We were fortunate to hold our Southcentral Region Spring Meeting in Alexandria, Louisiana before the enormity of the Coronavirus Pandemic was better understood.

Many years ago, the wood procurement manager of a North Carolina wood chip mill passed out ball caps that had no logo on them. The hats displayed only the words “No Chips” on the top line and “No Toilet Paper” on the bottom line.

Soon after the announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas, the COVID-19 virus placed a grip on the world.

It is always a hit with FRA members when two regions come together for a joint meeting. This October’s Southeastern and Southcentral Region Policy Committee Meeting, combined with a Southwide Timber Security Group Meeting, was no exception.

As our industry responds to the current pandemic, FRA is committed to promptly providing valuable and accurate information. I am interested in hearing from you, our members, on how we can be of help or if there is a topic you want to hear more on.

The Workforce Connections Project has been a priority for FRA’s Western Region for over a year now, so when given the opportunity to attend the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC), and this year’s Future Forestry Workers Career Day – I jumped at it.