AMS No. 279-12

Gwen Sparks, (202) 260-8210

gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the Softwood Lumber Board.

The 19-member board will hold elections to fill six seats for members whose terms expire on Dec. 31, 2013. Domestic manufacturers will fill four seats – one in the Northeast and Lake States region, two in the South region, and one in the West region. Two seats will be filled by softwood lumber importers – one representing the Canada West region and one representing other importing countries. Each member will serve a three-year term.

The Softwood Lumber Board meets periodically to review marketing and research activities that encourage market growth and benefit the industry. The national program, which became effective in 2011, is industry-funded and supports the national marketing and promotion of softwood lumber. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees board activities.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by the programs. All eligible women, minorities and persons with disabilities are invited to seek nomination for a seat on the Softwood Lumber Board by the Jan. 31, 2013, deadline.

Visit softwoodlumberboard.org for a copy of the application, or contact the board’s CEO, Steve Lovett, at (312) 321-5131 or e-mail lovett@softwoodlumberboard.org. You may also contact Maureen Pello, USDA Marketing Specialist, by phone (503) 632-8848 or e-mail maureen.pello@ams.usda.gov, for more information.

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