November 2024 Hardwood Matters by National Hardwood Lumber Association

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WHAT'S INSIDE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

Stephanie VanDystadt, Vice Chairman Hull Forest Products

Jon Syre, Past Chairman 2022-2024 Cascade Hardwood, LLC

MISSION LEADERS

Sam Glidden, ITS and ITSEF GMC Hardwoods, Inc.

Ray White, Lumber Services Harold White Lumber, Inc.

Joe Pryor, Education Services Oaks Unlimited

Rich Solano, Convention Pike Lumber Company, Inc.

Bill Courtney, Membership & Networking Classic American Hardwoods

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

DEPUTY MISSION LEADERS

Chris Rider, Membership & Networking AHC Hardwood Group

Tom Coble, Market Impacts Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc.

Greg Fitzpatrick, Convention Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc.

Tom Oiler, Lumber Services Cole Hardwood, Inc.

Trent Yoder, Lumber Services Yoder Lumber

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: John Hester j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558

Chase Musarra c.musarra@nhla.com or 901-399-7557

Darci Shannon d.shannon@nhla.com or 901-7567

NHLA STAFF

Dallin Brooks, Executive Director dallin@nhla.com

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

Sam Leow, Chief Marketing Officer s.leow@nhla.com

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

ACCOUNTING

Desiree Freeman, Controller d.freeman@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

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

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

MARKETING/MEMBERSHIP

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

Brennah Hutchison, Junior Copywriter b.hutchison@nhla.com

Ashley Johnson, Convention and Events Director a.johnson@nhla.com

Darci Shannon, Communication & Outreach Specialist d.shannon@nhla.com

Chase Musarra, Member Services Advisor c.musarra@nhla.com

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NEW LEADER FROM THE OLD SCHOOL

As a graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School’s 71st class in 1980, I am one of the few remaining folks working in the industry who attended the “old school” on Tutwiler Street in Memphis. Our class was the last class held at that facility prior to moving into our beautiful new headquarters at Raleigh Lagrange later that same year. As a wide-eyed 18-year-old kid, I never imagined that 44 years later, I would have the honor and responsibility of serving as the Chairman of the Board for this amazing association, with the bonus of being sworn in at the convention in my own home state. What a thrill!

I grew up in a sawmill family, and the hardwood lumber business has been my passion all my life. Following in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, there was never any question about what I wanted to do for a career. Today, I serve as President of MO PAC Lumber Co., and I am blessed to be able to work with all three of my boys at our mill. I am more passionate than ever for the continued success of our industry and this association because now my boys are depending on it, too.

As a lumber inspector, I learned the importance of the grading rules that our association was founded upon. Understanding and having a working knowledge of these rules has given me the best foundation for success in this industry, and I owe a great deal of gratitude to the NHLA and the Inspector Training School. Volunteering to serve on this Board is a small way of giving back to an industry that has been so good to me and my family.

As I look ahead to the next two years, I want to take a moment to thank the past NHLA leadership, under whom I had the privilege of serving on the Executive Committee. Darwin Murray was an amazing leader during one of the most difficult times in our association’s history. He made some very tough decisions, and I learned a lot from watching him lead. Jeff Wirkkala led us through a change

of Executive Directors and challenged us to “Grow and Stabilize” our industry. His passion and outside-the-box thinking served me and our association very well. Most recently, we were led by one of the smartest and most amazing people I have ever met, Jon Syre. He has left some very large shoes to fill, but thankfully, he is going to continue to provide me with a lot of council over the next two years as our Immediate Past Chairman.

Although I am from the “old school,” your Board of Directors and NHLA staff are some of the brightest and most innovative thinkers in our industry. Together, we will honor the past but focus on the future.

Thank you, members, for your confidence in me to serve as your association Chairman.

Bucky Pescaglia NHLA Chairman | Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc.

NHLA STAFF ALL HAVE A COMMON GROUND

Change is inevitable, and how we navigate that change defines our success.

Someone commented to me the other day that while they were on the NHLA Board of Directors, the NHLA staff had changed very little—until now. These changes are not just a sign of transition; they are intentional steps toward our association’s unwavering commitment to the hardwood industry. My philosophy about staff is that communicating is essential, so I would like to share some experiences and perspectives with you to illustrate how these changes are both strategic and necessary for our future success.

I have worked many jobs since I was a kid. My first job off the farm was sorting empty bottles at the depot next to our school; I was twelve years old and needed something to do while waiting for my parents to come to town. I then worked at Brad’s Gas Bar, pumped gas, and helped serve at the restaurant. As a teenager, I worked in construction for a few summers and got a job at Liberty Safe.

At 18 years old, I became the Lock Technician for Liberty Safe and was made leadman on the Franklin safe line. It was bad enough being told to slow down while working construction, but the men on the line did not like that a teenager was telling them what to do when they had worked there longer and were older. It was a challenging situation; I was hired by the owner and had proved my worth at a different facility; the promotion was earned and deserved as I was faster and better at the lock job and had to ensure everything else was done right first. My immediate manager did not want to deal with the resentment my title caused, so he avoided it. I had the title on paper but not on the line, so I consulted with them about what to do rather than tell them what to do. That was my first real lesson in managing and leading people.

I learned the value of working alongside others, seeking their input, and building consensus. This approach has served me well, and it’s one that I carry into every decision I make for the NHLA. My goal is not just to lead but to build a team of wood experts who share my commitment to the hardwood industry and who are empowered to excel in their roles. The recent changes in NHLA staff are a reflection of this philosophy.

I am the best at what I do. But it is not because I am the best at everything; I surround myself with people who buy into my philosophy and

are the best at what they do. That means the people I hire are either looking for an opportunity to grow and advance their careers or to leave a legacy after a strong career. I don’t mind being a stepping stone in someone’s career. I welcome the opportunity to help them find their dream job, knowing they’ll value a strong reference from me to support their next step. I get the best out of them during their time with us, and even when they move on, we maintain a collaborative relationship that continues to benefit the industry. I am proud to have played a part in the careers of those who have moved on to new opportunities, and I remain committed to helping our current team achieve their full potential.

As we bid farewell to our Chief Operating Officer Renee Hornsby, who is stepping into an exciting new role as Executive Director at World Millwork Alliance, we also welcome our Chief Marketing Officer Sam Leow into her position. This transition is not just a change in leadership; it’s a handoff in a relay where every runner is committed to the same goal—advancing the NHLA and supporting the hardwood industry. Renee has been an invaluable asset, and while her departure is a loss, Sam’s fresh perspective and innovative ideas will bring new energy to our marketing efforts.

Our direction is clear: to grow and stabilize the hardwood industry. Your relationships with the NHLA staff are vital to that vision. Chief Inspector Dana Spessert is a firm foundation on which all our operations are based. Our Chief Development Officer, John Hester, is a master of communication and reaching out to support membership. Their input drives every decision I make, and it’s why I am confident in the team we are building. Together, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with members, support the industry, and guide NHLA toward a future of shared success. In this period of transition, I ask for your continued trust and support. As we move forward, know that the NHLA Chiefs and I are committed to maintaining strong relationships and working collaboratively to achieve our vision. We all share one common ground: our dedication to the hardwood industry.

Dallin Brooks NHLA Executive Director dallin@nhla.com

| 901-377-0182

PROMOTING THE NHLA GRADING RULES ABROAD

Chief Inspector Dana Spessert recently joined Neil Summers of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) for a European tour through Germany, Ireland, and Belgium, where they engaged with key players in the global hardwood market. Their travels culminated at Vandecasteele in Belgium, where they led a series of grading seminars aimed at showcasing the quality and sustainability of North American hardwoods. These seminars served as an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge about the NHLA Grading Rules, offering insights into how these standards ensure the consistent quality of hardwood products. This outreach is essential for fostering stronger relationships with international markets and emphasizing the value of North American hardwoods in a competitive global market.

By promoting the NHLA Grading Rules abroad, Dana and Neil are not only advancing the technical understanding of grading but are also advocating for the environmental benefits of using North American hardwoods. Their efforts help to dispel misconceptions about hardwood harvesting and emphasize sustainable forestry practices that benefit ecosystems and communities. These conversations are helping to build trust and awareness with global partners, ensuring that North American hardwoods remain a preferred choice for high-quality, sustainable materials. We are proud of the work Dana and Neil are doing to spread the truth about hardwoods and their benefits across borders!

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Thank you for your time and input!

NHLA and AHEC partnership grading presentation in Germany @ Holtz Braun.

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St. Louis Convention Exceeded Expectations–Don't Miss Out in 2025!

This year’s convention in St. Louis was a huge success, and I’m proud to say we kept the energy alive in the exhibit hall just like I promised. But despite our best efforts, some companies still packed up early. Here’s the thing . . . if you leave early, you miss out on opportunities—and this year, some folks missed out in a big way.

We held incredible giveaways throughout the event. Bo Bayliss from Onsite Technologies smoked the competition, winning the Pit Boss Pellet Grill, generously donated by Dansons USA Inc. Carla Oilar was chillin’ as she rolled away with the YETI Tundra cooler. And Jay Reese? He was seeing his future in San Antonio after winning the His and Hers Meta Smart Sunglasses. But the grand prize? Mrs. Jennifer Floyd of Frank Miller Lumber Company drove off with a 2024 Tracker 800 side-by-side, worth over $15,000.

Here’s where it gets real: Two people missed out on the $15,000 sideby-side because they left the exhibit hall early. You had to be present to win, and they weren’t. Jen Floyd, the lucky winner, isn’t complaining—but don’t let that be you in 2025! Stay until the very end, keep your booth up, engage with attendees, and make the most of every minute. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the opportunities and excitement we have in store next year.

Next year, we’re going all out. More giveaways, more action, and more reasons to keep those booths up until the very end. You won’t want to miss it, and neither will your customers. Get ready for an unforgettable event, because San Antonio 2025 is going to be our biggest and best yet.

John Hester Chief Development Officer

Jennifer Floyd of Frank Miller Lumber Company drove off with a 2024 Tracker 800 side-by-side, worth over $15,000.

Woodisbest.org, Of Course

By ERIC HANSEN, Department Head, Wood Science and Engineering / Acting Director, College of Forestry International Programs, Oregon State University

The biggest issue facing the wood products industry is maintaining a skilled workforce. University graduates with wood-focused Bachelor of Science degrees are a key source of skilled employees. Similar to your challenges in finding a skilled workforce, recruiting students into our majors is a huge challenge. A high school student knows (or thinks they know) what it means to study business or engineering. They often do not know that wood-focused degree programs exist. Because of this, we often refer to our degree programs as “Discovery Majors.” Once we reach prospective students, selling them on our programs is possible. Once you join us, a world of opportunities opens!

Speaking of opportunities, they are nearly endless. Opportunities begin within our programs and extend to amazing careers. Strong historical industry support for our programs means significant scholarships are available, making university degrees more financially feasible. The upsides of our small programs are that students receive individualized attention, are often involved in undergraduate research, gain real-world experience through internships, and generally come away from their educational experience with a built-in network of industry professionals. It is not unusual for our graduates to receive multiple job offers before accepting their first position. Unfortunately, opportunities are only available to those who have the chance to learn about us.

Adapting to the vernacular of the 21st-century student population, many of us have renamed our majors. What were once Wood Science or Forest Products are now Sustainable Materials and Technology, Sustainable Biomaterials, Sustainable Bioproducts, Forest and Sustainable Products, or Wood Innovation for Sustainability. The commonality is staking a claim on the sustainability of wood-based products, tying ourselves to a topic that the next generation is passionate about.

www.woodisbest.org

Starting in 2021, ten major, wood-focused programs began collaborating on a holistic promotion effort to reach young adults across the U.S. We are:

1. Auburn

2. University of Idaho

3. University of Maine

4. Michigan Tech University

5. Mississippi State University

6. North Carolina State University

7. Oregon State University

8. Purdue

9. Virginia Tech

10. West Virginia University

The foundation of our promotion efforts is the website www. woodisbest.org. A video that constitutes the heart of the site provides an overview of what prospective students can expect from a major/career in the field. A social media campaign focusing on TikTok, Google Ads, and Snapchat has been quite successful (above industry averages) in driving “customers” to the Woodisbest site. From there, students can connect to the most relevant universities for their geography and/or interests.

How can you help? To safeguard the future of our programs and to continue addressing the growing demand for expertise in sustainable, wood-based products, we are in need of support from our industry partners. Your collaboration and investment are essential in helping us recruit talented students and secure the long-term success of our programs. We are asking industry associations to assist (NHLA is already on board!) with financing our promotion efforts and convincing members to co-promote our efforts. This is where you come in. In your communications and on your websites, please post and promote the Wood Is Best website. Share this information with your customers so that the value chain becomes more aware of our universities and our recruiting efforts. Ultimately, we want you and your customers to hire our graduates.

Our students are the pipeline for your future managers. Join us in increasing the enrollment of wood-focused students across the country!

Federation Works with Bipartisan Senators to Promote Red Oak in Federal Procurement

By DANA COLE, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation

On July 12, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a bipartisan group of eight other senators in a letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) and General Services Administration (GSA) to use red oak in federal government procurement of flooring for military truck beds. Senator Shaheen responded to outreach from and worked closely with the Hardwood Federation team to draft and send this communication urging action to grow domestic markets for hardwood lumber. Senator Shaheen, Hardwood Federation staff, and industry members reached out to key members of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee and the Senate Armed Services Committee to garner support and letter signatures. Fortunately, many of the Committee members come from hardwood states and immediately understood the importance

of this effort. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), who co-led the effort, Bob Casey (D-PA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Angus King (I-ME) and JD Vance (R-OH) joined Sen. Shaheen in the letter.

The Senate letter echoes the Hardwood Federation’s talking points that using Red Oak will replace “critically endangered Apitong hardwood from tropical forests with a readily available, sustainable domestic source of lumber,” scoring a win/win for the U.S. economy and environment. Specifically, the letter calls upon the agencies “to expedite transition to domestic Red Oak lumber for hardwood floorboards in U.S. military and other government vehicles, trailers

and platforms.” In late November 2023, the GSA approved the use of red oak for military applications within the context of an agency directive. The Senate letter is intended to build momentum for agency action and make the GSA directive a high priority.

The GSA’s Commercial Item Description, a formal government procurement document referenced in the Senate communication, notes that truck beds made of “foreign Apitong were unsustainable and counter to numerous U.S. Government regulatory and ethical commitments for responsible environmental stewardship in procurement.” GSA further found that the material was also “not compliant with the Buy American Act of 1933 or Trade Agreements Act of 1979.”

In addition to the letter to the relevant agencies, as part of this year’s reauthorization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Sen. Shaheen also secured report language as part of the Senate Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA bill to press the Department of Defense and GSA on switching to red oak and away from apitong for its truck trailer beds. The NDAA is one of the few bills guaranteed to move forward in the Lame Duck session of Congress following the election. As the NDAA funds and authorizes critical military operations and initiatives, it is a top priority every December for Congressional action. The Hardwood Federation team is working with Senator Shaheen’s staff and our other champions on the Hill

. . . using Red Oak will replace “critically endangered Apitong hardwood from tropical forests with a readily available, sustainable domestic source of lumber,” scoring a win/win for the U.S. economy and environment.

to ensure this report language remains in the final product that President Biden will sign.

This is only the first strike at a long list of government purchases that use materials other than U.S. hardwoods. Senator Shaheen and other signatories to the letter have offered to support additional efforts to move the DOD and other large government purchasers toward domestic materials. The Federation will continue to build on this bipartisan effort to support the U.S. hardwood industry.

NOTE: This article’s deadline was two weeks before the 2024 election. Check out our next submission to Hardwood Matters for how the election results will impact the hardwood industry in 2025!

DRIVING INNOVATION IN THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY:

How Technology and USDA Forest Service Grants are Shaping the Future

By BRENNAH HUTCHISON, Junior Copywriter

At the 127th NHLA Annual Convention, I had the pleasure of moderating the “Navigating the Forest Service Wood Innovations Grants” panel. The room was filled with over 50 eager attendees, all keen to learn how grant funding can support technological advancements in the hardwood industry. During the session, an attendee asked panelist Charlie Becker from the USDA Forest Service, “Do these grant funds support used machinery?” Charlie responded, “Yes. Honestly, I think much of the equipment funded with these grants includes used.” His answer highlighted how crucial these grants are in helping businesses adopt the latest technologies, even on a budget.

Panelist Claire Getty from Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, a grant recipient, shared a similar sentiment, encouraging the audience to view “challenges as opportunities.” She pointed out that while technology is advancing rapidly, grants like these help bridge the gap for businesses to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.

The discussion made it clear: technology isn’t just a buzzword in the hardwood industry—it’s a driving force behind its evolution, largely enabled through grant funding. Technological advancements supported by programs like the Wood Innovations Grant transform operations from optimizing log processing to reducing waste. Below are some key innovations, funded by these grants, that are reshaping the industry and driving it toward a more efficient and sustainable future.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN HARDWOOD

Lumber Grading Technologies

One example of how the Forest Service’s Wood Innovation Grant (WIG) drives technological advancements is the $200,000 grant awarded to Michigan Technological University. This funding is used to demonstrate structural lumber grading technologies for undervalued hardwood species, such as Red Maple. The project uses Machine Stress Rating (MSR) and visual grading to compare low-grade lumber, providing a more efficient and accurate evaluation of the wood’s structural integrity. These technologies help maximize the potential of hardwood species that are often overlooked, offering new opportunities for their use in construction and other applications.

Biomass Energy Projects

Another notable project supported by grant funding is the $945,254 awarded to North Fork Lumber in Goshen, VA, through the Forest Service Community Wood (CW) program. This grant expands the company’s production capacity to utilize more wood from Federal and private forests by installing new biomass-fueled kilns and upgrading existing sawmill equipment. The funding is allocated explicitly for new dry kilns, a boiler, and a dip tank, all contributing to more efficient and sustainable wood processing. By adopting biomass technology, North Fork Lumber increases its operational efficiency and reduces its environmental footprint by utilizing renewable energy sources.

Lumber Edgers and Upgrading Log Trailers

In Menominee, WI, Menominee Tribal Enterprises was awarded $866,062 through the Forest Service Wood Product Infrastructure Assistance (WPIA) program. The funding is being used to enhance efficiency and utilization within the enterprise, specifically by optimizing their lumber edger and upgrading log trailers. These improvements enable the company to process logs and transport materials more efficiently, maximizing each harvest and increasing utilization and management on public, tribal and private forestlands. This project highlights how grant funding can drive operational advancements, allowing businesses to scale their capabilities and meet the increasing demands of the modern hardwood industry.

OVERVIEW OF USDA FOREST SERVICE GRANTS

To build and strengthen markets, support efficient processing, and help retain our critical wood products infrastructure, the Forest Service uses three key grant programs: Wood Innovations, Community Wood, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance. Authorized under the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (Farm Bill), the Wood Innovations and Community Wood Grant programs are funded through annual appropriations (hazardous fuels), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act. These programs and projects, directly and indirectly, address the nationwide challenge of restoring healthy forests for all landowners and

reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, disease, and infestations by retaining or expanding markets and strengthening the industry. Investments support forest management activities and reduce costs by creating market demand for wood products and wood energy.

• In May 2024, the Wood Innovations Program awarded grants to 171 projects totaling nearly $74 million in funding across 41 states and American Samoa.

• Wood Innovations Grants – 117 projects for $31.3 million

• Community Wood Grants – 18 projects for 14.9 million

• Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grants – 36 projects for $27.8 million

The USDA Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Grant Program is a crucial driver of technological advancements in the hardwood and wood energy sectors. Designed to expand and support wood products and energy markets across the U.S., the program encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that enhance sustainability and productivity. By funding projects integrating innovations like biomass energy systems and advanced wood processing techniques, the grant program ensures that U.S. forests are managed sustainably while bolstering local communities’ economic and environmental health. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, local governments, Indian tribes, and educational institutions, all of whom can apply to advance technological solutions within their operations.

Charlie Becker emphasized the program’s impact: “Part of the Wood Innovations Program’s goal is to improve the production of and markets for wood products by enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the forest industry. Supporting mill upgrades like computerized networks, optical scanners, graders, Machine Stress Rating (MSR), and other technologies will help hardwood lumber manufacturers expand their opportunities and improve utilization and management of the hardwood resource.”

Technology is at the heart of this initiative, with funding priorities emphasizing projects that utilize innovative wood products, advanced machinery, and emerging energy technologies. Proposals that create markets for wood and biomass from forest health or restoration projects or support the development of mass timber and other innovative wood materials are highly prioritized. Grants of up to $300,000 are typically available, with more prominent awards of up to $1,000,000 for projects utilizing Federal or Tribal timber or involving advanced wood energy systems. Each of the grant programs requires applicants to provide matched or leveraged funds towards the proposal. These vary depending on program, but roughly are a 1:1 match. Applications for the Wood Innovations Grant Program should open during National Forest Products Week in October, with submissions due in December. Prior to submission, applicants are required to register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and encouraged to connect with their regional Wood Innovations Coordinators. With technology playing a critical role in the success of these projects, the program continues to push the hardwood industry into the digital age, funding advancements that enable sustainable and efficient operations. For more application details and funding, applicants can contact the program’s regional coordinators with the QR code below or National Grant Managers:

Wood Innovations: Collin Buntrock, at collin.buntrock@usda.gov

Community Wood: Sabina Dhungana at sabina.dhungana@usda.gov Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance: Adam Smith at adam.smith5@usda.gov

For assistance with developing proposals, companies are encouraged to connect with regional coordinators, as they can provide insights tailored to specific projects. Working closely with these coordinators can ensure that proposals align with grant requirements and have the best chance of success.

WORKING WITH GRANT CONSULTANTS

When applying for USDA Forest Service grants, companies often consult consultants to guide the complex application process. Panelist Joel Dulin from Jozana Grant Services emphasized the importance of thorough preparation: “The best thing companies can do to prepare an application is to read the NOFO (notice of funding opportunity) in detail and then speak to their regional coordinator about their project. These steps ensure they include the necessary information in their application and do not spend precious hours applying with an ineligible project.” By closely following the NOFO and consulting regional coordinators, applicants can significantly improve their chances of success.

Consultants like Dulin are crucial in helping businesses navigate the technical details of grant applications. Whether it’s ensuring eligibility, understanding funding priorities, or providing insight on project presentation, grant consultants guide companies through every step. This assistance is precious in an industry where adopting new technologies, like AI and biomass energy, can make or break a business’s competitive edge. Working with a consultant ensures that companies are prepared to meet the application criteria and positioned to maximize the impact of the grant funds on their technological advancements.

SEEKING CHALLENGES AS OPPORTUNITIES

In closing, the story of Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods in Huntland, TN, is a powerful example of how technology and grant funding can transform operations. Their latest project, the “Log Merchandizing System for Expanded Forest Utilization,” received a $300,000 WIG award and is part of their new industrial sawmill. This project supports expanded forest utilization through state-ofthe-art equipment and engineering.

Previously, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods sent residuals like sawdust to the Jack Daniels distillery for energy production. When the distillery switched energy sources, the business faced a challenge: managing the surplus of residuals. With a $250,000 WIG grant for their “Generate Wood Energy Onsite from Sawmill Low-Value Waste Products” project, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods installed a boiler to convert waste into energy, replacing reliance on propane. Claire Getty explained, “Through the USFS Wood Innovation Grant Program, we streamlined the energy sources for our dry kiln operation from three fuel types—electricity, propane, and biomass—to biomass only. This transition has resulted in annual savings of nearly $450,000 in propane expenses, demonstrating substantial financial and environmental benefits.”

This example underscores the broader theme of how technological innovation, supported by grants like those offered by the USDA Forest Service, drives the hardwood industry forward. By embracing these opportunities, businesses can enhance efficiency and contribute to more sustainable and resilient operations, securing their place in the industry’s future.

To further explore grant opportunities mentioned in the article, interested readers can directly contact USDA Forest Service specialists for guidance.

Charlie Becker, Wood Innovations Specialist

Email: charles.becker@usda.gov | Phone: (608) 231-9326

Additionally, for more details on USDA Forest Service grant programs like the Wood Innovation Grant (WIG), Community Wood (CW) Grant, or Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance (WPIA), visit their Wood Innovations Programs page by scanning the first QR code.

Wood Innovations Programs Page

Community Forest Program Regional Coordinators

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2024, June 6). Wood innovations fact sheet. U.S. Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/woodinnovations-fact-sheet-20240606.pdf

NHLA Rules Change Process for 2025

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

The NHLA was formed more than 125 years ago to establish a standard set of grading rules for the inspection of hardwoods. Initially, the NHLA established a means to keep the regulations viable and pertinent in the ever-changing hardwood market. In the earlier years, the rules were reviewed and changed annually to evolve more rapidly and converted to a four-year rotation in the most recent years.

The Rules were designed to grow and stabilize the hardwood industry, and the sector is expected to submit Rules changes that reflect the trade as it is today. For the NHLA to continue stabilizing partners, we need our members’ support to continue showing the world that we are the best option for sustainable and renewable products with consistent and reliable value.

This year marks the beginning of the following rules change process, and I am happy to announce that we will be accepting rules change proposals from now until the end of March 2025.

Constitution and Bylaws of NHLA

ARTICLE XIII—INSPECTION RULES

Section 1. The President shall annually appoint the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and at least eleven other members of the Inspection Rules Committee. Members of this committee shall represent various industry segments and be selected from the Active Membership.

Section 2. Seven members shall constitute a quorum.

The Rules were designed to grow and stabilize the hardwood industry, and the sector is expected to submit Rules changes that reflect the trade as it is today.

Section 3. The Rules Committee shall meet quadrennially, and the President may call for a special meeting of the Rules Committee. The quadrennial or special meeting shall be held at least 120 days before the Association’s annual conference at a time and place designated by the President.

Section 4. The members of the Association shall be given 30 days prior written notice of the time and place of the quadrennial or special meeting of the Rules Committee, together with a copy of the proposals to be considered at such meeting. Any member may attend said meeting, provided he advises the NHLA office at least one week before the meeting.

Section 5. At the quadrennial or special meeting, the Inspection Rules Committee shall consider each proposed rules change submitted in writing by a member of the Association to the Secretary on or before March 31 of that year. The Rules Committee shall have the right to approve or reject a proposed rules change or, with the consent of the original proposer, approve a proposed rules change with alterations, amendments, or changes acceptable to the Committee. A majority vote of the Committee shall approve or reject a proposal. The Inspection Rules Committee shall have the discretion to conduct the research necessary to determine any proposed rule change’s impact on the industry.

Section 6. Following the quadrennial or special meeting of the Rules Committee, all proposed rules changes approved by the Rules Committee shall be submitted by the Secretary to the members at least 45 days before the Annual Meeting. During the Annual Meeting, the Rules Committee shall convene and hold an open forum to discuss such proposed rule changes.

Section 7. Following the Annual Meeting, the Secretary shall mail a written ballot to the Active Members setting forth each proposed rule change. Each Active Member may vote for or against the proposed rules change provided such ballot is returned to and

received by the Secretary within 30 days from the date on the ballot. A rules change shall be adopted by the Association upon such change receiving a favorable vote on a two-thirds majority of the votes properly cast by the Active Members of the Association. An approved rules change shall be effective on the second January 1 following the approval.

Section 8. Only those proposed rules changes that have been approved by the Rules Committee at the quadrennial or special meeting shall be discussed at the open forum or voted on by written ballot; provided, however, that if the Rules Committee has twice disapproved a proposed rules change, the proposed member may present such proposal at the open forum and then by written ballot to the members upon giving written notice to the Secretary not less 30 days before the Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall notify the members of such request and place such proposal upon the agenda of the open forum and on the written ballot to be mailed following the Annual Meeting. Should two or more conflicting rule changes be placed on the ballot: they shall be coupled so that a vote may be cast for only one of the proposed rule changes. Multiple votes on the conflicting rule changes will not be allowed.

Section 9. Members of the Association may, at any time, informally submit changes to the inspection rules for review by the Inspection Rules Committee.

(Note: Proposed changes must comply with Section 5 of Article XIII.)

Please submit any rules change proposals or questions to the Chief Inspector @ d.spessert@nhla.com.

EDUCATIONAL CALENDAR

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

NOV

November 5-8

Hardwood Processing 101

NHLA will host a workshop to broaden the knowledge of hardwood processing for those industries and people who support sawmills and mill operations. The 3-day workshop will explore the process path from tree to kiln and includes a tour of a local sawmill and concentration yard. Housing and meals are included.