LOGGER OF THE YEAR - South Carolina

It is with great pleasure that Forestry Mutual Insurance Company announces the South Carolina E. K. Pittman Safety Award 2020 Logger of the Year Award. The award is named in honor of the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Forestry Mutual and presented to those companies chosen by the President and staff of Forestry Mutual based on their safety record and continued emphasis on safety in the workplace. This is Forestry Mutuals’ most prestigious award. Mr. Pittman served from 1971-1984 and was a strong proponent of Safety Training & Education and the use of personal protective equipment. This safety award recognizes businesses that show a genuine concern for the safety of their workers by going beyond the minimum safety requirements to ensure a safe and productive workplace.

Hicks Logging of Florence, SC

The award recipient for this honor this year is Hicks Logging of Florence, SC. The receipt has held their insurance with Forestry Mutual since 2011. Hicks Logging is owned and operated by L.B. Hicks, his son Danny Hicks, and his son-in-law Earnest Daniels. Mr. L.B. Hicks started this company in 1970 when an acquaintance offered Mr. L.B. an opportunity to buy him out, and Mr. L.B. jumped at the opportunity and has never looked back in over 50 years of being in business.

Mr. LB is 83 years young and still goes to the woods nearly every day he can. He also is very hands-on in helping his daughter-in-law Joyce Hicks with the paperwork end of the logging business. Mr. LB is always quick to offer an acquaintance one of his famous good writing pens with his business logo on it when someone stops by for a visit.

It’s just a simple gesture but sure goes a long way in today’s world. Mr. L.B. Hicks is the epitome of what it is to be a true Southern Gentleman that strives to make those around him better. Through many trials and tribulations, the company has overcome adverse situations many times. Mr. L.B. Hicks credits many of the companies’ accomplishments to his logging crew and family. He understands the importance of strategic relationships and fostering those relationships to benefit his operations and the perception of the entire logging community. The company agrees that having a mindset of proactive vs. reactive helps put their operations out front.

Mr. L.B. Hicks, Greg Hutson, and Phillip Sligh, Logger of the Year ceremony Florence, South Carolina

Mr. L.B. Hicks, and Phillip Sligh, Logger of the Year ceremony Florence, South Carolina

Danny and Joyce Hicks

Involvement in associations like the South Carolina Timber Producers Association and being TOP logger trained, these guys understand the importance of supporting their profession. Hicks Logging LLC has been a Forestry Mutual policyholder for ten years and has yet to file a lost-time claim. Through hard work and safety mindfulness, it continues to save them dividends, making them a great role model for our industry.