High Interest By U.S. Buyers In B.C.’s Global Buyers Mission™
Whistler, B.C. — BC Wood Specialties Group and partners invite you to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Global Buyers Mission™ (GBM) to be held here. Ten years of developing new friendships and successful business relationships have set the foundation for another decade of growth and prosperity in the wood products industry, particularly with our special trading partners in the U.S.
The GBM is a well-established trade event that encourages the building of new relationships and helps buyers from all over the world connect with manufacturers from across Canada.
It seems the tables are finally turning back, based on the U.S. wood products buyers’ interest in pursuing new sources of lumber and wood products from Canada. Two years ago, more Asian—particularly Chinese buyers—were registered to attend the Global Buyers Mission in Whistler, B.C., than American. With the 10th anniversary of this international event coming up, there is a definite change in the buying attitude of Americans and expectation is that U.S. buyers will once again outnumber the offshore buyers.
As the industry rebounds and housing/construction increases once again in the U.S., buyers of all wood products, from lumber and remanufactured items to flooring and value-added products, are ramping up to get products in stock that will be needed to fill the demand. Of course, after the massive setbacks in the sector since 2008, suppliers and manufacturers had cut back their programs significantly and are now experiencing a pinch on raw materials. Not good news for buyers and wholesale distributors who need the product now, but are having a hard time relying on their usual “go-to” mills and suppliers.
Come to the Global Buyers Mission™ Sept., 5 to 7, 2013—especially if you need to find new sources and more suppliers of wood from Canada—and if you are looking for Western Red Cedar, SPF, Hemlock, or high-quality finished products.Participating suppliers offer everything from Cross-Laminated Timbers (CLT’s), engineered wood products, and timbers to log home packages, pre-built structures for both residential and industrial requirements, as well as higher-value-added products like windows, doors, flooring, millwork and cabinetry.
The GBM is a well-established trade event that encourages the building of new relationships and helps buyers from all over the world connect with manufacturers from across Canada – and as it is held in Whistler, suppliers are predominantly from B.C.
Guests will enjoy spectacular views from the Peak of Whistler Mountain at GBM’s welcome reception on Thurs., Sept. 5, and an opportunity to play world-class golf at the WRCLA Golf Tournament held Fri., Sept. 6.
If U.S. buyers are interested in Western Red Cedar, this is the one event of the year they probably shouldn’t miss. Once again, the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association will be holding their annual Cedar Summit in conjunction with the GBM, with a special evening for a members-only gathering pre-GBM, and an excellent high-quality and interesting speaker program that is open to all participants. It is the single largest gathering of Cedar manufacturers in Canada, and once you are in B.C., you have a great opportunity to visit the mills and manufacturers and get down to serious business. If you need some help, the BC Wood staff can set up meetings both pre-and-post GBM with companies that supply the products you are most interested in.
If you need more incentive than all that, the $350 CAD registration fee offers qualified buyers return transport from either the Vancouver International Airport or downtown Vancouver/Whistler; two nights accommodation at the Westin Whistler Resort; plus all meals and activities during the GBM event. You will enjoy spectacular views from the Peak of Whistler Mountain at our welcome reception on Thurs., Sept. 5, and an opportunity to play world-class golf at the WRCLA Golf Tournament held Fri., Sept. 6.
If you have never attended the GBM or have missed it in recent years, you are encouraged to attend the anniversary event for exposure and introductions to some of the best wood products suppliers in the country. To see comments and an overview of the activities and events during the GBM, visit www.bcwood.com and follow the GBM link for videos, testimonials and past years program information.
