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November 30, 2007

State Forestry Leaders Discuss Issues, Share ideas

Water shortages, biomass and carbon credits were among the state and national issues executives and communicators from state forestry associations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia discussed at SFPA’s Fall Workshop this week in Jackson, Miss.

In a roundtable discussion, attendees from Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Texas mentioned drought and related water issues as a top issue facing the forest products industry in their states. The group also agreed that biomass and carbon credits are issues that will bring both opportunity and challenges for their members. Growing public concern about climate change also carries significant potential to impact both manufacturers and landowners through increased regulation. One participant, however, said he believes environmental groups who have always strongly opposed the forest products industry and cutting trees may soon reach a point where they must acknowledge that managed forests and forestry are important in the effort to control climate change.

Attendees also heard from several speakers. Rhea Hale, director of climate and air programs for the American Forest and Paper Association, updated the group on state and national efforts to develop “Cap and Trade” programs to limit carbon emissions. AF&PA monitors these efforts and helps represent the forest products industry in the discussions. John Greis with the U.S. Forest Service outlined a recently-conceived project designed to identify Southern forest resource trends. Larry Biles of the University of Georgia’s Southern Forest Research Partnership described the partnership’s work to educate businesses about biomass opportunities.

“The workshop went very well,” said Eric Gee, SFPA’s director of EXPO and forest resources and coordinator of the event. “We were able to identify some important issues that cross over state boundaries and that everyone’s having to wrestle with. Water availability and drought are major issues because they affect so many aspects of our industry. Biomass is becoming an increasingly important sector of the forest industry, and associations are exploring ways to create value for that membership sector. Sustainability issues relating to climate change are also big.”

SFPA’s Fall Workshop, which was first held in 1986, provides a forum where state forestry association leaders can discuss common issues and challenges facing forestry and the forest products industry. “It’s a very cooperative effort that allows us to maintain dialogue and relationships between SFPA and the state associations,” Eric said.  

For more information, contact Eric at 504/443-4464, ext. 214, or egee@sfpa.org.

Free Passes Available for IBS 2008

Southern Pine Council members can attend the 2008 International Builders Show for free by registering online for a four-day exhibits-only pass. The free passes must be redeemed online on or before Jan. 11 and are not valid for on-site registration.

The show – billed as the largest light construction show in the world – is set for Feb. 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. SFPA staff members Digges Morgan, Richard Wallace, Richard Kleiner, Ned DeJarnette and Georgiann Gullett along with public relations consultant Kim Drew will be on hand to represent the Southern Pine Council. “IBS draws 100,000 building professionals from throughout the world and has provided us an excellent showcase for Southern Pine products over the past 25 years,” Richard Wallace said.

Visit www.BuildersShow.com/SouthernPineCouncil to register for the free passes. For more information about IBS or the passes, contact Richard at 504/443-4464, ext. 236, or rwallace@sfpa.org.

Steve Bean Resigns

SFPA announces the resignation of Steve Bean, vice president of marketing and information technology. Steve was employed by SFPA for 14 years and served in the marketing department as well as holding a previous position with the association as manager, market analysis. SFPA President Digges Morgan joins members of the association and the staff in wishing Steve all the best in future endeavors.

Condolences to Taylor Family

SFPA extends condolences to the family of William Alexander “Bill” Taylor Jr., who died Nov. 22 at his home in Louisville, Miss. He was 76. Bill was chairman of the board of the Taylor Group Inc. and its subsidiaries, which include Taylor Machine Works, an SFPA Associate member since 1970. Taylor was founded by Bill’s father, William A. Taylor Sr., in 1927. Bill joined the business after serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. Click here for a complete obituary.  

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