The Rough Cut
by Christine McGowan,
Network Coordinator
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Dear Network Friends,
Registration for the 2022 Vermont Forest Industry Summit is open! We can’t wait to gather at Burke Hotel and Conference Center June 9-10 for a lot of great topical discussions and lots of time for networking – in person!
We’re thrilled to announce that Bettina Ring, the new Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer at Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) will give a keynote address. Bettina recently joined SFI after serving as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as the state’s forester for several years. You can read more about Bettina here. We’re also excited that our friends at Go Lab and Timber HP in Madison, ME will also be joining us to share the details of their much-anticipated wood-fiber insulation plant.
We’re also excited that Northern Vermont University and Do North Co-Working have just launched a new forest products accelerator program in Lyndonville. This intense, 4-month program will be open to a limited number of start-up and seed stage forest products businesses from throughout North America. Learn more about the program here, and please share with entrepreneurs you think would be interested.
This spring has been busy at the State House, and among the bills making their way through the legislative process is the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap, a bill that would direct the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to contract with the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund to work with industry stakeholders to develop a comprehensive industry roadmap that will identify detailed strategies to advance Vermont’s forest economy and the businesses that support it. The bill is now embedded in a larger workforce development bill, (H.703, pages 127 – 133) that passed the House and has headed over to the Senate for consideration.
One forest economy business that has the future squarely in its sights is Long View Forest. Co-founder Jack Bell recently took us on a tour, and we think you’ll agree that his crew members have Vermont’s long-term forest viability on their minds when they’re in the woods. Read more about this growing Vermont business here.
As the Summit nears, we’ll continue to update the agenda, so feel free to visit the Summit page for the latest updates. I hope to see you in June!
Christine
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Dispatch from the Forest
Network News and Beyond
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NVU and Do North Launch Forest Products Accelerator
Applications are now being accepted for the first four-month cohort for the new Forest Products Accelerator program launched by Do North Coworking and Northern Vermont University.
The program is designed to support companies in the startup and seed stages throughout North America that are commercializing new and improved forest products, services, and technology. Through this program, participating companies will receive expert advice and tools to build a market-validated business case, model, and operating plan, and make connections with industry players and resources.
“This program is the first accelerator of its kind in the US to focus specifically on commercialization and innovation in the forest and wood products industry,” said Jared Reynolds, manager, Do North Coworking and Forest Products Accelerator. “Participants will not only build a strong business model, but they’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry experts and leaders, develop partnerships with researchers, and access resources to support their growth.”
Forest Business School Offering Business Start-up Bootcamp
If you are thinking of starting a logging, sawmill or forestry business or have already started it and are ready for more, Steve Bick with Forest Business School is offering a 4-day remote business planning course April 18-22 to help get you on your way. Click here for more info.
Northern Forest Center Wants Your Input
The Northern Forest Center’s new Business Innovation Advisor, Amy Robinson, is offering business assistance services to Vermont businesses and has a new survey to gain insights into trends, challenges and opportunities that will help shape the Center’s programming. Click here to fill out the survey.
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The Overstory
Our industry has a story to tell, so settle in and enjoy some good news from around the Network. Have an idea for a feature? Let us know!
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Jack Bell Takes a Long View on Vermont’s Forests
With an integrated approach to forestry and logging, Bell prioritizes forest health, workforce.
“Most of Vermont’s forested land is privately owned and fragmented into relatively small parcels,” said Jack Bell, co-founder of Long View Forest. “One of our goals is to provide continuity and professionalism over time so that the long-term health and composition of the forest is always the priority, even if the land changes hands.”
Founded in 1999, Long View’s model is unconventional in Vermont. First, the company offers logging, forestry consulting, and woodland services—including invasive species management and young forest tending—under one roof. Second, Bell’s vision is for the company to be around for at least a couple of centuries, and he has a plan for that.
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COVID-19 Resources
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Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) Quick Response Support for Working Lands Businesses: COVID-19 Resources.
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Upcoming Events
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April 26 – Association of General Contractors Career Fair, Champlain Valley Expo. Click for Info
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Vermont Forest Industry Network Steering Committee
Trevor Allard, Allard Lumber; Dave Frank, Sunwood Biomass; Paul Frederick, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation; Liz Gleason, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board; Charlie Hancock, North Woods Forestry; Ricky McLain, Woodworks; Michael Rainville, Maple Landmark and Vermont Wood Works Council; Joe Short, Northern Forest Center; Michael Snyder, Commissioner, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation; Tim Tierney, VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development; Allan Thompson, Consulting Forester; Network Coordinator: Christine McGowan, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
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