Phippsburg – The Maine Forest Products Council (MFPC) awarded Ryan Edwards of Hancock Lumber with the organization’s Rising Star Award at its 65th Annual Meeting in Phippsburg on Monday, September 22, 2025. Ryan was presented with the award at Hancock Lumber’s Sales and Production meeting by Mike Shane, Regional General Manager of White Pine Manufacturing at Hancock Lumber.
The award recognizes an outstanding individual who represents the next generation of progress, standing for the future of the industry and the many opportunities that are available for the younger generation. This candidate will be a positive steward for Maine’s forest products industry for many years to come. This candidate must present a positive image in their industry and maintain an honest and reliable reputation within the forest community. Ryan joined Team Hancock in 2004. At the time Ryan was straight out of high school and only 17 years old. A few months in the yard cleaning and organizing until he turned 18 when he started training to become a kiln operator. Today Ryan oversees all kiln operations, Planer, Moulder and Yard operations.
“Ryan fits the company culture perfectly, manages people very well, is well organized, engaged and has unmatched work ethic. Hancock Lumber is so grateful to have him part of our team” said nominator Dan Lauze of Hancock Lumber.
About the Maine Forest Products Council: Since 1961, the Maine Forest Products Council has been the voice of Maine’s forest economy. MFPC represents the diverse needs of Maine’s forest products community. Our members include landowners, loggers, truckers, paper mills, tree farmers, foresters and lumber processors, as well as bankers, lawyers and insurance executives. The Maine Forest Products Council represents anyone who has an interest in seeing the Maine woods remain a viable, sustainable resource. For more information, visit maineforest.org.