International Wood International Wood 2004 | Page 5

Imported Wood “The Guide to Applications, Sources and Trends” magazine is brought to you by the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) and its CURE (Conservation, Utilization, Reforestation, Education) Program. IWPA is the only association in the United States W elcome to the premier issue of I mported W ood “The Guide to Applications, Sources and Trends” magazine. This inaugural edition introduces you and 15,000 of your colleagues to some of the most beautiful, durable, and versatile wood species that exist in nature – imported woods. Browsing through the magazine reveals how imported woods are being used to complement many products produced in the United States. From using imported plywood for cabinets and furniture, to using lumber and veneers for flooring, decking, fixtures, and furniture, woods from around the world are adding warmth, beauty, and value in the full range of commercial and residential applications. Among the feature stories in this issue, you’ll see several examples of innovative uses of imported woods. Beginning on page 20 you’ll see how commercial architects expanded their palette of exotic wood species after a progressive millwork firm took them on a wood-shopping trip. You’ll also learn about the integral role imported wood plays both inside and outside of a new log lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, starting on page 28. And, we explore the advantages of using both hardwood and softwood mouldings in commercial and residential applications, beginning on page 36. Please also take your time reading through the many educational articles in this publication, as you’ll also learn about some specific ways the imported wood industry is positively influencing the world’s forests. Included in this issue are examples of innovative and leading forest practices in developing countries that are making positive on-the-ground improvements. I mported W ood also answers frequently-asked questions about tropical forest use and conservation. We hope you also use this publication as your reference for contacting members of the International Wood Products Association –your ultimate source for buying imported wood products. The guide features more than 200 overseas and North American distributors, wholesalers, importers, suppliers and service providers. Contact them to discover why your competitors are increasingly turning to imported woods for new products and new applications. Enjoy the premier issue of I mported W ood . I am confident this publication brings a fresh perspective on imported woods and new ideas for designing and using these valuable renewable resources. No matter the application, you can be confident in the quality you will receive from IWPA members. Please visit www.iwpawood.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information on existing product standards or any of the items discussed within this publication. We thank you for your interest in this publication and wish you continued business success through your increased specification and use of imported woods. Sincerely, committed to the promotion and enhancement of trade in imported hardwood and softwood products. CURE is the educational outreach program of IWPA. IWPA dedicates this first issue posthumously to Frank Sheridan. Frank was a founding member of the CURE Program of IWPA, past- President of IWPA, and long-time board member, who spent much of his time working on behalf of the entire imported wood products industry. He was an outspoken supporter and advocate who constantly strove to increase the positive role the forest industry plays in conserving our forest communities. We would also like to thank the following organizations for their support and cooperation in this publication: American Furniture Manufacturers Association, Architectural Woodwork Institute, Association of Millwork Distributors, Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association, National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association, International Tropical Timber Organization, and the Indonesian Wood Panel Association, with special thanks for use of their photography to the U.S. Forest Products Lab and the Malaysian Timber Council. Learn more about IWPA’ s programs, standards, obtain additional details on suppliers, or read more about the positive role industry plays in the world’s forests by visiting the IWPA at www.iwpawood.org. International Wood Products Association 4214 King Street, West Alexandria, VA 22302 PH: FAX: [phone] w w w. i w p a w o o d . o r g Jim Ballin IWPA 2003-2005 President Columbia Forest Products IMPORTED WOOD 5