March 2007 ALC Meeting

Members of the Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club distributed $12,000 to three organizations to assist in the promotion of hardwoods and education of the public.

At the March 2007 meeting of the club, President Steve Cash presented contributions to Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. (AHMI), The Hardwood Forest Foundation and The Hardwood Federation. Each group gave a brief presentation on its promotion and education efforts.

AHMI Board Member Mark Vollinger presented an overview of the association’s work with The New Oak Partnership. It began in 2005 with direct contact with manufacturers promoting new looks for oak, the characteristics of oak and the availability of both Red Oak and White Oak. In 2006 and 2007, the promotion has reached thousands of designers and architects with its message on the beauty, sustainability and versatility of oak.

Cash presented $4,000 to Crystal Oldham of the Hardwood Forest Foundation. The group works to promote forestry education to elementary students and teachers across the country. Thousands of school children are taught about the benefits of forestry and the forest products industry through the work of the foundation.

Current projects include the “Truth About Trees” program that provides an easy-to-use box with everything needed for a short elementary school presentation.  In addition this group is currently producing a “Spotlight On” PBS presentation promoting the forest products industry.  This 5-minute presentation is guaranteed to reach 3 million viewers. Also, the group is offering college scholarships to seniors who are pursuing a career in education. 

Cash presented $10,000 to the Hardwood Federation to benefit the group’s work contacting and educating federal lawmakers. Federation Lobbyist Grace Terpstra updated club members on the work of the Federation and said it has become the largest hardwood industry political action group. There are 26 hardwood organizations who are members and represent more than 8,000 companies.

Ward said the Federation work to educate legislators and support hardwood friendly candidates. She said key issues are fighting illegal logging, supporting wood-friendly amendments to Green Building, and battling unfair trade restrictions.

The mission of the Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club is “a forum for industry involvement through fellowship, education and promotion.”

The club elected officers for 2007-08. Steve Cash was elected president; Dave Redmond, past president; David Kay, vice president; Kim Vollinger, secretary/treasurer; and the board of directors are Joe Pryor, Oaks Unlimited, Waynesville, NC; Dennis Teague, Kincaid Furniture, Hudson, NC; Sylvia Church, Select Hardwoods, Millers Creek, NC; Skipper Beal, Beal Lumber Co., Little Mountain, SC; Rusty Logue, Battle Lumber Co., Wadley, GA; and Jamie Straka, Canton Hardwood Co., Canton, NC.