A Note from our President

Another great year thanks to the hard work and dedication of each of you.  Last January, we brought Steve Henson in as our new CEO with the mission to transition this company to the 4th generation. Valuing our employees and our operations, this last fall we hired a new Chief People Officer, John Herweh, and Chief Operations Officer, Scott Shaull. Each fitting our company values and already making a positive impact. 

We continue to invest in the communities we reside in. From youth organizations, Forestry programs, to conservation groups, we’re committed to these communities and the surrounding forests, preparing to reside here for decades to come.  

While every market turn has challenges, it’s always provided opportunities. We continue to explore acquisition opportunities and regions to expand into to strengthen and diversify this family company. 

Thank you for your dedication and hard work. You’re the heartbeat of this organization. 

— Jim Neiman

A Note From Our CEO

I am very pleased with the progress we are making on several fronts. Having been selected to lead a National Pilot Project to help create fire resilient forests, and restore forest health, we have many in our company stepping up to the challenge in moving logs by rail, and embracing the need to be a strong partner with conservation groups like National Wild Turkey Association and others. 

One of my core responsibilities as your CEO is to support our talented teams, and provide direction and vision for our family companies. To this point, we are going to embark immediately on a focused “drill down” on all our operations. This drill down will focus on cost management, but more importantly on improving our operational performance throughout the company. We will be preparing the company to weather the financial storms coming our direction (read here recession) and continue to position ourselves for future growth. Over the next six months we will dedicate ourselves to improving the “block and tackling” opportunities in improving efficiencies, and performance; and look for areas for further capital investments to strengthen our operations, to be poised for achieving strong financial performance in weakened market conditions. I am confident in our people to rise to this challenge.

This is a special company. We are a company of family values starting with integrity in all we say and do. As we boldly go forward into this challenging year, let us maintain these values. Let us also recommit in making safety a priority in all we do. Let us also be bold in addressing issues within our company. I have the highest expectation for open and honest communication in bringing issues forward that need attention and action. That is what healthy families, and companies do.

Lastly, I am excited for the future. After we “get our house in order”(over the next six months in tightening and improving operations)….we will continue to be well poised for future growth through continued mill expansions and potential acquisitions. We are a company full of “Grit” and determination. Jim and I are personally committed to do all we can do to make sure we have a smooth transition into another family generation of leaders…..We are in this for the long run.

Thank you to all our teams. I personally admire your loyalty and commitment. It is much appreciated. 

Steve Henson