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WASHINGTON – The American Wood Council (AWC) has collaborated with companies and organizations in the lumber industry to release recommended guidelines for Weights and Measurement Labeling. The guidelines can be found on the AWC website for reference: http://www.awc.org/NewsReleases/2015/weightsandmeasures.php All states have laws and regulations describing how lumber must be labeled in order to protect consumers. Many states use the Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities, otherwise known as NIST Handbook 130, as the basis for these regulations. “Concern has been raised recently on how lumber is being labeled for retail sale,” said AWC President and CEO Robert Glowinski. “To assist industry manufacturers in understanding the requirements of NIST Handbook 130, as applied to lumber, we have placed an easily digestible synopsis on our website and encourage the industry to use it as a resource.” Given the potential variation among individual state requirements, however, manufacturers are strongly encouraged to consult with their own counsel and advisors regarding labeling of their products. ### The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American wood products manufacturing, representing over 75 percent of an industry that provides approximately 400,000 men and women with family-wage jobs. AWC members make products that are essential to everyday life from a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon. Staff experts develop state-of-the-art engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products to assure their safe and efficient design, as well as provide information on wood design, green building, and environmental regulations. AWC also advocates for balanced government policies that affect wood products. www.awc.org | @woodcouncil

Morbark, Inc., the manufacturer of the Boxer® line of compact utility loaders, has introduced the all-new Boxer 900HD. The 900HD made its trade show debut at the TCI Expo in Hartford, Ct., held Nov. 13-15, 2014, and will be shown in Morbark’s booth (#8013) at The ARA Rental Show this week in New Orleans. The model is scheduled to begin production in April 2015. Designed from the ground up to be the most powerful and capable mini-skid steer available in the market, the Boxer 900HD is the culmination of two years of preparations. “The Boxer 900HD is engineered to exceed other mini-skid steers,” said Jason Showers, Boxer Product Manager. “The 900HD includes many class-leading characteristics previously found only on full-size skid steer models, like a 48-HP Tier 4 Final diesel engine with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) that does not require after treatment, dual pattern operator controls and a 94-inch hinge pin height that will allow users to easily dump material over the side of a 6-foot truck bed.” The 900HD also features a class-leading 35% SAE (calculated) rated operating capacity of 939 lb. (425 kg). With an advanced torsional track suspension for a smooth ride and the ergonomic cockpit design — complete with dual pattern joystick controls, spring-cushioned operator platform, front and side padding, electronic engine display, cup holders and 12-volt auxiliary outlet — the Boxer 900HD provides enhanced operator comfort and utility. The track tensioning system applies even track tension with simple adjustment to promote longer service life. The hydraulics package features a hydrostatic drive with 15-GPM (57 L/min) flow and dual auxiliary remotes with machine pressure relief block on the high-flow remotes. Like other Boxer compact utility loaders, the 900HD has a universal attachment plate to handle more than 50 attachments suited to any job.

AMERIMULCH® INTRODUCES THE MOBILETROM™ Unique to the Industry – Simple - Self-Contained - Portable Twinsburg, OH – Amerimulch®, a member of the ChromaScape® family of brands, released in the spring of 2014 its new MobileTrom™ coloring system. This is a unique and innovative piece of equipment based on its mobility, inclusive power unit and production capacity. The brilliant simplicity of the ColorTrom® is now available in a self-contained, portable unit. If you are looking to enter the color-enriched mulch industry, or simply expand your current operation, and if 100 yards per hour hits your production target, the MobileTrom is the equipment for you! It is an attractive option to handle the challenges of multiple sites with the versatility to meet all of your manufacturing needs – Coloring Simplicity from Amerimulch. That includes our commitment of customer satisfaction and Real Tangible Value©. Amerimulch® provides landscape coatings and equipment for the production of profitable, in-demand color-enriched mulches. Our colorants are formulated for superior bonding, coating and coverage and our equipment is designed for producers who want simple, effective, high-volume production. Take the next step in landscape coatings and technology with Amerimulch. For more information, please visit amerimulch.com or speak with your regional sales manager 1.888.556.3304. Established in 1998, ChromaScape® is recognized as one of the world’s top producers of color dispersions and specialty additives, providing product to many markets under the brand names Amerimulch®, Solution Dispersions, ChromaPave® and Innotech® Decorative Concrete Products. The company has a wealth of experience in the colorant industry and is committed to building a sustainable, environmentally friendly organization that provides Real Tangible Value© to its customers.

LEESBURG, VA. – The American Wood Council's 2015 Permanent Wood Foundation Design Specification (PWF) standard has been approved by the American National Standards Institute as an American National Standard. The PWF is referenced in the International Code Council's 2015 International Residential Code and International Building Code. The standard provides structural requirements for designing wood foundations, most commonly used in the upper Midwest. A Permanent Wood Foundation system is intended for light frame construction including residential buildings. There are only minimal changes in the 2015 version of the PWF standard, mostly related to ensuring internal references to ASTM and AWC standards are current. Designers may begin using provisions of new standards upon approval by the authority having jurisdiction. Many code officials will allow for the use of new standards, particularly when they are developed through a consensus process. The 2015 PWF is available in electronic format on the AWC website http://www.awc.org/standards/pwf/2015.php.

“Back To Our Roots – 50 Years and Still Growing” The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) will hold its 50th Annual Meeting on March 25-27, 2015 at The Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky. The association plans to host over 400 company representatives from throughout the region. There will be a variety of discussions and activities to enjoy during the event. A number of opportunities will be made available for attendees to gather and discuss current issues, and meet with customers both new and old. The meeting will get underway with a golf outing at the University Club of Kentucky Golf Course in Lexington, Kentucky and a Unique Horse Farm Tour. The exhibit area will be open throughout the meeting and the Tree Farm Awards Luncheon will recognize outstanding individuals for their achievements in the forest industry community. We will have a special presentation from President Abraham Lincoln to honor all of KFIA’s past presidents. Speakers will include Dean Nancy Cox; from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture will provide information on the past 50 years of working with the University of Kentucky. James R. Comer, Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Kentucky will give us an update on the Kentucky Proud Program, wood industry involvement and what the future may hold. Lee Andrews, Kentucky Field Office Supervisor will provide an update on the Northern Long-eared Bat and the potential affects on forest management if listed as an endangered species. For more information on exhibiting or attending the 2015 Annual Meeting or KFIA programs and membership, please call 502/695-3979, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.kfia.org.

WASHINGTON – "What does 'carbon neutral' mean?" It's a great question, and today the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and American Wood Council (AWC) have launched a new web video explaining the concept – from a biomass energy users' perspective – in only 90 seconds. The video is available here: http://youtu.be/fQ0NJLxDuzg Paper and wood products manufacturing facilities use all parts of the raw material to not only manufacture products used in everyday life, but also create more than two-thirds of the energy needed to do so. Most often, this involves using manufacturing residuals and combined heat and power technology to maximize efficiency and provide tremendous greenhouse gas reduction benefits. Want to know more? Watch the video, and pass it along!

Mexico has announced the accepted use of the NHLA Kiln Dried Certificate to be an acceptable proof of treatment for the purpose of importing kiln dried hardwood lumber. On December 16, 2014 Mexico published in the Diaro Oficial (Mexico's Federal Register) a simplification of the import process for lumber. Beginning January 16, 2015 imports of lumber from the United States will no longer need a phytosanitary certificate from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to enter Mexico. Instead, a certificate from an APHIS-approved company detailing the treatment applied will by sufficient. (This change does not apply to green or wet wood.) NHLA is verifying the information in this report and preparing to implement the program at any hardwood kiln facility interested in joining the NHLA Kiln Dried Certification Program. Current members of the program should check with NHLA prior to shipping to Mexico to verify that the border officials have been notified of the change. An APHIS report Summary can be found here. Click here for more information about the NHLA KD Certification Program. Questions about this announcement or the NHLA KD Certification Program should be directed to Chief Inspector Dana Spessert at [email protected] or 901-399-7551.

Wood-Mizer LLC, the world’s leading sawmill manufacturer, introduces the LT70 Super Hydraulic sawmill – a mill that allows zero to sawing in ten seconds! Engineered to saw logs faster than ever, the SUPER70 will join Wood-Mizer’s industry leading line of portable sawmill equipment. Combining the rugged power of a 55HP diesel engine with the functionality of engine-powered hydraulics, fully-proportional joystick controls, and an enhanced operator interface, the SUPER70 is faster than ever- all at your fingertips. The compact and efficient hydraulic system integrates directly into the engine’s power for the ability to withstand rugged and mobile environments, even in harsh, below zero climates. Serious sawyers will also benefit from an increased production rating of up to 1,050 board feet per hour. To demonstrate the increased production speed of the SUPER70, Wood-Mizer Service Technician Nick Burdine proved the ability to load, clamp, and begin sawing in under ten seconds at the 2014 Paul Bunyan Show in Ohio. John Robertson, Wood-Mizer’s head sawyer and owner of Lumber Worx – a custom sawing operation in Indiana, described the new sawmill as “extremely fast and productive”. Main Features -Engine-powered hydraulic system for peak performance -40% faster head positioning and up to 50% faster bed functions -Increased 1,050 board feet per hour production rating -Enhanced operator interface for optimal control -55HP diesel power “Wood-Mizer has always been committed to constant innovation to provide the most advanced and reliable sawmills on the market,” said Wood-Mizer National Sales Manager Dave Mann. “The SUPER70 continues this dedication by offering powerful sawing faster than ever to meet the demands of portable and high production sawyers around the world.” Wood-Mizer is currently accepting orders for the new SUPER70 sawmill available for delivery early spring. As the leading manufacturer of portable band sawmills for more than 32 years, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of portable and industrial sawmill equipment. The company supports its equipment with legendary customer service, blades, and blade maintenance equipment. For more information about Wood-Mizer, call 800.553.0182 or visit http://www.woodmizer.com.

The new 2015 NHLA Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood & Cypress will be mailed out later this month to all Active Category members. As we begin to put together the mailing list and prepare information for the 2015 Buyer's Guide, please take a moment to log-in to the member area of the NHLA website and review your company information - including the mailing address.

Cooper Machine Company of Wadley, Georgia is excited to announce the new stationary carriage/mobile headrig, True Lumber mill is now available in North America from MIT S.A. This exciting breakthrough in sawmill design is the perfect choice for any mill, hardwood or softwood, that requires increased production with a very small footprint. Thin kerf mills looking to increase production and scragg or low grade operators seeking an affordable way to process high profit grade lumber are just two of the most obvious applications. The True Lumber mill comes loaded with standard features like a 6” double cut band, 17.5* slant carriage, operators cab, computerized setworks, all hydraulics, 36” log diameter and lengths from 8-17’. The True Lumber is no one size fits all mill. It offers flexible options of either 4” or 8” single or double cut bands, longer lengths and a host of other options. If your operation needs more production and yield, but doesn’t have the space for a conventional carriage, look at the True Lumber.

LEESBURG, Va. – The American Wood Council is now offering a complimentary self-directed learning program on designing with wood. Courses are related to the use of traditional and engineered wood products for residential and commercial applications and are available on the AWC website. The program allows those seeking continuing education unit (CEU) credits and others wanting to learn proper wood design to work at their own pace. Users will watch a video or read a document and then answer a series of questions as a means of review and measurement for awarding CEUs. Courses and credits are processed immediately after quiz completion. "These courses can be completed from home or work, all at once, or in shorter portions," said AWC Vice President of Technology Transfer John "Buddy" Showalter. "We have long offered live webinars and customizable in-person seminars. These new self-directed courses are part of AWC's commitment to support the needs of busy building code officials and design professionals." Nine courses are currently available for CEU credit and are certified by the International Code Council and/or the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations: BCD 302 – Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide (DCA6 - 2012 IRC version) BCD 410-1 – International Building Code Essentials STD 315 – 2012 Wood Frame Construction Manual Changes DES 413 – Shear Wall Design DES 411A – Seismic-Resistive Design of Wood Buildings DES 420A – Wind-Resistive Design of Wood Buildings BCD 200A – Fire Protection in Wood Buildings MAT 240A – Cross Laminated Timber GB 200A – Wood and Environmental Product Declarations More courses are planned and will be added to the website on an ongoing basis. Users will need to create an AWC account or login to an existing account in order to register for courses.

The newly improved BM-2000 Hydraulic Joystick Valve manufactured by Ellison Sales, in the USA, provides improved hydraulic control with much less effort in sawmill, logging and other applications where durability and ease of maintenance is paramount. The 4-way valves provide precise metering and have proven to be consistently reliable in low-pressure pilot-operated applications for over 30 years. The BM-2000 valve features 3/8” SAE O-ring bottom ports for compact plumbing, easy service and parts and repair kits are in stock for immediate shipment. For application information, contact Ellison Sales, Inc. at (Toll-Free) 888-244-0161.