2 minute read
NAVIGATING ECONOMIC TURBULENCE WITH TRAINING
Jonzi Guill, CLA Executive Director, Carolina Loggers Association
Mike Powell, Director of Forestry Programs North Carolina Forestry Association
Amanda Murphy, Director of Communications, North Carolina Forestry Association
In response to the recent challenges facing the forest products industry, specifically our logging force, the North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) and Carolina Loggers Association (CLA) have collaborated with Dr. Joseph Conrad and Dr. Chad Boulding, at the Warnell School of Forestry Resources at the University of Georgia to host this crucial workshop. The goal of these free trainings are to help loggers gain a better cost analysis of their individual businesses in order to be successful in this tight market.
This course covers both principle and applications of logging cost analysis techniques from the perspective of logging business owners, accountants, and managers. Attendees participate in hands-on training, including spreadsheet models that allow them to make modifications necessary to assess and simulate a range of harvesting systems, techniques, and equipment mix variations. Attendees can use this knowledge to compare their logging operation to the open market.
When fuel costs started rising in early 2022, the CLA held several town hall meetings across North Carolina in the spring and summer of 2022 with engagement from the community. Feedback received at these meetings made it clear that loggers’ profitability was suffering due to increased inflation and market disruption. These initial workshops would not have been possible without collaboration and the financial support of members from both organizations.
After a strong turnout for both inaugural workshops, 37 attendees in Greenville, NC, and 22 attendees in Statesville, NC, the NCFA and CLA have worked to make this offering a yearly event.
The next workshop is scheduled for October 20, 2023 in Pembroke, NC. Logging business owners, accountants/bookkeepers, mill representatives, and foresters are encouraged to attend.
