Preston Press & Charter, October 2007

New Boise Studs

Boise Cascade Introduces Strong, Straight Versa-Stud® Framing Lumber

Preston Feather has a new wall framing product designed for tall walls and other applications where strong, straight framing materials are called for. The product, called Versa-Stud, offers at least 2.1 times more bending strength and 20% more stiffness than no. 2 SPF 2x6 studs, and none of the checks, cracks or twists that can plague solid lumber. And Boise Versa-Stud can often stand up to the rigors of the jobsite better than laminated strand lumber products.

Versa-Stud is available at Preston Feather at the time of print in 1-1/2” width and two different depths — 3-1/2”and 5-1/2”, in 16’ and 24’ lengths. Versa-Stud’s perfectly consistent dimensions can help homebuilders reduce their labor costs through the advantages of squarer corners and flatter, more plumb walls that finish faster.

“Like so many of our new value-added services and products, Versa-Stud is designed to make homes more “buildable” and reduce labor costs, which can help homebuilders be more successful,” said Denny Huston, Boise Engineered Wood Products sales and marketing manager. “With this new Versa-Stud product line we have a product that’s fully price competitive with laminated strand products, but that offers all of the advantages of authentic laminated veneer lumber,” Huston added.

Many builders see Versa-Lam® laminated veneer lumber, from which Versa-Stud is made, as one of the most perfect building products, both from a structural and a consistency standpoint. Boise’s Versa-Lam is constructed of 1/6”, 1/8” or 1/10” thick veneers, laminated with all grain parallel to the length of the member. Knots and other imperfections are dispersed in the Versa-Lam manufacturing process, resulting in higher product design values. Adhesives used in the manufacturing process are all exterior-grade, which comply with ASTM D2559. Next time you are in the yard, take a peek at how beautiful they are.

Special Fall 2007 Congressional Preview

— from NLBMDA Advocate

Congressional Leaders Outline a Bold Agenda for Fall

The war in Iraq and spending issues will dominate Congress’ agenda this fall, as lawmakers react to the most recent progress report from the top U.S. commander in Iraq and complete work on 12 appropriations bills. None of the spending bills, which are needed by the Oct. 1 start of Fiscal Year 2008, have been enacted, and only one has passed the Senate. Stopgap spending measures will be necessary to keep the government operating.

Legislators have already begun thinking about the 2008 election cycle, and Democrats are eager to make progress on promises they made in 2006 when voters endorsed the “new direction” proposed by party leaders. House and Senate leaders have outlined several key agenda items on which they want to take action, including a renewal of farm subsidies, reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, and repeal of the alternative minimum tax. These items join an already crowded fall agenda, which includes conference committee negotiations on legislation to overhaul federal energy policy.

Bad News for Congress: Poll Shows Growing Public Disapproval

Democrats, who have been in charge for just eight months, cannot be pleased by recent polls that show unhappiness with lawmakers’ performance. A Gallup poll of 1,019 adults, taken Aug. 13-16, showed that 18 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, while 76 percent disapprove. That matches the low job approval rating for the March 1992 Democratic-controlled Congress, two and a half years before voters handed the reins to the Republicans.

Housing Woes Create Pressure on Congress to Address Foreclosures

As a result of turmoil in the housing market and troubled global credit markets caused by a growing number of foreclosures, lawmakers are expected to give housing and economic issues high priority this fall. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) held a hearing Sept. 5 on troubled credit markets. He has indicated his committee will move legislation to help homeowners facing foreclosure due to unmanageable loans, as well as prevent abusive lending practices. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) plans to overhaul the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) with the goal of helping homeowners avoid foreclosure and to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

On Aug. 31, President Bush unveiled several proposals designed to address the worsening mortgage crisis, including new rules for the FHA that would allow the agency to help more people with delinquent mortgages. The Bush Administration previously had taken a “hands off” approach, insisting that the housing market woes would work themselves out.

Thank our Air Force Veterans

Jay Steffel, Harbor Springs

Jim Brown, Harbor Springs

Nick Klein, Petoskey

Scot O'Neill, Petoskey

Preston Press & Charter, October 2007

New Boise Studs

Special Fall 2007 Congressional Preview

Thank our Air Force Veterans

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