April 2024 Hardwood Matters

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jon Syre, Chairman Cascade Hardwood, LLC

Bucky Pescaglia, Vice Chairman Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc.

Jeff Wirkkala, Past Chairman 2020-2022 Hardwood Industries, Inc.

MISSION LEADERS

Sam Glidden, ITS and ITSEF GMC Hardwoods, Inc.

Ray White, Lumber Services Harold White Lumber

Joe Pryor, Education Services Oaks Unlimited

Rich Solano, Convention Pike Lumber Company,

Stephanie VanDystadt, Membership & Networking DV Hardwoods, Inc.

Rob Cabral, Market Impacts Upper Canada Forest Products, Ltd.

DEPUTY MISSION LEADERS

Burt Craig, Membership & Networking Matson Lumber Company

Tom Coble, Market Impacts Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc.

Dennis Mann, Convention Baillie Lumber Co.

Tom Oiler, Lumber Services Cole Hardwood, Inc.

Brant Forcey, ITS and ITSEF Forcey Lumber Company

George Swaner, Education Services Swaner Hardwood Co., Inc.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Sam Glidden, Rules GMC Hardwoods, Inc.

HARDWOOD MATTERS

THE VOICE OF THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY

National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 • Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 • 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com • www.nhla.com

THE MISSION OF NHLA

To serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order, structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood marketplace; providing unique member services; promoting North American hardwood lumber and advocating the interest of the hardwood community in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.

ADVERTISER INDEX

For advertising contact:

NHLA STAFF

Dallin Brooks, Executive Director dallin@nhla.com

John Hester, Chief Development Officer j.hester@nhla.com

Renee Hornsby, Chief Operating Officer r.hornsby@nhla.com

Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector d.spessert@nhla.com

ACCOUNTING

Desiree Freeman, Controller d.freeman@nhla.com

Ashley Johnson, Office Administrator a.johnson@nhla.com

Jens Lodholm, Database Manager j.lodholm@nhla.com

INDUSTRY SERVICES

Mark Bear, National Inspector m.bear@nhla.com

Tom Byers, National Inspector t.byers@nhla.com

Mark Depp, National Inspector m.depp@nhla.com

Kevin Evilsizer, National Inspector k.evilsizer@nhla.com

Simon Larocque, National Inspector s.larocque@nha.com

Benji Richards, Industry Services Sales Manager b.richards@nhla.com

INSPECTOR TRAINING SCHOOL

Geoff Webb, Dean of the Inspector Training School g.webb@nhla.com

Roman Matyushchenko, Instructor of the Inspector Training School r.matyushchenko@nhla.com

MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS

Melissa Ellis Smith, Creative Director m.ellis@nhla.com

MEMBERSHIP

Julia Ganey, Member Relations Manager j.ganey@nhla.com

CONSTANT CHANGE

Hardwood markets are changing, why are they changing, and what exactly is changing? Whenever I think I might have figured out what is changing and what to do about it, the market changes again, and I am back at the bottom of the ladder again, looking up at the place I want to be. Whether in export markets or domestic changes, this industry is all about adaptation and creativity. We are constantly reacting to change. Why can’t we be proactive in front of the change? Maybe you are answering that question as you read this with, “We could be proactive if we knew what was coming!” I certainly don’t have a crystal ball, and those Chinese fortune cookies don’t seem to work either, but I do have the new Market Impacts committee at the NHLA!

Charged as the leading portal for hardwood industry information, the committee has gathered multiple topics impacting our industry. From the EUDR to log exports to social media rebuttals and how to recruit younger talent, the topics are vast and varied. With access to a complete list of challenges, the market impacts committee can create solutions for those challenges themselves, or they can identify the right group to tackle those problems and pass the issue on to the Hardwood Federation, AHEC, the Real American Hardwood Coalition or even other committees at NHLA!

Funneling all these challenges through one group to help identify the most efficient way to react to the challenge has shown great promise. Already responding to false social media posts and generating videos that will assist in educating both consumers and designers regarding forest management, environmental science, and the economic impact of the hardwood industry, the Market Impacts committee is helping our industry speak with one voice, and they are making a difference; what a fantastic feat.

One voice for the Hardwood industry? One voice for political influence, the Hardwood Federation. One voice for export support, AHEC. One voice for industry-wide marketing, the Real American Hardwood Coalition. One voice is not very strong when we are all saying something different or speaking at different times, but one

voice is a very powerful tool when we are saying the same thing at the same time. The second loudest NFL stadium is Lumen Field in Seattle, home to the Seahawks. With one voice, they reached 137.6 decibels. Equivalent to a jet engine taking off, the fans at Lumen Field make their point as one voice. I heard that the little stadium in Kansas City called Arrowhead is louder at 142.2 decibels, which is cute, so they might be number one. My point is that with one focused voice and one message, we can make ourselves heard, above all the noise.

The Market Impacts committee is working diligently towards a onevoice solution where our industry finally has a voice loud enough to be heard over the noise.

What market impact issues do you see in our industry? Speak up and let us know about them! Please use the new NHLA app available in the Apple and Google stores to share your thoughts.

This new tool will help us all identify challenges and create solutions for those challenges in a much more timely manner. We need your input!

Thank you all once again for reading my letter! I genuinely hope we can continue to raise our voices as one so that those who need to hear us cannot ignore us any longer! Go Hawks!

Take care.

Jon Syre NHLA Chairman | Cascade Hardwood

See the forest through the trees

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ONE COMMON

Irecently spoke at the Urban & Community Wood Academy. It was very insightful. Urban wood is wood that has fallen and not harvested. This wood includes trees damaged by storms, fires, and insects, and trees cut down in utility rights of ways. I think urban wood is a critical part of the hardwood industry. Urban forestry programs are popping up in all the universities with agriculture schools or departments. In my guess, urban trees are 90% hardwood because they allow light to pass through in the winter and shade in the summer.

What does that mean? It means that we should not only pay attention to urban wood but also encourage it. The urban wood story is a good one that adds to our great message of sustainability, carbon sequestration, and other environmental and community benefits. Urban wood is all around you, and while many are learning and talking about urban forestry, they are not talking about urban wood. The reason is because we have yet to be part of the conversation. Most urban wood ends up in the landfill. According to Kayla Stuart, at the University of Tennessee, 15 million tons of lumber are put into landfills each year. Morgan Grove from the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station states, “More urban wood going into landfills than is harvested from our national forests.”

Why is most urban wood not being milled? Urban trees typically have more and larger knots from not growing tight together and being topped or pruned improperly, giving them a rustic grade more than any other. From my experience, economy of scale kept anyone from picking up the 50-foot red oak I cut down in my yard last year. They couldn’t handle the weight as they didn’t have the right equipment to pick it up and put it on a log trailer, so I cut it up myself and converted it to chairs and benches along with some firewood. A story we all understand. You can’t drive feller bunchers down city streets cutting and picking up the odd log. But some arborists are cutting down trees. I got one to quote mine; he wanted $2,000 and

would de-limb it and cut it down into three sections. I felled it right along my fence and didn’t break a board, but he couldn’t do that due to liability. At that cost, he would take it to a landfill and pay a tipping fee to dispose of it. There is an opportunity to reclaim some value from urban trees while understanding that it will always be limited due to the economy of scale and quality of the wood.

Urban wood is not going away, so we might as well embrace it and lead the charge to find ways to utilize it better. Urban wood is one common ground the hardwood industry can build on.

Dallin Brooks NHLA Executive Director

dallin@nhla.com | 901-377-0182

NHLA WINS INTERNATIONAL BOOTH COMPETITION AT IHLA

Well, we would have if there had been a competition. Ray, Ashley, Liz, Denise, and all others involved at IHLA had, yet another, fantastic convention. I tip my literal, and metaphorical, cowboy hat to them. There are so many great shows we all attend. IHLA, AHMI, OFA, HMA, KFIA, NWFA…Whooo, I’m tired of typing letters and that’s just brings us through April. “John, what are you getting at?” Kidding. You know where I’m going with this. There are SO many meetings, so little time, and only so much money built into everyone’s travel and marketing budgets. Pick an exhibitor, any exhibitor, and ask them what shows they have coming up. It will sound like they’re reading off dates for Ozzy’s “No More Tours, For Real This Time, No Joke” Tour. It’s insane.

Every association serves a purpose, unique to them. If they don’t, you should drop your membership as soon as you’re finished reading this. There aren’t too many associations. There are too many conventions, conferences, meetings, shows, expos, etc. Is it time for us, the associations, to sit down and see how we can join forces with some of these events? In my opinion, which nobody asked me for, the answer is yes, for several reasons.

1.Cost Efficiency: Shared costs of venue, logistics, and marketing of the event. Typically, larger events have better negotiating power because of what you bring to the table. This all should result in savings that can be passed on to the attendee.

2. Enhanced Resources: Combined, we can bring together a wider range of expertise and resources. Imagine the diverse speakers, workshops, and exhibitors we could bring together at one time. A unified event can attract a larger and more diverse audience, providing all of us with new prospects as members, sponsors, and partners and customers.

3 Networking Opportunities: Attendees can connect with a broader range of potential customers, from around the world. And, associations would benefit from enhance collaboration, which should lead to new partnerships and initiatives that benefit all association’s members involved.

I can go on and on. Combined efforts promote a more unified voice, streamlines communication, and increases the value to attendees. If you want me to, I can even swing left and tell you how one combined meeting has a more environmentally friendly footprint than multiple, smaller events. Please don’t make me go there though. So, what are your thoughts? I want to hear them. Do you want a 2028 North American Wood Expo? 2029? Never? Let me know at j.hester@nhla.com and I will share your feedback with our friends across the associations. Oh, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @nhla_networking.

Have a great April!

John Hester

NHLA Chief Development Officer

j.hester@nhla.com | 901-399-7558

Welcome

New Members

(November 2023 - February 2024)

ACTIVE MEMBERS

B & E Lumber Co., Flat Lick, KY

Brickyard Lumber LLC, Medora, IN

College Hill Lumber, Fredericksburg, OH

Dryco Lumber LLC, Apple Creek, OH

Gordon's Custom Sawmilling, LLC, Delia, KS

K & B Lumber Ltd., Millersburg, OH

Ronald Lee Fulbright Lumber Inc., Newton, NC

Simmons Sawmill LLC, Brownsville, TN

Soap Stone Sawmill LLC, Peach Bottom, PA

Spigelmyer Wood Products Inc., Lewistown, PA

Swift Sawmill, Dover, TN

Tebo Creek Lumber, Lewiston, IL

West Coast Arborists, Inc., Anaheim, CA

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

North American Tie & Timber LLC, Oklahoma City, OK

Precision Moulding & Woodworks, Inc., New Bern, NC

Tree Brand Packaging, Newton, NC

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Baker Products, Ellington, MO

Bright Star Auction, Middlebury, IN

EHS Support, Pittsburgh, PA

ITG Transportation Services, Inc., Lisle, IL

JK International Inc., Memphis, TN

The Mazelon Chambers Neff Group, Charleston, WV

Nova Dry Kilns, LLC, Louisville, KY

SPRINGER USA Inc., Greer, SC

Milestone Members

ACCOLADES

Congratulations to these companies who are celebrating significant milestone anniversaries with NHLA.

5 YEARS

COUNTRY VIEW HARDWOODS

Active | March 2019

CROW WORKS

Associate | February 2019

DOUTHIT TIE & LUMBER CO.

Active | January 2019

ECOLAB, INC.

Sustaining | March 2019

HIGH COUNTRY LUMBER

Active | March 2019

THE HORTON GROUP

Sustaining | April 2019

HURST BOILER & WELDING

CO., INC.

Sustaining | April 2019

MELTZ LUMBER CO. OF MELLENVILLE, INC.

Active | April 2019

PROGRESS ENGINEERING

Sustaining | February 2019

SAMUEL PACKAGING SYSTEMS GROUP

Sustaining | March 2019

TAYLOR GROUP, INC.

Sustaining | February 2019

WHITE COUNTY LUMBER CO. INC.

Active | January 2019

10 YEARS

ACME PALLET INC.

Associate | April 2014

ANTHONY OAK FLOORING, INC.

Active | January 2014

25 YEARS

SNOWBELT HARDWOODS

Active | February 1999

50 YEARS

AMERICAN WOODMARK CORPORATION

Associate | January 1974

SIRIANNI HARDWOODS, INC.

Active | April 1974

USNR

Sustaining | February 1974

Stronger Together

By SCOTT DANE, Executive Director for the American Loggers Council (ALC)

The title of this column, “Allied Angle”, is the very essence of this submission. Allied (def) – (adj) joined by or relating to members of an alliance; (v) combine or unite a resource or a commodity with another for mutual benefit; side with or support. Organizations must develop “allies” to effectively represent the membership and all sectors of the industry.

But we don’t. There is an endless list of national alphabet soup organizations (ALC, FRA, AF&PA, NAFO, SAF, NHLA, AWC, SFI, FLA, FFRC), not to mention state organizations, representing every sector of the timber and forest products industry. By that alone, it should be obvious that although there may be loose affiliations, most are still working independently of the others. We are not “allied”, at best we are loosely affiliated.

“There is power in unity and there is power in numbers.”

Rev. Martin Luther King

Within the logging sector, Independence is one of the most admirable characteristics and strengths. It is also the greatest weakness.

But the common opposition to our industry is extremely well organized, funded, focused, collaborative, and structured. While we are fragmented, underfunded, disjointed, and internally competitive.

If we pooled our resources, found common ground, supported one another, had a unified message, and collectively invested in advancing our mutual agenda, then we would be a formidable force equal to, or more influential, than those that oppose what we represent.

Why don’t we? It is simply a matter of ego, territorialism, and the concept of zero-sum game, meaning that if one organization does well, accomplishes something, gets credit, then another loses in some way. But that is a false narrative. When one does well, we all benefit

The opposition loves the infighting between the timber and forest products industry organizations. The lack of cooperation and collaboration ensures little is accomplished, and much is lost.

I can speak to that; I’ve been a part of it, I am guilty. But the challenges and threats are too severe to allow that to be the model. It has only resulted in failure and a real disservice to the members of the timber and forest products industry organizations, who have invested their lives, money, and time in forest management and forest products.

All timber and forest products industry organizations and associations need to truly become “Allied” and work together if we are going to succeed. It’s time to recognize that the enemy is not us, it is not each of us against one another, and instead time to find common ground, pool our resources, coordinate our message, and convey a unified front. Only then will the timber and forest products industry organizations and associations be effective.

Better yet, timber and forest products industries need to partner with other natural resources sectors like farming, recreation, mining, ranching, fishing, etc. and form a Natural Resources Coalition. We all have common interests that are being threatened by common sources. Collectively we will be a formidable presence that will have the resources to influence to make a difference, divided we are failing.

Scott Dane, Executive Director for the American Loggers Council (ALC)

National Hardwood Lumber Association Commemorates the Graduation of the 205th Inspector Training School Class

NHLA proudly announces the graduation of the 205th class of its celebrated Inspector Training School (ITS). The ceremony, held on March 1, 2024, witnessed heartfelt congratulatory messages, inspirational speeches, and a timeless reminder of the importance of lifelong learning.

Wade Nowlin, a distinguished graduate of the 60th Class in 1976, graced the occasion with a captivating keynote address that offered a fascinating glimpse into the historical journey of his career. Mr. Nowlin shared his personal narrative, recounting his transformation from an ITS new graduate to an NHLA National Inspector. His impassioned storytelling

Seated L to R: Landon LeffLeR, Roman matyuShchenko (InStRuctoR), auStIn SImeRI StandIng L to R: JeSSe Sexton (cL aSS PReSIdent), cody evanS, dana SPeSSeRt (chIef InSPectoR), aLex BeRgeRon, caRLoS SantoS

Wade Nowlin

culminated with the recitation of Alfred Joyce Kilmer’s immortal poem, “Trees,” a fitting tribute to the enduring beauty and majesty of hardwoods.

Graduates of the 205th class:

Alex Bergeron, Canadian Tree Expert Co., Inc.

Cody Evans, Liberty Lumber, Inc.

Landon Leffler, Moravia Hardwoods, LLC

Carlos Santos, Hardwood Industries, Inc.

Jesse Sexton, Merrick Hardwoods, Inc.

Austin Simeri, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, Inc.

During the ceremony, class president Jesse Sexton delivered a heartfelt address, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his role. He remarked, “The honor of serving as class # 205 president is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.” Mr. Sexton shared touching anecdotes about each of his peers, highlighting their individual strengths and contributions to the class.

In his address, Mr. Sexton also emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in their work. He encouraged his fellow graduates to “stand to the quality of work that speaks for yourself,” inspiring them to uphold the principles of excellence and professionalism that define the hardwood lumber industry.

“The honor of serving as class # 205 president is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.”

— Jesse Sexton, Class President

Outstanding individual award recipients were as follows:

Alex Bergeron

• Inspector Training School Educational Foundation AwardHighest Overall Average

• Westside Hardwood Club Award - Highest Board Run Average

• The Milt Cole Award for Best Attitude / Citizenship

Austin Simeri

• Howard Hanlon Award - Second Highest Overall Average

Carlos Santos

• Lumbermen's Club of Memphis

Most Improved Award

REGISTRATION FOR NHLA'S TWO SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE NOW OPEN

Class 206 in Granite Falls, North Carolina will be held June 3- July 26. Class 207 in Montgomery, Pennsylvania will be held June 10-August 2, 2024. Please see the educational calendar at nhla.com for a complete listing of all educational offerings.

Jesse Sexton

Alex Bergeron and Roman Matyushechenko

Dana Spessert and Landon Leffler

Dana Spessert and Carlos Santos

EPA Piles on Red Tape, Releases Stringent Air Quality Standard

By DANA COLE, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation

On February 7, EPA announced it would tighten the final air quality standard for PM 2.5, also known as “fine particulate matter,” from 12 micrograms (ug) per cubic meter to a more stringent 9 ug, a level which could impose up to $900 million in compliance costs on the wood products sector. Unfortunately, federal regulators are targeting the wrong source of emissions for PM, shifting a massive burden to industry that could otherwise be addressed by forest management and an accompanying reduction in wildfires, which are the source of 43% of PM emissions. As a point of reference, the European Union standard is 25 ug, more than twice as high as permitted concentrations in the U.S. Lowering the standard would place 589 counties in non-attainment and hundreds more on the cusp of non-attainment, exposing industry to new regulations as regulators review additional control measures to achieve the new targets.

As a general matter, compliance with the PM standard currently falls mainly on the backs of “major sources” of pollution under the Clean Air Act such as power plants, chemical refineries and large pulp and paper facilities. That said, the Federation is concerned that tightening the regulations would capture currently unregulated hardwood mills and manufacturing facilities operating on the cusp of or within newly designated non-attainment areas. This could trigger costly analysis and monitoring in the event a plant seeks to expand its operations.

On the advocacy front, on October 25, the Federation joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in a meeting with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to urge the Administration to reject EPA’s proposal to tighten the standard. During the course of the meeting, the Federation echoed points raised within formal comments submitted in the spring advocating that EPA retain the current standard. During the OMB meeting, the Federation cited a study conducted by the American Forest & Paper Association and American Wood Council outlining the economic impacts of a more stringent standard.

According to the study, the wood products sector could take on up to $900 million in compliance costs if the agency imposes a standard of 9 ug. Fortunately for industry, both the Federation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce directed their remarks at OMB toward responsible forest management as the common-sense solution to reducing PM levels, which have increased in many regions because of wildfires.

Although the final outcome marks a setback for industry, behind-thescenes advocacy helped push release of the new rules two months later than expected, following a tug-of-war between competing voices within the Administration. According to Administration sources, in late 2023 EPA had been considering a more flexible standard of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, an outcome that industry favored over the more costly alternative while still preferring the current standards set at 12 ug. The Hardwood Federation team joined wood products allies, including the American Wood Council and the American Forest and Paper Association, to urge Democratic senators to weigh in with the Administration and advocate against imposing unreachable standards.

Unfortunately, EPA’s new PM standards are only the tip of the regulatory iceberg. According to a study by NAM, in 2022 the total cost of complying with federal rules and regulations reached over $3 trillion, which equals 12% of U.S. GDP. As that relates to small manufacturers such as sawmills, the cost translates to $50,100 per employee.

Next steps include options such as litigation and legislative intervention to blunt the impact of the new rule. While arguing that the new PM standard falls outside the scope of EPA authority in federal court could provide the path of least resistance to regulatory relief, groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will also look at legislative tools. These may include an appropriations rider in a Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 spending bill that would defund implementation of the tighter standard. The Federation will keep you posted on developments as they unfold.

MIC Insights:

Market Impacts Committee, Quarter 2

Welcome to the second edition of our quarterly column from the Market Impacts Committee (MIC). As always, the MIC is committed to identifying and addressing the challenges and opportunities within the hardwood industry. This quarter, our focus is on the concerning shortage of young talent in our field.

In an effort to gain perspective from a younger demographic, NHLA has collaborated with Javier Hernandez-Diaz, a PhD Candidate in Forestry at Auburn University College of Forestry. Javier engaged in discussions with fellow Auburn students to gauge their perceptions and interest in pursuing careers within the hardwood manufacturing sector. Below, you’ll find Javier’s insights shared within this publication.

TIMBER TALENT:

EXPLORING THE DECLINE OF YOUTH INTEREST IN THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY

By JAVIER HERNANDEZ-DIAZ

Current management in the hardwood industry reports strains to attract young talent into their sector.

In an era marked by technological innovation and environmental consciousness, the allure of hardwood forestry appears to be fading among young individuals poised on the brink of their careers. This decline presents a critical challenge, demanding exploration, understanding, and initiative-taking solutions.

I met NHLA at the Forest Products Career Showcase held at Mississippi State, it was the second event where I encountered discussions about the need for more interest among younger generations in pursuing careers in forestry and forest product manufacturing. Faced with this question, I found myself straddling two worlds. While I

did not fit the description of “younger” compared to the undergraduate students I was accompanying, I also did not quite align with the older demographic. This moment of disconnect prompted me to consider the undergraduates’ perspectives and feelings on the matter.

To delve into this complex phenomenon, I embarked on a journey to glean insights from the very individuals poised to inherit the mantle of the forestry industry—students nearing graduation, the future custodians of our forests. Through a series of interviews, I sought to uncover their sentiments and the underlying factors contributing to the diminishing appeal of careers in forestry among the youth. What emerged from these conversations was a nuanced tapestry of perspectives, shedding light on the multifaceted dynamics at play.

From discussions on sustainability and diversity to reflections on industry engagement and career aspirations, the voices of these young professionals-in-training offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the hardwood sector. Their narratives illuminate the current situation and provide a compass for charting a more vibrant and inclusive future for hardwood forestry.

It is worth noting that I transitioned into forestry after working as a land surveyor in the mining industry for several years post-graduation. While I enjoyed the work, the remoteness from urban centers and family and my growing environmental consciousness propelled me toward seeking higher education in a more sustainable field. This career shift led me down the path of biomass utilization and forestry.

Without further delay, I will introduce you to Ben, an undergraduate student finishing his program this May.

Interviewer: So, Ben, let us start at the beginning. What led you to choose the College of Forestry?

Ben: Well, it was a mix of things. Earlier, I thought I would follow my father’s career path as a civil engineer. But I have always been drawn to the outdoors, so that was a big part of it. I also wanted to understand how businesses interact with nature and where all our products come from. Forestry seemed like the perfect blend of those interests. The tipping point was hearing a presentation by a professor who works with sustainable biobased materials out of wood. Plus, something is appealing about having multiple avenues on my resume.

"There also needs to be more clarification about what it means to work in forestry. We need to do a better job of highlighting the diverse career opportunities available and dispelling those myths. Oh, and we need to ensure younger folks feel valued and supported in the industry."

I: Can you tell me about any experiences during your studies or internships in forestry and how they’ve influenced your career goals?

Ben: Sure thing. I have had some cool opportunities, like interning at Mississippi State University’s wood identification lab, where we tackled illegal logging issues. Then, I went to Oregon State University, where I worked on optimizing timber supply chains for housing projects. These experiences opened my eyes to the industry’s complexities and got me thinking about balancing sustainability with economic growth.

I: Regarding sustainability, what are your thoughts on conservation efforts within forestry practices?

Ben: We are making progress, but there’s still work to be done. We are following codes and taking care of commercially logged lands, which is great. But there’s room for improvement in optimizing supply chains and embracing things like carbon credits. There is a disconnect between generations; younger generations want change, but it costs a lot of money. I find my path trying to be an advocate of both sides and how to develop both sustainability and economics. We need to find ways to make sustainability profitable so that everyone wins.

I: It’s definitely a challenge worth tackling. And what about your plans for professional development now that you are so close to graduation?

Ben: Well, I am headed to start an MBA, focusing on management or supply chain management. I want to learn how to collaborate with people and run a company, ideally in the forest sector. I am all

about green-minded efforts and want to bring that perspective to whatever I do.

I: Sounds like a solid plan. Let us switch gears a bit. How have you connected with the industry during your college years?

Ben: I have attended my fair share of wood conferences and career fairs. It has been eye-opening to see how companies are approaching sustainability and innovation. And thanks to platforms like LinkedIn, I have kept those connections alive beyond the events. Apart from the College of Forestry career fair,, I also attended the business school career fairs. Additionally, in some courses, we have invited talks from industry leaders.

I: Do you plan to stay updated on the trends in the forestry industry?

Ben: Staying connected with industry folks is my primary strategy. But there’s room for improvement in how the industry markets itself, especially for younger generations. I think younger generations will not usually read a magazine. The forestry and the hardwood sector need to be more visible and appealing for them.

I: Agree. What do you see as the biggest challenges the hardwood industry is facing right now?

Ben: Well, there is the aging workforce issue, for one. There is this perception that smaller companies find hiring and retaining younger people harder. There is a demographic shift for sure, and my generation has changed how we interact with each other, how we network, and where we desire to work. My peers are afraid of doing the same job for 20 years, waiting for a generational shift for a big opportunity. They want a fulfilling career to be able to diversify their time. Additionally, they want time for travel or opportunities for relocation. In summary, most are looking for more comfortable jobs, which naturally drives them away from manufacturing positions.

There also needs to be more clarification about what it means to work in forestry. We need to do a better job of highlighting the diverse career opportunities available and dispelling those myths. Oh, and we need to ensure younger folks feel valued and supported in the industry.

I also feel, for example, that the hardwood industry’s visibility is low. When you asked me about NHLA, I was not aware of them. When I think about the forestry sector, I think about softwood logs and construction materials.

I: Do you think that is influenced by social media?

Ben: Yes, social media attracts younger people to bigger cities and lifestyles. I would be more interested in a sales position in a medium or big city than manufacturing or logging in a small town. The availability of being constantly stimulated and having something to do and somewhere to go attracts the younger generation.

But also, I think growing up seeing our parents at the other side of their careers, there is maybe a disconnect to the 20-30 years that took to get there, grinding at the beginning of the careers.

I: What factors contribute to the difficulty of attracting and retaining young workers in the hardwood industry?

Ben: For most young people, the forest industry tends not to be visible enough. So, that disengages me, and misconceptions start to form in my mind. For example, if I worked there and the age difference with most of the people was 10-20 years, I would be overwhelmed. Social connections to people my age are particularly important for me. More about that, the invisibility of younger career paths within the industry plays against my thinking about my future in the same place.

I: We have been talking a lot about the older and younger generation in the sector. Do you feel there is a generation in the middle?

Ben: Yes, there is. But now that I think about it, they are also invisible most of the time. That is why many younger people are not capable of clearly seeing the career paths available to them.

I: In your opinion, what would attract younger talent into the forestry sector?

Ben: The usual approach is offering value in the transition from college into industry. In my experience, during career fairs, I have felt more attracted to companies that showed career development plans for their new hires. Others offered rotational and training programs in which they plan for you to get familiar with the distinct roles within the organization.

I: What about diversity in the forestry sector?

Ben: It is something we need more of. The industry has been a bit of a boys’ club for too long. We need to break down those barriers and make space for everyone. It is not just about fairness but about bringing fresh perspectives and ideas.

I: Absolutely, Ben. Thanks so much for sharing your insights with me today.

Ben: Anytime. Thanks for having me.

Now for the second interview. This time I contacted a master student named Michelle. She is an international student in her 3rd semester.

I: Michelle, let’s start by discussing what sparked your interest in pursuing a graduate degree in forestry. Can you share your journey with us?

Michelle: Sure, it’s been an exciting ride. What initially drew me in was the opportunity to pursue advanced education in finding sustainable biomaterials, which was a big deal for me. But honestly, when I first thought of forestry, I pictured myself out in the woods, handling chainsaws and all that. It seemed pretty daunting, to be honest.

I:: How did that make you feel?

Michelle: It made me a bit apprehensive. I’m not the most physically inclined person, and the thought of all that physical strain was intimidating. Plus, I had a previous internship where I witnessed an accident with heavy machinery, which made me even warier about the safety practices in manufacturing or industrial settings.

I: That’s understandable. Have you had any experiences or internships related to forestry work that have influenced your career goals?

Michelle: Actually, no, I haven’t. My background is more in Agri-industry, and most of my experience in forestry has been in the lab. The closest I’ve come to fieldwork was when someone else cut a tree for me to use in my research.

I: Let’s talk about sustainability and conservation efforts in forestry. What are your thoughts on that?

Michelle: Well, it’s a mixed bag for me. On one hand, my career back home focused on replacing conventional methods with more sustainable practices. Sometimes, I’m confused by some of the practices in the forestry industry. And that might be because of a lack of understanding of forestry practices. Clearcutting and fire prescriptions don’t always seem very sustainable to me, you know?

I have been a master’s student here for three semesters. Most of my classes have been focused on biomass processing technology and pathology (fungi that affect forests). I may not be seeing the whole picture.

I: Do you see yourself pursuing a career in the forestry sector?

Michelle: I don’t see myself pursuing a career in forestry. I feel like my skills are better suited to laboratory work, research, and teaching—something more of an “office job” than a “blue-collar job,” if you know what I mean.

I: Got it. Have you had any connections with the industry during your time at the College of Forestry?

Michelle: Not really, at least not back home. I’ve been to some career fairs and conferences here, but I often find myself disappointed.

Most of what I see is fieldwork-related and doesn’t align with my skills or interests. I wish there were more emphasis on innovation and research.

I: That makes sense. Let›s talk about diversity and inclusion in the forestry sector. What are your thoughts on that?

Michelle: Honestly, I see little diversity or inclusion in the industry. It feels very male-focused and conservative, which is a bit off-putting. Attracting young people, especially women, to this field will be a considerable challenge. Additionally, as an international student, I have faced challenges connecting with the businesses at the career fairs; they don’t seem interested in us. Graduate students can rarely participate in internships while being students, which can backfire on us after we graduate for job interviews. I see a lot of graduate students struggling to get into industry positions.

I: In your opinion, what factors contribute to the difficulty of attracting and retaining young workers in the hardwood industry?

Michelle: I feel that I have been more informed about the softwood industry. I took a forest health class, which mainly focused on softwood diseases. That made me think that the forestry industry focuses mainly on softwood. So, I feel that hardwood might be a smaller or specialized sector.

Also, there is a lack of knowledge about salary and compensation. Young people are finding more options for working in other manufacturing or management sectors. Maybe the visibility of lifestyles or benefits from the forestry industry is not reaching the younger generation. Another thing is that if you are really considering joining a manufacturing job, the question arises if the salary ranges are in line with the effort/risk.

I: How could the industry better appeal to younger generations and encourage them to pursue careers in hardwood forestry?

Michelle: For me, economic compensation needs to be proportionate to the risk that young people are taking. Industries could also invest more in innovation and sustainability efforts, developing more friendly environments for young people and women and more diversity and inclusion. Finally, they could offer a clearer way to develop career-growing opportunities and career development.

I would love to see some industry talks in my courses at the college level. That will expose younger people to the industry roles available. Sometimes, smaller companies don’t share information in the same channels that younger people use to communicate.

I: Have you encountered any barriers or obstacles in your pursuit of opportunities within the hardwood industry, and if so, how have you navigated them?

Michelle: I am an international student, so that is the first barrier I face. Companies in the forestry industry and other industries face hardships in offering jobs to students who might be willing to fill the gaps in the labor force, especially when the program is recognized as STEM now, and we can extend the optional training after we graduate.

Companies in the forestry industry, along with other sectors, may encounter difficulties in hiring international students due to visa restrictions. However, there are certain provisions such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) available to international students after graduation. OPT allows international students to work in their field of study for one year after completing their degree.

Moreover, certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree programs qualify for an additional extension of OPT, known as the STEM OPT extension. This extension allows eligible students to extend their OPT period for an additional 24 months, providing them with more time to gain practical work experience in their field. So, despite the initial challenges, these OPT and STEM OPT extensions offer opportunities for international students like myself to navigate and potentially overcome some of the barriers in pursuing opportunities within the forestry industry. We are fortunate that our program was recognized as STEM last year.

I: Understood. Lastly, what misconceptions might younger individuals have about working in the hardwood industry?

Michelle: I think many young people are drawn to big cities and might not see the appeal of working in a smaller town. Plus, there’s this perception that forestry jobs are all about physical labor and prone to accidents, which isn’t always the case.

I: Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your perspective with us.

Michelle: Of course, I’m happy to help.

Javier A. Hernandez-Diaz is a PhD Candidate in Forestry at Auburn University's College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. With a profound academic background, Javier has earned two graduate certificates in Supply Chain Management and Innovation, as well as Pulp and Paper Engineering, showcasing a diverse skill set and interdisciplinary approach to research.

Prior to pursuing doctoral studies, Javier completed a Master of Science degree in Water and Energy Engineering at Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying Engineering from the same institution.

Fueled by a passion for sustainable practices and innovation, Javier's research is centered on forest products development and the exploration of sustainable biomaterials. The valorization of biomass, particularly downed timber as a result of catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and tornados.

"Young people are finding more options for working in other manufacturing or management sectors. Maybe the visibility of lifestyles or benefits from the forestry industry is not reaching the younger generation."

“Is it automated or optimized?”

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

As a young man growing up in this industry, I have witnessed many changes, not only in the hardwood industry but also in technology.

The softwood industry began utilizing technology decades ago, mainly due to the lower margins and the need for product consistency. The hardwood industry produces a unique product with a multitude of end uses. This unique use case has, for many years, allowed hardwood sawmills to capitalize on larger margins and allowed the industry to operate with inefficient equipment and less technology.

It is time to rethink some of the strategies that have gotten us this far and start considering other products, technology, equipment, and training to move our industry forward in a more efficient and sustainable way.

There are some clear advantages and disadvantages to technology, with cost being a very big concern or barrier in many cases. The other area is the lack of knowledge of the existence of this newer technology and equipment, which can create doubt and uncertainty for potential customers.

Having had opportunities to work with a lot of this newer technology in the past and currently, and having a good understanding of what the products manufactured should look like, I have a somewhat different perspective of the value of this equipment and technology.

I have a question about the newer equipment being installed in sawmills today: “Is it automated or optimized?” If you automate a process, which is not a bad idea in some cases, you streamline or reduce effort, which could result in cheaper costs, but if you optimize, then your goal should be to perfect the process and maximize the ROI.

I am dumbfounded by some of the so-called “optimized” equipment I see running daily in hardwood sawmills that does not measure

up to perfection! I have witnessed this phenomenon since 2001 with some of the earlier “light curtain” heard rig scanners and “optimized” edgers. The process just took away the need for the operator to perform mathematical equations in their head, but it fell well short of doing anything else to perfection. This type of investment can cause a lot of doubt and distrust in better equipment available today.

The bottom line is that simply making an operator’s job easier does not constitute “optimization,” which is the definition of “automation.”

NHLA has created a program with an experienced team that measures equipment and operators to help move towards the goal of “optimization” because, in my experience, you do not have the complete picture by simply installing a new piece of equipment without regularly verifying the accuracy of the output. Our team can help by consulting with your team to make better decisions on the types of technologies and equipment available to make you more money.

Contact your local NHLA representative or me at d.spessert@nhla.com or 901-399-7551 for more information.

DOWNLOAD THE NHLA LUMBER GRADING APP

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

MAY

May 6-17

Spanish Language Hardwood

Lumber Grading

NHLA is offering a concentrated course for Spanish-speaking lumber graders. Over a two-week period, instruction will include both classroom time and practical hands-on lumber grading.

Fee includes hotel and weekday meals.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters

Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Mark Bear, NHLA National Inspector

JUN

June 3-July 26

Inspector Training School 206th Class

Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve a certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: TBD

Location: Granite Falls, NC

Instructor: Benji Richards, NHLA Industry Services Sales Manager

JUN

June 10-13

Intro to Hardwood

Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Host: Ohio Forestry Association

Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc.

Location: Millersburg, OH

Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector

June 10-Aug 2

Inspector Training School 207th Class

Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve a certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: Pennsylvania College of Technology

Location: Montgomery, PA

Instructor:

Roman Matyushchenko, NHLA ITS Instructor

AUG

August 6-8 3-Day Walnut Lumber Grading

A 3-day course focused on Walnut, a high value species with several Grading Rules exceptions. Attend and learn how to get the most value out of your walnut production. The course is designed for experienced Hardwood Lumber Inspectors who need to have a more in-depth knowledge of Walnut lumber grading.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Benji Richards, NHLA Industry Services Sales Manager

August 12-23

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1

Two weeks of hands-on training.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters.

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, NHLA ITS Instructor

AUG

August 27-29

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Host: Forcey Lumber & Veneer

Venue: YMCA Bigler

Location: Bigler, PA

Instructor: Tom Byers, National Inspector

August 28-30

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters

Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, NHLA ITS Instructor

HARDWOOD MARKETS MATTER

Hardwood Markets Matter, and it is important for NHLA to share market details of the entire Hardwood Industry. We appreciate the support of allied associations and publishers in gathering and sharing this important market information that can help you understand the complete hardwood industry picture.

www.hardwoodreview.com

Rising hardwood log exports were of top concern to U.S. sawmills in 2017 and early 2018, before the start of the U.S.-China trade war. Those concerns ebbed after log exports fell 17% in 2019 and another 10% in 2020. While log exports rebounded nearly back to peak levels in 2021 and 2022, they were seemingly of less concern as lumber demand and prices soared to all-time record highs. With log export volumes dropping again in 2023, domestic sawmills should have faced less competition for hardwood logs from foreign buyers. Yet, the industry reported just the opposite, especially for species like Walnut and White Oak. Log availability was tight all year and log prices were stubbornly high—partly, mills argued, because of log export pressures. There are several explanations for the apparent disparity between falling log export volumes and increased log export pressure.

Between 2018 and 2023, logs grew from 34% to 38% of the hardwood export mix. That means, relative to lumber, foreign markets purchased 10% more logs in 2023 than they did in 2018—at the historic peak of log export volumes, back when many domestic

sawmills said they could no longer compete with foreign buyers for U.S. hardwood logs. In addition, U.S. hardwood lumber production has shrunk dramatically since 2018, likely more than the 23% decline in log exports. From that, we can deduce that a larger percentage of harvested hardwood logs is being exported than in recent years, perhaps even larger than in 2018. Walnut and White Oak log exports in 2023 were at their highest levels relative to lumber exports since the Great Recession. Further, logs’ share of the export mix in 2023 was 20% higher for White Oak and 11% higher for Walnut than in 2018, during the pre-trade war log export surge.

www.hmr.com

The HMR Demand Index (HDI) is a feature in HMR Executive® that illustrates monthly trends in reported demand from 10 major domestic markets for hardwood lumber. Components of the index are color coded with various shades of blue when demand is slow, they transition to gray when demand is fair, and then to light red and deep red when demand moves from good to strong.

Index for February, which is published the first week of March.

Railway Tie Association, 2023 Year In-Review, the Director’s Perspective

By Nate Irby, Railway Tie Association (RTA)

RTA is a membership association dedicated to serve the railroad crosstie and timber industry segment(s). We branch out into multiple associated supply chain providers, end-users, and collaborate with others in “like” spaces. Our membership is strong in tradition and sustainability, yet open for growth and copacetic with targeted forward thinking. How can we continue to best serve our constituency and the industry?

Our attempts through conducting three meetings we hold each year: Tie Grading Seminar (March), Field Trip (June), and Annual Meeting (October), provide in-person opportunities for networking and engagement. Furthermore, we play nice with others, as many allied associations in the railroad industries, forest products, and more, co-exist by virtue of our common causes. But, again, what else can we be doing, or doing something we already do, better, to facilitate the RTA’s mission to keep wood tie markets strong and sustainable?

• We started 2023 with honoring tradition, and respecting those that have contributed so much to the continuation and advancement of the science of wood preservation with holding a field trip at Mississippi State University to visit the RTA AWPRP study site and discuss its progress and potential for future modeling.

• RTA also ramped up its attempts to engage with the short line and regional railroad community in a big way: a booth at the ASLRRA convention in New Orleans plus revitalized marketing to capture tie usage data from those users to bolster a long-standing industry sought database.

• Collaboration was ongoingly afoot early in 2023 with big steps of partnership with the National Hardwood Lumber Association with a webinar in their highly respected series plus a half day tie grading lecture to their prestigious lumber inspector class. RTA also presented a tie update to the Southern Pressure Treaters Association Annual meeting and gave a similar update, with focus from the sponsors perspective, to Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources faculty and administration.

• RTA has significant and still growing presence in the hardwood community through membership and sponsorship of hardwood club functions with spring meetings in multiple states. Also coupling those efforts are invitations to present at state forestry association meeting to give updates on the tie markets and recruit new members: Kentucky Forest Industries Association and West Virginia Forest Association.

• Before the spring ended, RTA had successfully completed another Washington D.C. advocacy trip, annual trips to sawmills and major members’ facilities conducted, and started a new research project on non-destructive evaluation of crossties that may help grade ties beyond visual, and more full-spectrum from ties buyers to wood processing to on-track.

Field Trip North Little Rock, Arkansas June 12-15, 2023

WLS Sawmill

• Summer engagement included our annual Field Trip, plus a few new items, with one notable activity: teaching teachers about wood products through a Teacher’s Conservation Workshop to help educate the educators to in-turn educate our youth about the many benefits of wood and wood products for our environment and daily lives.

• The RTA leadership met in July at the Westin Buckhead to review the upcoming October Annual Conference site and conduct our Summer Executive Committee meetings. They also sculpted the annual meeting program itself, got an updated from RTA Team members on progress of association work, and re-affirmed direction and future initiatives you will see in the coming months/years.

• August and September brought on a host of membership events: from Railroad HQ visits, to sawmill and tie treatment facility stops, and a run-in with a former United States Vice President, to name a few. The RTA Team was also busy executing final prep

for the Annual Conference, and were absolutely blown away by the swiftness in which our sponsorship program participants stepped up to the plate and filled ALL slots in record time!

• As fall came into fruition, RTA has been busy planning future events for 2024 (and beyond), bolstering our staff (Welcome, Kristen!), and honoring tradition and charting sustainable pathways for the RTA and the industry in so many wonderful ways. For those that were present, you know our Annual Conference was a great success and we are so very thankful for all the contributions in attendance, exhibits, sponsorships, and good times!

As you read through, and we close this piece, keep in mind we are very grateful to serve the RTA membership and industry in such a capacity. The RTA Team is dedicated to our collective causes, representing this industry and moving our Association forward. And, for me, personally and professionally, it is an honor and a privilege. Thanks for such a great 2023!!!

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF CROSSTIE COMPETITIVE POSITION RELATIVE TO OTHER HARDWOOD PRODUCTS?

REGARDING YOUR ABOVE ANSWER, PLEASE PROVIDE CONTEXT FOR MARKET, WEATHER OR OTHER CONDITIONS.

EASTERN US

LAKE STATES

Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, N Indiana, N Illinois: More mills are running out of logs or reducing hours to conserve what they have. High grade H. Maple and W. Oak logs and lumber are the only things in demand.

ATLANTIC

West Virginia: Overall production is down, but still some items are oversupplied

Virginia: Flooring, pallet, poplar and ties are not moving as well as they were. Weather has been very wet and bad for logging.

NEW ENGLAND

New England 1: Log prices are too high for smaller mills to compete for logs. Colder weather has replenshied log yards but as spring weather is approaching most mills will not have logs inbound until after spring breakup.

Pennsylvania: Weather has been mild and dry and good for logging but mills watching log costs. Tie production is slowing down.

MIDSOUTH

E Texas, NW Louisiana: Mills have a good supply of logs and for most part its still dry enough to log but pallet is still a big problem every one is on some what of a quota.

SOUTHEAST

Kentucky, Tennessee: Several grade mills are near the breaking point and pushing log prices down in an attempt to stay afloat.

Mississippi: Crosstie demand and supply remain strong. Lumber, cant & residual markets are applying tremendous negative pressure to the health of the sawmill industry.

SUPPLY CHAIN CHART:

Only 41 percent of NWFA members reported supply chain disruptions in Hardwood Floors magazine’s 2024 Industry Outlook. This is an improvement from last year’s survey when more than 86 percent of all NWFA members reported continued disruption and negative business impacts from lost sales, extended lead times, pricing, and backorders. The areas least affected by supply chain hurdles were tools and softwood.

COMPETITION FROM WOOD-LOOK PRODUCTS CHART:

According to Hardwood Floors magazine’s 2024 Industry Outlook, competition from woodlook products such as LVT, WPC, and laminate continue to have a negative effect on real wood product sales for 67 percent of NWFA members. Many agree that education is key to successfully promoting the wood flooring industry and gaining market share. www.nwfa.org

www.ahec.org

DIFFICULT STRETCH CONTINUES FOR YELLOW POPLAR EXPORTS

By Tripp Pryor, AHEC International Program Manager

Yellow Poplar Lumber Exports, Volume in m3

“Yellow Poplar”, “Tulipwood”, or “Tulip Poplar”, no matter what you call it, it’s been a difficult few years for Liriodendron tulipifera export markets. 20 years ago, export opportunities were limited, focusing on China or a few European markets like Italy and Spain. As China and Vietnam became global furniture powerhouses, the markets for yellow poplar grew, and exports more than doubled in just 5 years from 300,000m3 in 2009 to nearly 800,000m3 in 2014. In their peak years, China imported 321,049m3 and Vietnam imported 258,230m3 of yellow poplar lumber. But the markets turned quickly. The US-China trade war hit hard, and even though the species was at the lowest tariff level of 5%, yellow poplar exports to China dropped sharply after 2018. COVID restrictions in Vietnam and then a subsequent turn in global furniture consumption have caused the Vietnamese market decline since 2020 as well.

In the full year of 2023, yellow poplar exports to the entire world totaled just 284,861m3, which is less than exports to China alone in 2014 and 2017. Last year, we saw the lowest export volume of yellow poplar lumber since 2005.

Unfortunately, yellow poplar, a strong, lightweight hardwood, doesn’t have the market stabilizing influence that a species like white oak has from the barrel stave industry. Yellow Poplar, which is currently growing at a rate of a cubic meter every 1.82 seconds across the United States, has its value determined by cost-competitive manufacturing, and regularly has to compete with Southeast Asian timbers on price. Stabilizing markets for this unique species that is a hallmark of the American hardwood forest is a major priority for AHEC. For years we have included yellow poplar in our furniture contests and collaborations to help designers to embrace the species for its unique color and grain patterns. Since the early 2010’s, we have also been active in exploring Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT, or CLTP for TulipPoplar) and its promise for yellow poplar. CLT has a tremendous opportunity to drive value in this species as more and more production facilities come online here in the US and around the world. For more information on export markets for Yellow Poplar/Tulipwood and to see how AHEC is promoting this incredible species, please visit our website: americanhardwood.org.

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings.

To see more details of the job or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/resources/careers-center

HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR

LEBANON, KY

Lebanon Oak Flooring Company is seeking a full time hardwood lumber grader/inspector at our plant in Lebanon, KY. The position will be primarily for grading green lumber and supervising a small crew.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume to: don@lebanonoak.com

Lebanon Oak Flooring Company

215 Taylor Ave. | Lebanon, KY 40033 270-692-2128

PLANT MANAGER

VIRGINIA FACILITIES

Due to a pending retirement Northland Forest Products Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of kiln dried and thermally modified hardwoods is seeking a Plant manager at its Virginia facilities.

This full-time, salaried position will be responsible for the overall management of the facility, including procurement, inventory management, quality control, logistics and personnel management. This position presents an opportunity for growth and advancement within the company.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume to: Matt Gilchrist at mattg@northlandforest.com

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