IHLA 2008 Convention Message:

It is really hard to put into words what this Association means to me. The hard work and dedication I see with the past presidents, members and staff are amazing. The brotherhood within this group, and its willingness to help others and do what is right for the industry is remarkable. And yes, it has been a Wild, Wild year for a lot of our members.

I read a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt that I would like to share, which seems so appropriate for all of us: “Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air, and giving fresh strength to our people. Truly, they make the country more livable.”

Looking back over 110 years, when a few hardwood lumbermen met in Indianapolis to address the issues they were facing, for them to have founded IHLA and see it continue on with the strength it has today is truly amazing. The issues they had at that time may have changed, but the progress and foresight still live on.

We must all continue to work together in good and bad times to ensure that the efforts so many have worked tirelessly for over the years will continue for our future generations. Our current state government has shown their support. Purdue University’s HTIRC continues their research work. We have legislators who have helped us with the passing of bills that were beneficial to our industry and our forests. Our cooperation with other associations in and out of our state –so important to Philip Fischer when I first came on board- helps us to be proactive on issues that affect a bigger geographical area than just Indiana. We do have a voice!

When you look at the vast amounts of land that are being lost to development, and with an increasing growth in population, we must continue to encourage and help the independent tree farmer, and discourage the loss of timberland, while promoting the use of this renewable resource.

I feel it is extremely important for each and every one of us to do our part to help make sure we will always have our forests, not only for harvesting, but for clean air, water, wildlife, and enjoyment.

We must continue to work on our branding campaign. The platform we will have at the state fair will provide a great opportunity to promote Premium Indiana Forest Products, and help educate the public. Rich Solano has us on a very targeted path for promoting this in 2008, and I know you will see a lot of new ideas in practice.

Whether you agree or disagree with certification, it is rapidly becoming a reality, whether in green building mandates, or foreign procurement policies, and rest assured that IHLA is working diligently to bring the most economically feasible way for our members to become green certified, while capitalizing on the facts that our forest lands are verified sustainable. We made strong strides in this area in 2007, and again, be watching for more on this topic in the weeks and months to come.

There is no doubt we will continue to face new challenges this year, but I can tell you that we have a great group of leaders armed and ready to look after the wagon train. Jeff Wooley is rotating off the executive committee but promises to only be a phone call away if needed. Jim Steen will be on for one more year as the immediate past president. His leadership, knowledge and friendship have been priceless to me. First Vice-President Darin Hollingsworth and Second Vice-President Chris Moore have passion and energy that won’t quit. Rick Zorman will keep our books balanced. We have a great Board of Directors that is ready to go to work. Our past presidents and members are constantly involved. When you mix in our IHLA staff – Ray, Denice and Denise, who work so hard to make it all come together, and Mary Ellen’s convention expertise – we truly have a winning team.

I want to thank my close friends and family for their support and for telling me to speak from the heart, my Indiana Hardwood Specialists family, who picks up the slack when I’m not there, and my best friend Tom, who shares my love for People, Trees, and especially God.