BUSINESS MEMO: NATIONAL HARDWOOD DAY

East Perry Lumber Co. of Frohna is joining other lumber companies in observing National Hardwood Day Friday.

The hardwood products industry employs 1.5 million people, with an annual payroll of $31 billion.

"For every tree used to make a hardwood product, we grow nearly twice that amount to replace it each year," said Natalie Petzoldt-Naeger of the East Perry Lumber Co. "The future of the hardwoods industry depends on healthy forests."

The U.S. Forest Service says 80 percent more hardwoods are being grown today than 40 years ago.