Fred W. Fields, a depression era Indiana farm boy who worked for and then owned wood products machinery man­u­facturer Coe Manufacturing Co., died December 13 at his seasonal residence near Palm Springs, Calif. He was 88.

For more than six decades, the Cersosimo name has grown in prominence and respect in the community and in the industry since founder Tony Cersosimo established his first sawmill in his own back yard in 1947. From that humble beginning the entrepreneur, his son and grandson have continued to grow and diversify the business. Today the company has evolved into two enterprises—Cersosimo Lumber Co., Inc. and Cersosimo Industries. Together they are among the largest employers in southern Vermont’s Windham County with nearly 300.

Wood pellets will command much of the attention during the Bioenergy Fuels & Products Conference & Expo to be held February 28-29 at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. More than 40 speakers and more than 50 ­exhibitors will participate in the Grand ­Ballroom North of the Omni Hotel.

Every business is about numbers. If they’re not in your favor, you’re done. Walter Lipinski Jr. knows this better than most. And nobody knows his business better. The owner of Lipinski Logging & Lumber in Kennerdell, Pa., about an hour and a half outside Pittsburgh, says opportunity and profit are his drivers.

One would think a lifetime of working in all facets of the wood industry—logging, chipping, sawmilling and running a biomass power plant—would be preparation enough for opening a pellet mill. No doubt the co-owners of Maine Woods Pellet Co. LLC were miles ahead of most first-time owners of a new pellet mill operation. But it was still an eye-opening experience.

Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. announced the passing of its long-time Field Service Manager, Bill Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux was involved in wood products manufacturing for more than 35 years, the last 22 years shepherding Lucidyne’s staff and customers through the installation and support of grade mark readers.

Following proposals from the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB), the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) recently approved a design value change for No. 2 2x4 visually graded southern pine lumber. Southern pine No. 2 2x4s are affected, as well as lower southern pine 2x4 grades such as No. 3, Stud, Construction and Utility. The new design values go into effect on June 1, 2012.