3 minute read
Partnerships in Forestry
Virginia Loggers Association
Ron Jenkins, Executive Director, Virginia Loggers Association
Virginia Loggers Association has seen and accomplished much over its short existence. We are proud of the relationship with Forestry Mutual Insurance, who stepped in around 2008 and helped super boost VLA’s finances. They have also been an outstanding partner in safety for logging and wood product mills.
We appreciate the invitation from Forestry Mutual Insurance to write an article about our thoughts for 2023. This requires us to look into the future. And regardless of where we look for guidance, the news could not be gloomier, especially on the economy. However, VLA is excited about the possibilities to emerge in 2023 by working closely with Forestry Mutual Insurance.
Do you prefer to look at your glass as half empty or half full? I am writing with complete and full faith that our glass is half-full, especially with Forestry Mutual Insurance Company!
As I look back at VLA’s twenty years, I call it “Preparation”! Some will disagree, especially those who founded VLA and felt the pain of getting started and taking every step to reach where we are today. Those great people would probably say we are beyond preparing but would emphasize the important role Forestry Mutual Insurance has played in preparing us!
But here is my point!
Every step from the beginning has been to prepare this remarkable trade association for the change we may see in the future. For instance, many will point out the changes in our markets, the relationships between loggers and mills, and of course, the recent change in leadership at Forestry Mutual Insurance. We have absolute confidence that Mr. Dine has the best interest of VLA and other trade associations going forward. The two are symbiotic, helping each other to become great organizations.
So, let me call 2023 the first year of VLA’s next chapter in the “cultivation period.” Cultivation in gardening is normally associated with the idea that seeds have been planted and germinated, so steps must be taken to ensure those plants grow and maximize their space.
VLA will look ahead into an uncertain economic future with the idea its glass is half-full and filling up! We know our first twenty years secured a solid foundation with the great partnership of Forestry Mutual Insurance and all our supporting members in every category of service.
During our preparation period, VLA listened, explored, learned, and built its framework. Now we look forward to listening more, exploring more, learning, and building future relationships that will strengthen our members and our entire industry.
VLA will always choose to listen to its members and industry, explore every level of policy making to learn everything about changes impacting our industry, and we will build our communications to ensure our members can grow to maximize their rightful space in business and our society.
VLA will do everything possible to cultivate the interests of our members and help the association to become a trusted source that stands up for its members and the industry. We look forward to meeting our future with Forestry Mutual Insurance.
We are excited about 2023 and the future partnership with Forestry Mutual Insurance. Our glass will be full! The next generation depends upon us. Let’s cultivate together and sow seeds for future generations, and we can and will surely “reap.
MADISON COUNTY LOGGERS ASKED FOR TAX RELIEF AND VLA DELIVERED!
