By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
With the housing market in a cool-down mode due to the recent economic downturn, homebuilders are buying fewer materials, putting lumber manufacturers in a tough spot.
Wiley Blankenship, director of Coastal Gateway Economic Development Authority, said his organization is working to help relieve some of the pressure the lumber industry is experiencing.
Blankenship said looking at overseas markets is one focus of a new strategy in helping to get timber sold.
Although many smaller American companies have never considered exporting their product, Blankenship said Coastal Gateway is meeting with industry leaders and owners to explain the simplicity of the idea.
Blankenship said the largest trade partner with Cuba is Alabama and state leaders have made that possible.
Blankenship said the time to work on getting products to other markets is at hand and needs a great deal of attention to make everything work toward a positive end for local companies.
Although a large part of the focus on overseas export is on wood products, Blankenship said the idea of exports can include other products.
Blankenship said any company that may be interested in exporting their products has to make only one phone call.
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority serves Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties. Their offices can be reached at 1-800-915-6576 or (251) 248-2143.