Though I am just over a month into my tenure as the new Executive Director, I already feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen to follow in Patrick’s footsteps. As a wise man (Pat Sirois) often said, the Council represents the forest industry, one of the largest heritage industries in our state, in the most forested state in the US, in the greatest country in the world – or something to that effect. If it sometimes feels like a big job, that’s because it is. Fortunately, we are supported by some of the best in the business.
I couldn’t agree more, and I am honored to have the opportunity to represent our members in Augusta and beyond.
The congratulations and warm wishes I have received have been overwhelming. This time of transition has been eased by the fact that Patrick is staying on as a part-time to assist through the end of the year.
I know that I speak for the industry as a whole when I thank Patrick for his decades of dedicated service to the Maine Forest Products Council. His efforts have positioned MFPC as a deeply respected entity in the business world and among policymakers. I also want to thank him for his continuing mentorship.
We have also welcomed Ellen Parent as our new Deputy Director and our building has been refreshed with a new coat of paint and much-needed trim work, as you will see in this newsletter.
Also new this year was a series of legislative breakfasts called Timber Talks that were designed to bring industry professionals and lawmakers together to discuss matters that are of importance to our members. Thanks to our generous sponsors and engaging speakers, these meetings were a great success, drawing participants from all around the state and across the political spectrum. It was certainly encouraging to see how eager people are to hear more about the future of our industry.
Though we have gone through a number of changes here at the Council, including a complete changing of the guard internally, we have remained focused on issues that matter most to our members. Top issues of the day include implementation of the Early Intervention Strategy to keep a building spruce budworm population in northern Maine at bay, efforts to guide implementation of Maine’s first-in-the-nation Stewardship Program for Packaging, reducing energy costs and providing stability to stranded cost allocations for manufacturers, securing and diversifying markets for forest products, promoting efforts to protect the viability of our logging workforce and more. We are also preparing for the revision of LUPC’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and are actively engaged on a number of issues pertaining to public use of private land.
Looking ahead, our 65th Annual Membership Meeting is just around the corner. This year, our Sunday BBQ will be in honor of Patrick Strauch’s contributions to the forest industry, and to the Council. Monday will feature speakers, a panel discussion on carbon markets and two exciting tours along with our auction and annual awards banquet. Please mark September 21-22 on your calendar, and register now to join us at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg. Until then, enjoy the remainder of your summer, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Best,
Krysta West