Statement by FMCS Director George H. Cohen on United States Maritime Alliance and International Longshoremen’s Association Labor Negotiations

Advanced methods for evaluating the cradle-to-grave environmental performance of products were presented by SCS Global Services (SCS) at two US conferences this week, offering a new level of environmental transparency to support green purchasing and ecolabeling efforts.

Home Hardware Stores Limited and Tree Canada are rolling up their sleeves for the second annual National Tree Day. During the fall months, 28 Home Hardware Dealers will be planting large trees to beautify their communities and foster a greener environment.

Homebuilders report great quarterly results, as the housing market recovers — good news for contractors of new home interiors and cabinetry.

The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today made the following statement after the tabling of the 2012 State of Canada's Forests Report in the House of Commons by Parliamentary Secretary David Anderson. This report highlights the tangible results accomplished by the Government of Canada's support for the forest sector, helping increase energy efficiency, innovation and exports abroad.

Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, today announced it has agreed to acquire privately held Solarsoft Business Systems from Marlin Equity Partners.

Blue Wolf Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, announced that its portfolio company, American Builders Supply, Inc., an independent supplier of doors, windows and trusses to homebuilders in Florida, has appointed Ben Phillips to its Board of Directors.

Building products distribution is expected to increase from $100 billion in channel revenue with $21 billion in gross margin in 2011 to $122 billion in revenue with $26 billion in gross margin in 2014. This represents growth of 6% annually for revenue and 7% for gross margin, respectively. The

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. kicked off the celebration of its milestone 80th anniversary this week.