Logging associations offer numerous opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to industry members of the logging trade associations, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other lumber organization members, including peripheral businesses and government organizations that support the logging industry.

Affiliation with logging organizations provides lobbying and network opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests, while you support the industry. Membership associations for lumber producers often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional logging trade associations offer even more chances to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in logging and lumber organizations from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through logging trade associations

2. Support the industry by participating in lumber organizations

3. Stay informed with lumber association publications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in logging associations

Logging organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At logging association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the logging industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The Alliance for Environmental Technology is a forward-thinking lumber producers association that can hook you up with industry pros worldwide. The American Forest and Paper Association is the logging trade association for forest, paper and wood logging industry.

Demonstrate your interest by joining logging and lumber organizations

If you want to do business with loggers and other lumber industry businesses in any kind of capacity, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in logging trade associations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Forest Landowners Association is a lumber organization that promotes the welfare and concerns of private landowners nationwide. Get connected with other industry pros internationally through the International Log Builders’ Association.

Keep your company in the loop with publications from lumber producers associations

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in lumber organizations through the myriad publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that affect professional lumber organizations.

I recommend: The Forest Products Society disseminates literature constantly to its members regarding the uses of wood and wood-fiver resources in addition to providing conferences and seminars. Through the International Wood Products Association you can trade with other members, attend events and order industry publications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Participate on a committee in logging and lumber organizations to develop closer relationships with others who could prove helpful to your business.