2016 MFPC legislative reception is set for Jan. 26

The annual MFPC legislative reception is always crowded and lively, with great food and conversation.

From left at 2015 reception, Rep. John Schneck, Rep. Deane Rykerson, D-Kittery , Rep. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, and Sherry Huber, executive director of the Maine Tree Foundation.

Each year the Maine Forest Products Council hosts a reception for legislators, state officials and, of course, our members. This year the reception is set for Tuesday, January 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the MFPC office,  535 Civic Center Drive, Augusta. (Please RSVP to Sue McCarthy.)

“It’s a great success and well-attended,” said Executive Director Patrick Strauch. “It’s a good opportunity for both members and legislators to get to know each other.”

It’s also a chance to relax and have fun before the legislative session gets time-consuming or divisive. Of course, there’s plenty of light hors d’oeuvres, beverages and good conversation. One legislator described our annual reception as “a place where we can be comfortable having conversations that never could take place otherwise … Information flows in both directions.”

Last year’s Legislative Reception was crowded with legislators, state officials and members talking about everything from the Agriculture-Conservation merger to the SFI flume. This year the discussion will certainly include the changes in the global forest products market and how they’re affecting all sectors of the state industry, impacting every Maine county and legislative district.

Center, MFPC President Richard Robertson and Rep. Sheldon Hannington, R-Lincoln.

Sen. Jim Dill, D-Penobscot, and Patrick Strauch, MFPC executive director.