Lumber pioneers ready to give to next generation

A GROUP of veteran lumber la.professionals is preparing to give back to a new generation just getting their start in the industry.

The Lumber Pioneers was established in 2004 to bring industry veterans together and chronicle the rich history of the Western wood products industry. This summer, the organization was registered as a non-profit organization with the Internal Revenue Service, which allows it accept tax-deductable donations that can be used for philanthropic activities, such as scholarships.

At the group's 2008 annual meeting in October, the Lumber Pioneers' board of directors voted to establish a scholarship program for students preparing to go into the forest products industry. Chairman Sherman Kirchmeier said the scholarship program was a natural addition to the Lumber Pioneers.

"Our members have spent most of their professional lives in an industry that has given us so much," said Kirchmeier. "This is a good way for us to start to give something back."

Kirchmeier said the group is now contacting colleges and universities with forestry and forest products programs and discussing where scholarships can be established. The Lumber Pioneers are now accepting tax-deductable donations for the scholarships.

Membership in the Lumber Pioneers is open to any person with 20 years or more experience in the lumber industry, from logging, manufacturing and sales to wholesale/retail distribution and even equipment and transportation. Cost is $20 a year.

For membership information, contact the Lumber Pioneers by email at pioneers@wwpa.org.

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