Legislative Log

THE HARDWOOD FEDERATION: Working for You

By DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation

Welcome to West Palm Beach! The Hardwood Federation is excited to be a part of this wonderful event. After more than a year of confinement, we are excited to once again engage with members of the industry one on one. We have missed seeing you. Congratulations to the Board of Managers, Board President Jeff Wirkkala, and the entire staff of the National Hardwood Lumber Association for putting together what promises to be another successful, exciting, and inspiring Annual Convention.

The Hardwood Federation has fought for you, your companies, and your employees for almost 20 years. We remain steadfast in our mission to strongly advocate on behalf of U.S. hardwood businesses and their employees to federally elected officials regardless of party. We are on the political front line for you, fighting every day so you can have a successful tomorrow.

The Hardwood Federation leverages the voices of NHLA leaders to make sure the Biden White House, Administration Officials, and Congressional Leaders clearly understand the valuable contributions the production of hardwood timber and products can make on multiple levels of the U.S. economy.

In 2021 the Hardwood Federation’s top priorities are engaging the hardwood industry in economic recovery and linking the industry’s environmental stewardship to the Biden Administration’s carbon reduction goals. In addition, we will continue to advocate on other vital issues that impact hardwood companies’ bottom line, including:

• Regulatory and tax reform, • Transportation, • International trade, • Renewable energy, and • Green building. The Hardwood Federation is proud to partner with and represent NHLA and its members in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Having a coordinated and united voice in Washington is critical for the U.S. hardwood industry, particularly in light of the many issues the federal government and elected officials deal with daily. Although making our message heard can feel like an almost impossible task, we must continue to reach out, communicate and advocate. Failure is only assured by inaction. NHLA and its members are significant and highly valued contributors to our efforts.

The NHLA provides crucial financial and advocacy support to the Hardwood Federation. Still, at the same time, the direct participation of the NHLA’s membership cannot be underestimated, and we are grateful. NHLA members:

• come to Washington to meet and discuss policies impacting the industry with Members of Congress;

• educate Members of Congress by hosting them in mills, yards, and facilities to give them a first-hand look at the industry;

• write letters to, email, and call Congressional offices to share concerns about bad policy and applaud good policy; and

• contribute financial resources, both on an individual and company basis, to the Hardwood Federation’s Political Action Committee and Administrative Operating Fund, both essential to our continued success. Please support us at www.hardwoodfederation.com.

The Hardwood Federation staff will be at the NHLA convention and look forward to meeting you and discussing our efforts in Washington. Have a wonderful convention!

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We thank you all again and look forward to seeing everyone at the 2021 NHLA annual convention & expo!

Offi ce: (931) 668-8768 • Fax: (931) 668-7327 • 286 Bass Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110 Lee Stiles: lee@awscontractorsinc.com or cell (931) 409-0144 • Casey Miller: casey@awscontractorsinc.com or cell (931) 607-7451

5

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Laser Accuracy • Measures Actual Length • Measures Wane • No Special Lighting • No Length Marks

VISIT US AT THE NHLA ANNUAL CONVENTION • SEPTEMBER 22-24 • BOOTH E3 www.VisionTally.com • sales@visiontally.com • (215) 393-5300 Sawmill MD • Mike Ballard (850) 974-1195 • SawmillMD@mindspring.com