Kitchen & Breakroom Fires - Incidents That Can Be Avoided Each year, an estimated 6,000 fires originate in workplace breakrooms, causing more than $100 million in property damage. A significant number of these incidents are linked to the misuse or condition of everyday appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, and coffee makers, as well as... [Read More]

Proper Disposal of Oily Rags In an industry where fire is a constant threat, even the smallest oversight can have devastating consequences. Hardwood businesses are no strangers to risk. You hear about fires at sawmills and manufacturing facilities far too often in the news. It’s a harsh reminder that working with wood, heavy machinery, and... [Read More]

Installation: A Risky Value Add In today’s competitive and interconnected business environment, companies frequently look for ways to add value for their customers.  In the wood products and building materials industries, installation is one activity we have seen a number of businesses become involved in to help add value and win business. It is important... [Read More]

I would like to begin this commentary by providing an update on our financial performance and where we find ourselves through the end of May 2025. I’m writing this just after the end of June, and while full results are not yet final, I’ll share several initial thoughts as I cover each area. Our Current... [Read More]

Before delving into an overview of our operating results, I thought I would start off with a topic that is currently front and center, tariffs. I am not going to debate whether tariffs are good or bad, but to provide my viewpoint on how they may impact both of our businesses. The issue that we... [Read More]

What is Reinsurance, and How Does It Impact Lumber Businesses? By Steve Firko We in the lumber and building materials industry have felt the brunt of the increasing frequency and severity of catastrophic (CAT) events in recent years. On top of these events, the recent uncertainty surrounding the global markets has made transferring risk difficult,... [Read More]

Are We Facing a Coverage Crisis? By Steve Hicks Recent announcements of trade deals and new tariffs have made the S&P 500 look like a Six Flags roller coaster. During this period of market uncertainty and volatility, many lumber and building material business owners and operators have adopted a wait-and-see attitude before addressing any needed... [Read More]

PLM Kicks off the New Year with Leadership Moves and Promotions Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM), the largest mutual insurer dedicated to wood-related businesses, today announces several leadership changes and promotions within the company’s executive staff. The changes are part of PLM’s strategy to enhance the organization’s profitability and growth and prepare for the... [Read More]

Lumber Memo: Issue 1 - 2025 IN THIS ISSUE: President’s Commentary The Past, Present, and Future of PLM Cyber Corner : Encrypted Email Procedures Spotlight On: PLM Kicks off the New Year with Leadership Moves and Promotions Spotlight On: Upcoming Events PREVIOUS: Spotlight On: PLM Kicks off the New Year with Leadership Moves and Promotions... [Read More]