EWTA NEWS
Connections encourage EWTA and APA members to submit news of interest about the industry to ladauna.wilson@apawood.org
January 2021
November Housing Starts Provide More Good News
The November housing starts in the U.S. ran at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.55 million units. Single-family starts came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.19 million units. Through November, single-family starts were up 10% from the same period in 2019. Responses gathered in a December survey show builder sentiment remaining at a very high level. The rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has fallen to a record low of 2.67%, which is helping to feed the positive feeling among home builders. The inventory of existing homes for sale is at a historic low and resulting in prices up by more than 10% in many markets. This is helping to push potential first-time home buyers into the new home market and builders are reacting to this by offering a very attractive product.
Outside of the housing industry, there are other industries continuing to be challenged by the coronavirus. Dining at restaurants, hotel occupancy and air travel remain at what might be considered depression-like levels. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has sent a strong message that the Fed will do what it can to return the economy back to full employment.
The December 2020 housing starts will be available and distributed later this month.
Spring Engineered Wood Journal Deadlines
Preparation for the Engineered Wood Journal’s 2021 spring issue is underway, with distribution scheduled for early April. This issue includes a summary of EWTA members’ annual business outlook, the 2021 EWTA Membership Directory and other association and industry news.
Feature articles and stories covering topics of broad interest and significance to the engineered wood products industry are welcome. Writer’s Guidelines and the 2021 Media Kit, available on the EWTA website, provide information on editorial and advertising opportunities. The deadline for editorial content and advertising sales is Feb. 15. For additional information, contact LaDauna Wilson.
EWTA on LinkedIn
A new EWTA LinkedIn site has been launched to promote communication and sharing with members and others in the engineered wood industry.
Follow EWTA today!
APA 2020 General Session
If you missed the live version of APA’s 2020 General Session Business Meeting, an on-demand recording is available. The 30-minute meeting included Chairman Jim Enright’s "State of the Industry" and President Ed Elias’ "State of the Association.” Contact LaDauna Wilson for a link to the recording.
Save the Date!
The 2021 Info Fair is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, California. Event details and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in April as in-person meeting policies for large gatherings are assessed.
EWTA’s Connections newsletter, published electronically every other month, welcomes news from its members. News suitable for publication in upcoming issues includes press releases about new hires, new products, company news, or awards won. Please send your information or direct questions to LaDauna Wilson at ladauna.wilson@apawood.org.
RESOURCES