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Congratulations to ITS Class 194!
The National Hardwood Lumber Association celebrated the graduation of the 194th class of the Inspector Training School on Friday, February 26, 2021. The students were the first to graduate from the new, 8-week NHLA Inspector Training School. In total, 5 students graduated: 4 students completed the 8-week Program and one completed the final module of […]
Breaking News: China to Extend Tariff Exclusions
This morning, NHLA received word from our friends at the American Hardwood Export Council that the Chinese Government has extended the tariff exclusions for many U.S. products, including hardwood lumber and logs, through September 16, 2021. Below is the WeChat message from the Embassy in its entirety. Apparently, U.S. hardwood logs and lumber were the […]
Introducing the New ITS Alumni Gallery
NHLA is pleased to introduce a new home for Alumni of the NHLA Inspector Training School! The NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Gallery is now available to everyone online by clicking here. Sponsored by Cole Hardwoods, the NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Gallery is a searchable database of ITS Graduation photos, beginning with the first […]
2023 NHLA Rules Book is NOW OPEN
Every four years, NHLA reviews the hardwood lumber grading rules and accepts rules change proposals for consideration. The window for submitting change proposals for the 2023 NHLA Rules Book is NOW OPEN. Changes for consideration should be submitted to the Chief Inspector by March 31, 2021. The Rules Committee will review the submitted changes during a […]
The Passing of Keith M. Swaner
It is with a sad heart that we inform you of the passing of Keith M. Swaner, owner and CEO of Swaner Hardwood Co., Inc. Keith passed away on January 6, 2021, at the age of 93. In the early 1950’s he was a sales representative for E. L. Bruce Company, and in 1962 he became […]
Rules Corner – January/February 2020
The Definition of Sound Cutting Explained -By NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert As seasoned hardwood lumber inspectors, sometimes we can forget the complexity of how the NHLA Rules are written. When I have the opportunity to work with the Inspector Training School students and other seasoned inspectors, it brings to light some of the more confusing […]
Member Spotlight: Smith Sawmill Service
Most of us are familiar with the story of a rock band starting in their parent’s garage and going on to be a massive success in the music industry. Smith Sawmill Service is like those rock bands. Officially, Smith Sawmill Service began 30 years ago, in 1990. But in reality, it started much sooner. Founder […]
Cotton-Hanlon – Celebrating 100 Years
Join us in celebrating NHLA member, Cotton-Hanlon, as they mark 100 years in business. A. Hanlon was the son of a 3rd generation lumberman operating in Chemung Valley, New York. B. J. Cotton was a merchant and lumberman of Tioga County, New York. In 1921 Hanlon and Cotton formed a partnership that is still fruitful […]
The Passing of Thomas Robert Imm
WHEELERSBURG-Thomas Robert Imm, 54, of Wheelersburg passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at The University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY. Tom was born October 6, 1966, in New London, Ohio the son of Nancy Maxwell Imm and the late Robert Ray Imm. Tom is preceded in death by his father and grandparents. […]
Member Spotlight: MO PAC Lumber
For many companies, a flood equals the end of their business. But, for Mo Pac Lumber Company, it was the catalyst they needed to grow. Mo Pac’s history begins in the 1930s, when Louis Pescaglia realized he could make more money cutting mine timbers than delivering coal. In 1960, Jim Pescaglia joined his father in […]
Rules Corner – December 2020
A Margin of Error When Tallying Random Length Lumber -By NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert Inspecting hardwood lumber correctly comes down to two things, knowing the Rules and identifying defects. In this month’s article, I want to discuss the defect, Incipient Decay. NHLA defines “Incipient Decay” on page 85, under Definitions in the Rules Book as: “The early stage […]
The Passing of Milt Cole
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Milt Cole, 85, of Cole Hardwood. Mr. Cole passed away peacefully at his home on Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Cole was a longtime member of NHLA, served on the NHLA Board of Directors, and contributed $100,000 to the NHLA Inspector Training School Education Foundation. Dave Bramlage, […]
Graduation of the 193rd Class of NHLA Inspector Training School
MEMPHIS, TN. – The National Hardwood Lumber Association celebrated the graduation of the 193rd class of the Inspector Training School on Friday, November 20, 2020. Four students completed the 12-week traditional program. Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector and ITS Dean of Education, welcomed and thanked the families, friends, and employers who supported the students during […]
Member Spotlight: Froedge Machine and Supply Company
When you think about the machinery that sawmills use to turn logs into lumber, you probably don’t associate it with the delicate intricacies of a wristwatch. But for Froedge Machine and Supply Company, the wristwatch is part of the foundation of their company. In 1962, Wendell Froedge opened a watch repair shop. Wendell was an […]
Rules Corner – November 2020
Clarifying Surfacing to Standard Rough Thickness -By NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert The NHLA Inspector Training School is currently holding its 193rd Class for lumber inspectors. The students, at the time of this article, are in the 6th week of class. They are currently learning that hardwood grading is all about mathematics and defect identification. One of the things that […]
NHLA Inspector Training School Format Change
The National Hardwood Lumber Association has announced a format change for the NHLA Inspector Training School. The traditional 12-week program will now be offered as a NEW, 8-week course, scheduled to begin on January 5, 2021. This is a permanent format change for the program. The decision to make the format change came after careful […]
Member Spotlight: The Horton Group
Founded in 1971 in Orland Park, IL, the Horton Group began as a small, eight-person family-owned insurance agency specializing in auto and home insurance for individuals. Since then, it has expanded into commercial insurance, employee benefits, and consulting services. Today, the Horton Group is ranked as the country’s 37th largest insurance brokerage by Insurance Journal, […]
Member Spotlight: Mountain Top Floors
Knowing when to change course is a key component to success for any business. Mountain Top Floors provides a great example of a company with the keen insight to know when to refocus the direction of its business. Mountain Top Floors, a company based in Naperville, Illinois, began in 2015, suppling wholesalers (such as Home […]
Member Spotlight: DMSI
Chances are, you’ve heard the old saying, “work smarter, not harder.” While hard work is essential to success, there comes a point when you have to look for ways to make it easier to grow. Melissa Gratias, a workplace productivity coach, says, “working smarter is the pursuit of productivity coupled with a respect for downtime […]
Webinar Series: Improving Log-to-Lumber Production
As COVID-19 continues to restrict our face-to-learning opportunities, NHLA continues to meet the educational needs of the hardwood industry. Last month, NHLA hosted a 4-part Kiln Drying webinar series presented by Dr. Gene Wengert. The series was a great success, and we are happy to announce that we will be continuing our partnership with Dr. […]
