Released September 16, 2008
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - When the hardwood lumber industry and secondary wood manufacturers gather in Indianapolis Oct. 28-29, the topic at hand will be environmental stewardship and the bottom line.
The Dollars and Sense of Going Green conference is organized by Purdue University and features national industry experts speaking about the ways hardwood businesses of all sizes can become more involved in the green revolution and be profitable.
"People everywhere are looking to live a more green lifestyle, and the hardwood industry is responding to that consumer demand," said Dan Cassens, Purdue professor of forestry and natural resources. "The demand for more certified building materials is growing, but many still question what they can or should do. This conference will help people make sound business decisions as to whether they should proceed to handling certified wood or not."
On day one, general sessions for all conference attendees include a discussion about emerging influences of certification moderated by Mark Barford, executive director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, as well as a session on the nuts and bolts of the certification processes by Rich Christianson, associate publisher of "Wood and Wood Products" magazine.
The second day's general session, "Is There a Market Need for Certified Products in Hardwood Manufacturing," will be moderated by Tom Inman, president of Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.
Concurrent workshops specific to the needs of lumber producers and secondary wood products manufacturers will take place the afternoons of both days.
"These are key industry people who will be talking about the health of the industry and their own experiences," Cassens said.
Anyone associated with or interested in the hardwood lumber industry and veneer and secondary manufacturing is invited to register.
"We think the conference will be beneficial to the architectural community because that's an industry helping to drive the green movement," Cassens said. "Forestland owners are another group who can benefit tremendously."
The Dollars and Sense of Going Green conference will begin at 8 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. Before Oct. 6 registration is $475 per person. After Oct. 6 registration fees increase to $575. In addition to both days of conference sessions, registration includes meals, refreshments and handouts.
Exhibitors and sponsors also can still register.
More information and registration are available by visiting the conference Web site at http://www.greenwoodseminar.com or by contacting Cassens at (765) 494-3644, dcassens@purdue.edu.
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http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/080916CassensSeminar.html
Contacts: Dan Cassens, (765) 494-3644, dcassens@purdue.edu
Jennifer Cummins, (765) 494-6682, cumminsjs@purdue.edu
