Happy New Year from the employees of
Espy Lumber.

L to R-Don Owens, Millwork Development Manager; Butch Williams, Purchasing/Operations Manager; Rod McLeod, President; Mike Reeves, VP/General Manager; Kevin Wagner, Okatie Location Manager; Nancy Phillips, Controller

Mike Reeves: VP/General Manager

 Market Conditions
as we start 2010

First, let me start by saying good-bye  and good riddance to 2009.  Lets all hope 2010 is a better year and brings us all more business.

As we look at the spruce market for January and February, expect weather to dictate the direction of the market for at least the next two to three weeks.  Generally, over this time framing prices should be flat to down, but curtailments from mills could drive prices up by February.

West side print was up this week while east side print was flat to down.

Southern yellow pine print was up after suppliers replenished inventories after the holidays.  Weather will also play a continued role on pine direction.

In the panel market, both OSB and plywood should be flat to up over the next month, but will be driven by supply since demand is low.

 Product Highlight
Nichiha Fiber Cement Siding

Nichiha has been in the fiber cement business for over 50 years.  Their technology produces fiber cement siding products that have better product characteristics.  The Nichiha siding has a lifetime warranty and is available in smooth and cedar textures.  The siding also has a deeper, more authentic cedar texture with crisp, cleaner edges.

Nichiha products differ in several ways from other fiber cement products in the market.  Beginning with raw materials, their product consists of over 50% fly ash, a post consumer waste material generated by coal burning electric generating facilities. By doing so, they divert over 66,000 tons of fly ash from landfills.  Fly ash also improves Nichiha’s performance characteristics, allowing for a stronger, more durable siding.

To learn more, contact your Espy salesman or visit their website at www.nichiha.com.

Craig Smith Contractor Sales

 Employee Profile / Green Certified

Craig Smith joined Espy Lumber as a roofing specialist in May 2008.  Craig was born and raised in Savannah where he lives with his wife Ginger and black lab Jackson.  He attended Armstrong Atlantic University and graduated with a degree in Economics in 2004.  He worked for Wachovia Bank for four years; but, having been around the construction industry his entire life, he made a career change and joined Espy.  As a roofing specialist, he assists homeowners, builders and architects in choosing the right product for their projects. 

In January 2009 Espy became a Certified Green Dealer under an educational program sponsored by LBM Journal.

In October 2009 Craig completed a course of study and exam offered by the National Association of Home Builders and obtained their Green Certification.  Green building is becoming more and more important in our industry.  While not a new concept, there are differences in the approach of years ago versus  that of today.  Green is perceived to be of better quality than that of conventional construction, while also being more environmentally friendly.  Things to consider when building green include lot preparation and development, resource efficiency, energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality.

Craig can be reached at (843) 247-5710 or at craig.smith@espylumber.com.