ALEXANDRIA, VA — The International Wood Products Assn. (IWPA) convention, held March 25-27, in Indian Wells, CA, was attended by nearly 200 industry leaders. IWPA said the purpose of this year’s event was to provide IWPA members and guests with tools to help their companies survive the turbulent conditions that are expected throughout 2009.  Seventeen speakers provided guidance on Lacey Act compliance, CARB enforcement and the 10+2 Customs regulation. Participants also heard from speakers on how to maintain credit access, obtain credit insurance and design insurance for Lacey Act losses.   
 
Brent McClendon, IWPA executive vice president, said, “We received tremendously positive feedback from this program. Our members wanted an immediate return-on-investment and I’m thrilled how our speakers came through for them. From economics and market projections to helpful insights from a member of Congress, our people left with solid planning insight that they can immediately put to use. Our total attendance was down a bit as expected, but the enthusiasm and business connections certainly weren’t. One example is the new overseas contacts that many of our members made which greatly assist them in their sourcing for 2009 and beyond.”