Industry News - CAWP Update
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UBC - Online Managements Skill Training Courses
Date: January 3, 2017 - April 10, 2017, One week intensive practical - April 3-7, 2017
Location: Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, Vancouver, BC
UBC - Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) will be offering three "online" courses:
- Quality Management and Control - Sept 5 to Oct 17, 2016
- Business Finance & Investment Evaluation - Sept 5 to Oct 17, 2016
- Safety & Human Resources Management - Sept 26 - Nov 7, 2016
These wood products industry specific courses are designed for owners, manager, supervisors or management tracked employees. These are not academic courses and the skills learned can be applied immediately to the work place. Each part time course is led by a tutor with extensive industry experience.
For more information on the courses, please click on the following link: Management Skill Training or call Jason Chiu at 604 822-0082
Jason Chiu
Technical Specialist
UBC - Centre for Advanced Wood Processing
Tel: 604 822-0082
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Industry News - CAWP Update
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Wood Construction Tour to Switzerland, Austria, Germany - December 2016
Date: December 3-10, 2016
Locations: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany
CAWP is pleased to announce that it will lead a technical tour for architect, builders, manufacturers, public sector officials and policy makers, interested in advanced timber construction, energy efficient pre-fabricated manufacturing, and building component manufacturing. The tour will start on Saturday, December 3rd and end on Saturday, December 10th, including three days at the International Holzbau Forum in Garmisch, Germany.
A group of 15-20 industry participants accompanied by 'tour guides' from CAWP will visit world renowned timber structures, state-of-the-art producers of prefabricated homes, and building components manufacturers. Visits to building projects both completed and under construction will be conducted.
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Industry News - CAWP Update
| UBC - Part-time Online Certificate in Industrial Wood Finishing with a one week hands-on practical session
Date: January 3, 2017 - April 10, 2017, One week intensive practical - April 3-7, 2017
Location: Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, Vancouver, BC
North America's most comprehensive wood finishing certificate program. The certificate program 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. Space is Limited, Register Now! Tel: 604 822-0082
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Specifier's Program
| Roy Manion
We are on the home stretch with just a week to go before the GBM kicks off with the WoodTALKS program on Thursday afternoon. We will have 2 seminars, beginning with Gord Macdonald followed by Darryl Condon then after, off to the top of Whistler. The ever popular site tour is of Whistler's newest showcase, the Audain Art Museum, which will give the architects an insight into the design of the venue by the project architect, John Patkau. Registrations are coming in and another great event is expected. Lunch & Learn Sessions: As stated in our previous Wood Connections, architect related activities slow down considerably during the summer but that doesn't mean they stop completely as we booked 3 sessions for August, as well as several sessions in September. Factory Tours: We are using the summer to plan two factory tours which will be held this fall; one in late September and the other late October. Renewing and Adding Participants to the 2016 - 2017 Specifiers Program: We are close to the maximum number of companies the program can accommodate, so if making your product, service, or company known to the architect, designer, construction, and engineering communities is something you feel would benefit your firm, please contact me ASAP and we will see if the Specifier Program is a fit for you. You can reach me at the BC Wood offices or by e-mail at rmanion@bcwood.com |
Tradeshow Tips/Advice
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5 Big Surprises For Canadian Exhibitors Going to USA Trade Shows
Skyline Tradeshow Tips
Whether you work at a Canadian company that already participates in a trade show in the USA or are thinking of getting into the US market, here are exhibiting facts that may surprise you: 1. Almost All USA Trade Shows Require Union Labor Almost ALL of the USA trade shows require you to use union labor. This is by far the biggest surprise that hits my Toronto trade show clients when they exhibit south of the Canadian border for the first time. This is not flexible or negotiable; it just is what it is. While some shows have rules allowing you to do under 30 minutes of work, if done without tools, most exhibitors will still have to pay to have a union employee set up their booth. And of course, with union labor come higher costs and more complexity in arranging set up times.
Click here to read the entire article
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Global Buyers Mission
| Randi Walker
We are thrilled with the response from industry again this year. We know that the program works and everyone benefits. If you are still interested, call us ASAP to see how you might participate in the event.
Recruiting for both international wood product buyers and our newly formatted WoodTALKS program is also going extremely well and we expect a sell-out again this year.
There are lots of registrants so you exhibitors will certainly meet new interested buyers, especially from the US; record numbers from India and China; and more buyers than ever from Mexico, too! We are also happy to say we have a number of new buyers from all over the world including Australia, the UK, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and more EU markets for you to meet. Our goal is to always have 70% new buyers - although we will always have a number of returning buyers, since the GBM has become their "go to" event for North America - but the interest from new buyers and new markets has again been excellent.
Don't forget, you can also join the Wednesday, September 7th Sunset Dinner Cruise with over 100 of our international Buyers, aboard the MV Harbour Princess! This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet the Buyers prior to their arrival in Whistler. This event is open to all industry members (you do not need to be an exhibitor to attend this event). For more information and to register, click here.
If you have not yet registered for our Friday afternoon golf tournament, this year sponsored by Livingston Intl, please call for the registration link. You can sign up as a single, double or foursome!
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)
GBM Program Schedule Thursday - September 8th - BC Wood AGM; Woodtalk Seminars; 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 Livingston Sponsored Golf Tournament; Architects (WoodTALKS) in-booth presentations; or Whistler free time
- Evening Reception / Dinner at the Audain Art Museum (image above)
Saturday - September 10th - Breakfast and Morning Networking/Tradeshow/Meetings
Contact gbm@bcwood.com for details on how to register for the 2016 Global Buyers Mission! |
USA Market Update - PCBC Show Report
| Dave Farley
 A few comments, suggestions, and ideas for the industry... Following up on last months' Wood Connections where we discussed the PCBC Show, there is an ever changing design aesthetic in the residential construction sector. The push at PCBC this year was towards a modern, clean lined design. The question I posed was how do wood product manufacturers adapt their products to suit this new aesthetic?
Wood by its nature is organic, and has a mass appeal to consumers wanting a natural, environmentally friendly product. Can manufacturers create and offer products that appeal to modern design? The answer is yes and no. I think there is a growing market for wood products that are clean lined, minimalist in size, and can appeal to architects, designers, and builders looking for modern products.  A good example is 1X4 T&G clear cedar paneling with a credit card profile between the tongue and groove (image above). This small change in the profile made the product appeal to the design community in Hawaii, where cedar is in high demand. Another way that manufacturers can adapt product to make it interesting to modern design is by taking advantage of the rustic nature of wood that has made it appealing for so long.
A big trend I have noticed in both modern high-end residential and commercial projects is the use of reclaimed wood in furniture, millwork, and paneling to help soften up the often sharp lines of modern design. I have seen rustic, reclaimed, or my personal favorite, "re-purposed" wood products used in $45 million dollar residential homes and $100 million dollar+ hospitality projects. It has been used in doors, windows, cabinetry, millwork, staircases, and feature walls. The best thing about it is that it does not necessarily have to be reclaimed, only made to look as it is.  So my take away from PCBC and this move to modern design is that wood product manufacturers can adapt their products to appeal to this market. A few tweaks and design changes to make the products more modern or on the opposite end more reclaimed and rustic should allow for products to be accepted into this new design aesthetic. As always for more information on this topic or on the US market, please feel free to contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com
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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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| China Market Update | |
China International Exhibition on Housing Industry in Beijing 2016
Jim Ivanoff
Once again, the first show in Asia that BC Wood will be organizing on behalf of members this fiscal year is the China International Exhibition on Housing Industry in Beijing from October 14th to 16th. This show targets the emerging market of wood framed construction and attracts all of the major players in China involved in importing construction lumber, developing resort properties, and building high-end wood-framed structures. Last year, we had a very successful show where both BC and Quebec companies exhibited together in a Canadian pavilion. We are looking at similar structure this year and expect to build on last year's presence.
The CIEHI offers the best opportunity in China for Canadian companies looking to export: construction grade dimension lumber, engineered wood products, timberframe packages, packaged 2x4 and log structures, WRC outdoor products, as well as finishing materials. Its main exhibits include: 1) Wooden architecture: wooden houses, vacation cabins, wood gazebos & pergolas, and light wood frame & heavy timber structures, 2) Wooden structural materials, 3) Wooden structures and equipment, and 4) Other wood materials: flooring, decking, fencing, stairs, outdoor furniture, etc. landscape planning, construction, and maintenance: landscape design, golf course design and construction, green roofs, tourism development planning, etc.
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| Europe Market Update | |
BC Wood at the BAU 2017 Show
Brian Hawrysh
BAU is the largest and best known building products show in the European market. The BAU fair, held every two years, attracts over 240,000 attendees. Some 50,000 of these attendees come from neighboring Western European countries and the ex-Soviet Bloc countries. This year, the event will be held from January 16 to 21, 2017. A unique feature of the BAU show is that it consolidates companies featuring wood products and wood building systems in one of its sixteen halls. So while the show is very large, the majority of potential customers for wood based products and building systems are concentrated in one display hall.
Throughout Western Europe and particularly in resort regions that have a high percentage of second luxury homes (such as the Alps in France, Germany, and Italy and the Pyrenees region of Spain and France), there exists good potential for manufacturers of log and timber frame homes. The BC handcrafted style, featuring large diameter logs and heavy timbers, have a unique appeal to these wealthy homeowners.
High quality finished building materials such as decking, siding, roofing, flooring and millwork are all in demand. Specialty lumber such as Douglas-Fir, Hemlock, and a range of hardwoods are also highly sought after by manufacturers in the emerging markets of the post-Soviet bloc countries.
In January 2017, BC Wood plans to organize a large display at the BAU fair for member companies and other Canadian forest products associations. While the show is not for another ten months, its' high-profile means that the show sells out quickly and our organizational efforts need to start now. Space is limited, so, for more information regarding the BAU show, BC Wood's participation, and costs, please contact Brian Hawrysh at 604-882-7100 or directly at bhawrysh@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 |
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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