NHLA Fields a Strong Team of Hardwood Federation Leaders

The Hardwood Federation and Hardwood Federation PAC Boards of Directors met in Indianapolis on Monday, March 17th, for their annual winter meeting. This meeting helps the Hardwood Federation staff focus advocacy efforts for the coming year and get any necessary direction on the management and administration of the Association. As always, the NHLA was well represented at the meeting, which included participation by NHLA Executive Director Dallin Brooks.

This year, the Hardwood Federation welcomed NHLA Past-Chair and HF Board representative Jon Syre, Chairman and CEO of Cascade Lumber, as the Chair of the Federation Board, who began his 2-year term at the beginning of the session. Troy Brown, President of Kretz Lumber (representing the Hardwood Manufacturers Association), did a great job during his very challenging two years as Chair, and although he steps down as the head of the Board, he will remain active as Past-Chair until 2027; we are grateful for his continued leadership role. Similarly committed to Hardwood Federation leadership, NHLA member and HFPAC Board representative Jesse Joyce, President of Middle Tennessee Lumber, returns as Chair of the HF PAC Committee with Peter Connor, President of WD Flooring (representing the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association), as Vice-Chair.

A strong team of NHLA members will continue serving on the Hardwood Federation Board and the HFPAC Board. Federation Board members joining Jon Syre include Matt Gutchess, President of Gutchess Lumber, Darwin Murray, President of McClain Forest Products, and Jeff Wirkkala, President of Hardwood Industries. On the HFPAC Board, in addition to Jesse Joyce, Scott Cummings, President of Cummings Lumber Company, continues as the Past-Chair with Dan Mathews, President of SII Dry Kilns, and Joe Pryor, President of Oaks Unlimited, rounding out the NHLA representation.

The Hardwood Federation deeply appreciates the individuals who generously serve on our Boards of Directors. Their time and dedication provide invaluable insight and guidance for Federation staff.

They also ensure that NHLA issues and concerns are shared and considered. You can view the complete list of the HF Board and the HF PAC Board on our website. We also appreciate the financial support provided by NHLA, which makes this tremendous group of people eligible to provide leadership, guidance, and insight to the Federation as we develop policies that support the entire industry.

The Federation Board also confirmed our policy priorities for 2025. Not surprisingly, the impact of the Trump Administration’s trade policy and efforts to reauthorize tax policies that benefit small and medium-sized businesses are at the forefront of my mind. Advocating for the passage of a five-year Farm Bill with strong forestry provisions will also be a key priority.

Regarding Hardwood Federation Administration, a task force will be formed to consider the challenges of funding an organization in the current economic environment, a challenge faced by our member associations and their members. The Federation will also explore how to fill our recent staff vacancy best and determine what skills and knowledge base will best meet the needs of the industry.

The HF PAC Committee will be meeting in the near future to identify and review key targets for financial support. As always, we will focus on members of key committees of jurisdiction: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Finance, Ways and Means, and Energy. However, the PAC Committee will also work hard to raise the funds to play in this field successfully.

The Boards will meet again during the Hardwood Federation Fly-In to be held May 13-15 in Washington, D.C. If you have not already signed up, now is the time! If there was ever a year to be in D.C., this is it! You can register for the Fly-In, make hotel reservations, and review the action-packed agenda at www.hardwoodfederation.com.

By DANA COLE, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation