Lowe’s to Keynote International Wood Trade Convention

Furniture World Magazine

The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) is pleased to announce that Michael Chenard, Director of Environmental Affairs, The Lowe’s Companies, will keynote its convention, World of Wood 2004.The convention takes place March 17-19, 2004at Disney’s Grand Californian in Anaheim,California. The keynote address,"Responsible Wood Procurement," will focus on Lowe’s procurement policy and “stress legality as a minimum requirement but also address certification,”according to Chenard. Brent J. McClendon, IWPA Executive Vice President, stated, “The Lowe’s Companies is the world’s second largest home improvement retailer. We hope that Mr. Chenard’s presentation will assist our members, importers, manufacturers, distributors and producers to gain a better understanding of the potential impact such policies may have on their businesses.” As director of environmental affairs, Michael Chenard is responsible for managing Lowe's environmental priorities and policies regarding products and store operations. Mr. Chenard works in close cooperation with conservation organizations, vendors, governmental concerns and trade associations in order to achieve Lowe’s environmental goals. Prior to joining Lowe’s in 2002, Mr. Chenard served as a senior corporate environmental engineer for Pitney Bowes and an environmental program administrator at Champion International. He developed environmental management systems (EMS) for both Pitney Bowes and Champion International. He served as an officer in the United States Navy for seven years, after earning his undergraduate degree in Foreign Affairs from theUniversityof Virginiaand holds a Masters of Environmental Management from theNicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. The convention program will also feature presentations on hardwood and softwood global markets, trends and forecasts, as well as updates on important issues affecting trade in wood products. A report on thePresident’s Initiative Against Illegal Logging,followed by a panel update and discussion on constructive approaches to address legality fromMalaysia,Brazil andGhana. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear a seasoned political analyst provide the inside story on this year’s national elections. IWPA's Annual Convention,World of Wood,brings together the largest international gathering ofU.S.importers, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. IWPA Members and non-members in the industry are welcome to attend. Registration forms and additional information are posted on-line atwww.iwpawood.org/convention.asp The International Wood Products Association, established in 1956, is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 180 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: Offshore manufacturers,U.S.importers and the service providers that facilitate trade. World of Wood is organized by: International Wood Products Association - 4214 King Street West-Alexandria,Virginia 22302 USA- 703-820-6696 - fax: 703-820-8550 info@iwpawood.org www.iwpawood.org