Plan to Attend Annual Meeting

The HDA convention will continue in the same format as previous years. On Friday, September 22nd, we will have the morning breakfast followed by the annual meeting. The educational portion of the program will focus on certification and its impact on our businesses.

Friday Evening's affair will be held at the Sea Catch Restaurant. The evening begins in the courtyard overlooking the picturesque C & O Canal. The restaurant is situated in a restored 150 year-old building which has served barge traffic, a cooper's shop, and more recently as the punch card tabulation office recognized as the birthplace for the modern computer. Marble floors, wood paneling, and two stone fireplaces accent this choice for this year's convention.

New Member Spotlight
Brady International Hardwood Company

The company was formed originally as an office wholesaler in 1969, but as business evolved in the early to mid 1970's, warehouse distribution was inevitable. Brady's early home was on the port of Tacoma but eventually moved to it's present location in 1981. In November of 1997 the ownership of the company sold their interests to Lumber Products in Tulalatin, OR, and Brady now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that company. The company continues to thrive under it's new ownership.

While hardwood lumber was the company's lifeblood in the beginning, product mix has also evolved over the years. Lumber now accounts for approximately 25-30 percent of sales, while sheet goods of all types comprise 60-65 percent. The bulk of the lumber sold is split between Appalachian and northern production, while almost 100 percent of panels sold are manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the Renton location.

In future issues, we will have profiles on new members as well as existing members who have made changes in their operations. If you'd like to be featured, fax your information to Kim Vollinger at 828-397-3763