KFIA 43rd ANNUAL MEETING TAKES OVER COVINGTON, KY
The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) recently completed a very successful 43rd annual meeting in Covington, Kentucky that was attended by well over 300 members. The meeting took place over three days and is the premier event for the hardwood industry in Kentucky. Things got underway with a great day of golf at the Log a Load for Kids outing that raised over $2000 for the Kentucky Childrens Hospital.
Thursday morning started off with the Board of Directors taking care of association business. The Mayor of Covington Butch Callery welcomed the group to the area and declared April 3 KFIA day in Covington. The luncheon provided an opportunity for KFIA to honor a wide range of individuals that help to make forestry and the wood industry a big success throughout the state. Jim Newman, retired UK & Willamette Industries, was recognized for his service to KFIA and the Kentucky Tree Farm Committee. Mr. Newman was a driving force in the creation of the association back in 1965. He has served in a number of capacities over the years and continues to be chairman of the education committee. Mr. Newman was also honored for his service to Tree Farm as Secretary/Treasurer for over 25 years. The following people were also recognized for their contributions to forestry in Kentucky
Tim Freibert, Louisville, KY 2007 Tree Farmer of the Year
Richard Wheatley, Raywick, KY 2007 Logger of the Year
Rex Mann, retired U.S. Forest Service-- 2007 Communicator of the Year award
Sarah Moore, KY Division of Forestry- Inspector of the Year
KFIA recognized the following people for their leadership and service to the KFIA Board of Directors:
Outgoing President- Rick Goodin, Lebanon Oak Flooring
Outgoing Vice President- Richard Sturgill, Pine Mountain Lumber
Outgoing Secretary/Treasurer- Jimmy Thornberry, Moulding & Millwork, Inc. Manufacturing
Outgoing Directors- Grant Curry, Weyerhaeuser; David Jones, Jones Logging and John Smith, Forest Products
The following people were elected to the 2008 KFIA Board of Directors:
President Tom Broadfoot, NewPage Corp. in Eddyville, KY,
Vice President John Smith, Forest Products in Corbin, KY
Secretary/Treasurer David Feldman, Feldman Lumber Co. in Lancaster, KY
New Directors:
Chuck Courtney, Courtney Timber Harvesting in Greenville, KY
Darrin Gay, Gay Brothers Logging and Lumber in Oneida, KY
Steve Olson, Georgia-Pacific Corporation in Corbin, KY
Re-elected Directors:
Matt Begley, Begley Lumber in London, KY
Jack Grace, Robinson Lumber Company in New Albany, IN
The afternoon included committee meetings discussing issues affecting wood processing in Kentucky with a presentation from Tom Inman, President of the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association. As usual tradition everyone really 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.
The last day included updates on legislative activity in both Kentucky and on a national level. The main conference speakers were Chairman Steven Bullard from University of Kentucky Department of Forestry, who provided information on the Robinson Forest Study and revised curriculum for the Department of Forestry. The Kentucky Sustainable Forestry Implementation Committee presented a check to Dr. Bullard for $2,000 in support of the BMP Streamside Management Study being done on Robinson Forest. Lisa Stocker, Director of Community Outreach & Government Affairs with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) gave information on the SFI initiative in the industry. Executive Director Deborah Hawkinson with the Hardwood Federation provided information on current legislative initiatives and national issues with the Federation. Tom Inman also gave a brief presentation on certification and sustainability in 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 2009 Annual Meeting will be in Lexington, KY at the very popular Marriott Griffin Gate and 2010 will be hosted in Bowling Green at the Holiday Inn Plaza.
KFIA is a trade association dedicated to serving and promoting the forest products industry of Kentucky. Founded in 1965, it has over 600 members in the areas of primary and secondary wood industry, supplier and service industries, wholesale, loggers and landowners. KFIA promotes sound forest management through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. For more information about the association contact Bob Bauer at 502/695-3979. |
