WASHINGTON, DC – Seven domestic softwood manufacturers and importers have been selected by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board for a three-year term, during which they will oversee research, promotions and consumer education efforts.

The new members include industry professionals who regularly manufacture or import at least 15 million board feet of softwood lumber annually.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Fritz R. Mason of Peachtree City, Georgia and Adrian Blocker of Gig Harbor, Washington to represent the U.S. South. Andrew W. Miller of Portland, Oregon and George R. Emmerson of Bella Vista, California will represent the U.S. West.

Ted Seraphim and Don Demens of British Columbia, Canada will represent Canada West. Charles Tardif of Quebec, Canada has been re-appointed to represent Canada East.

The 22 research and promotion boards authorized by congress have been appointed to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities within their own industries.

The new members will each serve a 3-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2015.