Ballin (Columbia Forest Products) Elected President of International Trade Association

Furniture World Magazine

Jim Ballin (Columbia Forest Products – Portland, Oregon), has been elected to the office of President of the International Wood Products Association for 2003-2004. His election took place during the group's 47th Annual Convention, March 26-28, 2003 in New Orleans. Ballin has been an IWPA Board member since 1995, has served on the Executive Committee, and chaired both the Plywood and Membership Committees. “Jim’s background in international trading, along with his vast experience and knowledge, will no doubt help IWPA to continue to best meet the needs of our membership,” stated Wendy Baer, IWPA Executive Vice President. Ballin has been involved in the wood products industry for 35 years, specializing in South American, Asian and African woods. He is currently the South American and Asian product manager for Columbia Forest Products, the largest hardwood veneer and plywood manufacturer in North America. The Company also produces hardwood flooring, particle board and melamine products. CFP is an employee owned company with 19 factories and over 3,000 employees. The import department is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and CFP maintains representation in Eastern Europe, South America, and Asia. The company is predominately geared to the plywood, platform and veneer sectors of the industry. The International Wood Products Association, founded in 1956, represents the interests of companies importing the majority of woods into the U.S., companies with interests allied to the industry (including manufacturers, sales representatives, steamship lines, customs brokers, and port authorities), as well as overseas producers and exporters of wood products to the U.S., and the major organizations to which the producers belong. email: info@iwpawood.org www.iwpawood.org