Release No.: 009-18
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2018 --Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of eight members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board.
Seven members newly appointed to serve three year terms are:
- Fritz R. Mason, Peachtree City, Ga. (U.S. South)
- Caroline M. Dauzat, Miramar Beach, Fla. (U.S. South)
- Adrian Blocker, Seattle, Wash. (U.S. West)
- Eric J. Cremers, Spokane, Wash. (U.S. West)
- Ted Seraphim, B.C. Canada (Canada West)
- Don Demens, B.C. Canada (Canada West)
- Hugues Simon, Quebec, Canada (Canada East)
One member was appointed to fill a vacancy for the term ending in December 2018:
- Jack P. Jordan, Sr., Mt. Gilead, N.C. (U.S. South)
“I appreciate the time and expertise that these individuals have agreed to provide,” said Perdue. “The work these boards accomplish in maintaining and expanding existing markets and developing new markets are vital to their industry, as well as to the general economy of the United States.”
The Softwood Lumber Board is composed of 19 members, including 12 domestic manufacturers and seven importers. Of the 12 domestic manufacturers, six represent the U.S. South, five represent the U.S. West, and one represents the Northeast and Lake States. Of the seven importers, four represent Canada West, two represent Canada East, and one represents all other importing countries besides Canada.
Since 1966, Congress has authorized 22 industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.
More information about the board is available on the Softwood Lumber Board page on the AMS website and on the Softwood Lumber Board website.
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