The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) recently completed a very successful 46th Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky at the Marriott Griffin Gate. The meeting was held April 13-15, 2011 and was well attended by over 320 members. The KFIA Annual Meeting serves as the premier event for the hardwood industry in Kentucky and got underway with a great day of golf that benefited Log a Load for Kids.
Thursday started with the Board of Directors taking care of association business and was followed by the KFIA/Tree Farm Awards Luncheon. The luncheon provided an opportunity to honor a wide range of individuals that help to make forestry and the wood industry a big success throughout the state. The following people were recognized for their contributions to forestry in Kentucky:
Angus MacLean, Goshen, KY – 2010 Tree Farmer of the Year
Mervin Strader, Strader Bros. LLC, Elkton, KY – 2010 Logger of the Year
Ronald Taylor, R.L Taylor Forestry, Morehead, KY- 2010 Inspector of the Year
Dick Wengert, Winchester, KY- 2010 Communicator of the Year
KFIA recognized the following people for their leadership and service to the KFIA Board of Directors:
Outgoing Directors:
Jack Grace, Robinson Lumber Company,
Matt Begley, Begley Lumber Company,
Steve Olson, Georgia-Pacific, LLC
Howell White, Lafayette, TN
The following people were elected to the 2011 KFIA Board of Directors:
New Directors:
Casey Goodman, C.B. Goodman & Sons Lumber - Hickory, KY
Tommy Steele, Kentucky Tie & Lumber - Columbia, KY
Tom DeFilippo, H & S Lumber Co. Inc. – Clay City, KY
Tony Leanhart, Northland Corporation – LaGrange, KY
Re-elected Directors:
Charles “Chuck” Courtney II, - Greenville, KY
Darrin Gay, Gay Brothers Logging & Lumber - Oneida, KY
The afternoon included with meetings discussing the current regulations dealing with the Emerald Ash Borer and Thousand Cankers Disease and its affects on the ash and walnut markets. KFIA membership also learned about a project to help members obtain sustainable forestry initiative chain of custody certification. As usual tradition, everyone enjoyed the Robinson Lumber/ Van Meter Insurance Hospitality Suite with great seafood and special cuisine straight from New Orleans. The day concluded with the Exhibitor Reception and plenty of time to see some of the latest technology and services being offered to the wood industry.
Friday morning opened with a state legislative and association update by KFIA Executive Director Bob Bauer. Other conference speakers were Ken Negray, NewPage Corp. who gave an update on the Certified Wood Markets and the development of the Center for Certification in Kentucky. Jeanine Duncliffe, Economic Development & International Trade Division gave some opportunities for international trading. Michael Snow, Executive Director from American Hardwood Export Council discussed globalization and the future of the US hardwood Industry. Ron Couch, Director of Research and Statistics for Education and Workforce Development provided an overview of Kentucky Trends relating to population, employment, income, and economic realities within the hardwood industry.
The meeting was a tremendous success and those in attendance gained valuable information while having time to network with others in the hardwood industry from throughout the country. KFIA is pleased to announce that the 2012 Annual Meeting will be in Louisville, KY at The Seelbach Hilton on March 28-30.