Western Wood Products Association

05/03/2026

What a great group grade meeting here in Princeton! Bennett Lumber rolled out the red carpet! Congrats to our winners!!

04/21/2026

Our next group grade meeting will take place on Saturday May 2nd in Princeton, Idaho at Bennett Lumber! If you haven't RSVP'd through the mill but would like to attend please let us know in the comments. The mill is making accommodations for lunch so we need to keep a rough head count. Thank you all and hope to see you next Saturday!!!

04/18/2026

Group Grade meeting on this beautiful Saturday morning!

04/13/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 class of Master Lumberman!

04/13/2026

Getting to honor some amazing people with the Master Lumberman award for 2026! Congratulations to Dan McClimans, Jeff Blackwell, Rick Shafer and Steve Lamb!! Wes and Bonnie Bush also won the award but were not able to join us at our annual meeting!

05/27/2025

In April we got to honor 4 more Master Lumberman! Unfortunately one couldn't make the event, but congratulations to Dan McClimans, Johan Culp, Jay Dowell and Pete Austin! Very well deserved!

05/24/2025

Group Grade meeting in Quincy, California. A very nice turnout and a huge congratulations to Rick Warden winning the certified division and taking home the belt buckle!

04/01/2025

March 31, 2025

Subject: In Memory of Ray Barbee, President, Western Wood Products Association

Dear Valued Friends and Members,

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Ray Barbee, President of Western Wood Products Association (WWPA).

Ray was not just a leader in our industry but a cherished colleague and friend to many. His dedication and vision played a crucial role in advancing the mission of WWPA, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Ray left behind a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and commitment to excellence that inspired all of us. We extend our deepest condolences to Ray's family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable spirit.

Ray had recently announced his plans to retire in June of this year, and the WWPA Board had already begun recruitment efforts for his replacement. That effort will continue, and we will share developments with you as they become available.

As we mourn this loss, we will also celebrate Ray’s life and the significant contributions he made to our organization and the industry as a whole. Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Lake Oswego office staff.

Sincerely,
Western Wood Products Association
2 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 630
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
[email protected]
503-224-3930

09/27/2023

WWPA is hiring! We are looking to fill a lumber inspection position in the coming months. All applicants must meet the following requirements: Proof of a successful career as a certified lumber grader, experience in grading shop, commons and dimension at the minimum, currently residing in (or willing to relocate to) Eastern Washington/West Idaho. All interested candidates can click the link below or go to www.wwpa.org and click on the career tab to submit your resume. We look forward to meeting with you!

Western Wood Products Association, representing Western lumber manufacturers.

07/13/2023

Never ceases to amaze me the strength of a 2x4. (Video is loud at the end.)