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WELCOME NEWLY ELECTED KWPA BOARD MEMBERS
As a non-profit organization, Keystone Wood Products Association relies on its board of directors to guide activities that fulfill its mission of promotion, education, and workforce development. A total of 12 volunteer board members dedicate their time to support the industry. A full board directory can be found here:KWPA Full Board Listing
Please help us congratulate the newest members of the KWPA Board of Directors! Welcome Erik Boose of RT Machine Company - Your Source for Industrial Woodworking Machinery, Cody Campion of Baillie Lumber Co.. & Levi Neimond of Alderfer Lumber. KWPA is excited to have new members aboard!
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GOVERNOR HOSTS PRESS CONFERENCE AT GILSON SNOW
KWPA was honored to attend a press conference held at Gilson Snow, Selinsgrove. During the event, Governor Josh Shapiro launched the Pennsylvania Outdoor Business Alliance, which will create opportunities for our outdoor recreation businesses to collaborate with one another; develop a one-stop shop for questions related to permits/regulations; and help Pennsylvania small businesses compete in the national outdoor recreation economy. The Governor was joined by the CEO of Gilson, Nick Gilson, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and others.
In the midst of celebrating outdoor recreation, the Governor praised Gilson for its resilience following a devastating fire that destroyed its original manufacturing facility in 2022. He also highlighted Gilson's dedication to Pennsylvania and its desire to make its globally renowned products from sustainably harvested Pennsylvania poplar. The full story can be found here: Governor & Gilson Press Conference
A big thanks to the Gilson team for representing the wood products industry in this exciting new initiative!
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LEARN MORE ABOUT HARDWOOD CLT
The Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, in partnership with the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association and Stiles Machinery, is facilitating a webinar on the current status and future opportunities of Hardwood CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) in Pennsylvania and beyond.
When: Friday April 5, 10:00-11:30AM
What: Learn about efforts to approve Poplar in the International Building Code, see a walkthrough of a hard-wood CLT production line, and gain insight on how hardwood CLT production can be competitive.
Who: Speakers include Tom Inman, President of the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association and Roland Hernandez, Mass Timber Manager for Stiles Machinery.
Register Here
For more info contact Jon Geyer, Executive Director of the PA Hardwoods Development Council at jongeyer@pa.gov.
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PA CHAMBER'S COOLEST THING MADE IN PA CONTEST
Thanks For Voting for PA Hardwoods!
We would like to thank the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry for selecting “Pennsylvania Hardwoods” as a participant in its 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest. The game, which is a bracket style March madness social media competition, features Pennsylvania-based brands, products, and commodities to create awareness while showcasing friendly competition amongst the players.
Together, the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, the PA Hardwoods Development Council, the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, the Keystone Wood Products Association, and the Northern Tier Hardwood Association rallied to promote the industry by encouraging others to vote for PA Hardwoods on X and Instagram.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO VOTED! After an impressive win over the
natural gas industry in the "play in" round, PA Hardwoods was paired with Jaindl Turkey's. With only hours left to vote and PA hardwoods in the
lead, Jaindl Turkey's gathered its flock to take the win.
All good things must come to an end. Regardless, we all know that hardwoods are cool! Here are just a few reasons WHY PA HARDWOODS are good for the world. You can also watch this VIDEO to see how the industry stacks up. For more information on the contest, which is hosting the FINAL SIXTEEN click here: Coolest Thing.
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STUDENTS TOUR STAVE MILL
A big thanks to M&D Staves, Mt. Pleasant Mills and SUN Area Technical Institute, New Berlin, for extending an invitation to KWPA to attend an educational field trip.
Dennis Delong, owner of M&D Staves provided an engaging tour of his stave mill. From log buying to barrel making and sales, the students learned how American White Oak plays a big role in hardwood markets! Thanks again to M&D Staves and SUN Area Technical Institute for providing students with experiences that broaden their understanding of opportunities within the wood products industry!
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LET'S SHOWCASE HOW PA WORKING FORESTS WORK
Do you want to help promote how PA Working Forests Work? If so, then KWPA has a free opportunity for you!
We have a series of 28 inch x 16 inch weather proof signs that can be displayed in classrooms, community spaces and on outdoor kiosks. The lightweight signs focus on a variety of #paworkingforestswork benefits! (Sign samples found here: PA Working Forests Work)
From recreation to durable wood products, the designs showcase how forests work for you!
In addition, KWPA can also connect you with larger (5 ft x 10 ft) outdoor signs that can be placed in highly visible areas. More info can be found here: PA Working Forests Work.
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DCNR & KWPA TEAM UP ON WORLD WOOD DAY!
On March 21st, which is designated World Wood Day, KWPA had the privilege of partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources during an area career day.
Lin Greenaway, DCNR Forester at Sproul State Forest and Steph Phillips-Taggart, executive director of KWPA, discussed industry careers with approximately 350 students (K-12) at the Bucktail Elementary and High School located in Renovo. Thanks to Lin and the Bucktail campus for extending an invitation!
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In addition to attending the career day, KWPA shared this interesting fact on social media to celebrate World Wood Day!
Did you know that nearly 50% of the weight of wood is carbon? Carbon found in wood products has been captured by trees via photosynthesis and then locked into the wood. Choosing wood products supports sustainable forestry practices and helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Choose WOOD!
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PA FORESTS HELP BUILD AMERICA
Although it is difficult to view overharvesting photos taken in Pennsylvania during the 20th century, the actions shaped our state and nation. The logs harvested from Pennsylvania’s forests have been credited with helping to industrialize the nation. Wood was used to build homes, ships, railroads and served as a fuel/heating source. Forests of the yesteryear where primarily softwood and tannin from the hemlock bark was used in leather tanneries.
When the land was stripped of trees, there was little competition for soil nutrients. Sunlight was able to reach the forest floor and naturally regenerating hardwood trees thrived. Today, 90 percent of Pennsylvania’s 16.6 million acres of forestland is comprised of hardwood trees. Actions of the past paved the way to today’s abundant and sustainably managed forests, which provide us with renewable, beautiful, carbon storing, hardwood products!
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REGISTER TODAY FOR NHLA IN PA
Scholarships Available to Independent Students & Companies
Do you want a rewarding career as a lumber grader? If so, then register today for NHLA’s 8-week Inspector Training School program hosted in Central Pennsylvania. Taught by NHLA instructor, Roman Matyushchenko, the course runs weekdays from June 10— August 2, 2024 at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Montgomery, PA campus. Registration can be found here: NHLA at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Traditionally only offered at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, the full course contains a mix of hands-on training and testing, in-class lectures, group study, one-on-one training with the instructor, and more. Students who successfully fulfill all the program requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
Made possible via Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant, the program offers a 50 percent tuition reimbursement to Pennsylvania residents who successfully complete the course. In addition, independent full scholarships may be available to qualified individuals.
To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Geoff Webb, Dean of NHLA Inspector Training School at g.webb@nhla.com or Steph Phillips-Taggart, KWPA Executive Director at steph@keystonewoodpa.org.
On and off campus lodging will also be available. Special thanks to Pennsylvania College of Technology for partnering with NHLA to offer the course as well as to the following grant partners:
· Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group
· Keystone Wood Products Association
· Northern Tier Hardwood Association
· Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
· Pennsylvania Forestry Association
· Pennsylvania Forest Products Association
· Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council
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GROW YOUR CAREER
GROW YOUR COMPANY
Are you a forest products employer looking to fill openings?
Are you a job seeker looking for a career opportunity?
If so visit PA Forest Careers | Jobs That Save The Forest, where you can post job openings or explore current job board listings. This free site also offers resource information including a career quiz that can help guide your future. Don't wait! Visit paforestcareers.com today!
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LOOK FOR SPOTTED LANTERNFLY EGG MASSES
It’s officially spring, which means that Spotted Lanternfly eggs will soon hatch. Now is the time to give your outdoor equipment and vehicles a spring-cleaning check. If you see an egg mass, be sure to scrape it!
Learn more: PA Department of Agriculture
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EDUCATION IS KEY TO THE FUTURE
March was filled with many educational opportunities in which KWPA could share the importance of the wood products sector with students.
We would like to extend special thanks to the Newport Middle/High School for hosting Career Day 2024 on March 22. We would also like to express our appreciation to the PA CareerLink for hosting Camp STEAM on March 20th. During both opportunities, KWPA discussed hardwood's impact on the economy/environment, career options and educational training such as the upcoming NHLA in PA Lumber Inspector Class at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
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DON'T MISS OUT! PLAN TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
Friday, April 5th
Hardwood CLT Webinar 10 am-11:30 am, via zoom
To Register click here.
Tuesday, April 9th
PFPA's Legislative Reception, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Harrisburg Hilton
For more information click here.
Wednesday, April 10th
PFPA's Legislative Meetings at the Capitol
For more information click here.
Saturday, April 20th
Mini Maker Faire Bloomsburg Children's Musuem 10 am - 4pm
For more info click here.
Friday, July 26th
Timber Night, Journey Bank Ball Park, Williamsport, 5:30 pm
Email steph@keystonewoodpa.org for more info and/or read the article below.
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TIMBER NIGHT & CUTTERS COVE PICNIC RETURNS!
After a brief hiatus, KWPA will once again host Timber Night with the Williamsport Crosscutters. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 26th and join us at the Journey Bank Ballpark, located at 1700 West Fourth Street in Williamsport. Picnic gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the game against the State College Spikes beginning at 6:35 pm. KWPA member picnic tickets can be purchased for $25, which includes game admission, an all you can eat ballpark buffet, along with game seating along the third base line. To purchase your tickets, please email steph@keystwonewoodpa.org.
PLEASE CONSIDER PROVIDING DOOR PRIZES, PROMOTIONAL AND/OR EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR GIVEAWAYS
Once again, KWPA will be offering giveaways to the first 500 visitors through the gates. If you would like to promote your business, please consider donating a door prize or providing educational or promotional brochures that will be placed in giveaway packets. For more information, email steph@keystonewoodpa.org
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