News & UpdateJuly 2020

MFPA POLITICAL ACTIONFUNDRAISING REMAINS IMPORTANT

The forest products industry in Missouri continues to deal with economic and social uncertainty and the impacts on our members is far reaching. Unfortunately, the necessity for MFPA to stay engaged politically remains very important and the need to raise money for our political action committee (PAC) is critical even though our industry is grappling with unprecedented issues. In the coming weeks MFPA will be launching an online auction to raise money for the PAC.

The 2020 election cycle is obviously significant locally, statewide, and nationally as most all office holders are up for election. MFPA relies on our lobbyists Shannon Cooper and Nancy Giddens to make recommendations to the PAC who will vote on contributions to be presented to political candi-dates that best support our industry. The PAC will meet “virtually” over the coming weeks to make decisions regarding MFPA’s political contributions. Remember, MFPA’s PAC dollars are only eligible to be spent on Missouri elections, no federal contributions can be made.

Very soon we will be announcing a call for auction items. PLEASE consider donating an item to the MFPA PAC auction that has an estimated value of $100 or more that can be presented to the entire membership and “bids” will somehow be collected electronically. We will have our own ebay platform to benefit the MFPA PAC. It is very unfortunate that we will not be able to gather personally at our annual Summer Meeting and enjoy a live auction and all the fun that comes with face to face live bid-ding. However, keep in mind the vital importance of raising money to support those who support us in Missouri and place a bid for one of the items!

Some memories from the good ole days:

In this issue...........page 1• MFPA Political Action Fundraising

Remains Important

page 3• CertificationandEducation

page 4 • Support the PAC

page 6 • Real American Hardwood Promotion

Coalition Update

page 7 • MFPA Membership Directory

Company: Mill Creek FarmsContact: Duane LuffyPhone: (573) 880-3544Email: duaneluffy@yahoo.com County: Sainte Genevieve

Company: Mozark Wood ProductsContact: Bobby DuncanPhone: (573) 436-8127Email: mozarkwoodproducts@gmail.comCounty: Saint Francois

WELCOME NEW MFPA MEMBERS

**REMINDER** ONE CE IS REQUIRED ANNUALLYTO RETAIN THE PTH CERTIFICATE

www.grossjanes.comTomorrow’s Crossties for Today’s Railroads

BECOME PART OF OUR100-YEAR SUCCESS STORYOur decades-long relationships with more than 125 independently owned sawmills has enabled us to consistently provide high-quality crossties to multiple customers. These sawmills are often multi-generational businesses with the same family values that are shared by Gross & Janes.

TTo learn more about becoming one of our successful sawmillers, contact Bill Behan at 636-343-8484 or BillBehan@grossjanes.com.

Page 3

Mark McCarthy

CERTIFICATION & EDUCATION

They say that every dark cloud has a silver lining. I am not 100 % positive of that, yet…but we have certainly had a fair amount of dark clouds. Those clouds have caused a lot of rescheduling. From meetings and PTH classes to Continuing Education opportunities. I tried very hard not to CANCEL anything, but try to reschedule for later in the year, when the pandemic ends, the weather improves, chances to work get better, good things come back into our world. In the meantime, we still need everyone to stay current with their Continuing Education. The silver lining…. we are trying new things to create new opportunities. Yes, we still will make the rescheduled Area Meetings happen, we will try to set up the pre-harvest planning and invasive species workshops…but we are also going to be adding to the opportunities on the website. I am not saying it will happen by the time you finish reading this newsletter…but we are trying to add several new online programs and make DVD/video available on the website. Recently we have had complaints about not being able to successfully view a DVD, so we are trying to make things easier for you. SO keep your eyes out in the newsletter AND online. We really ARE trying to create a silver lining.

Don’t forget, any industry related meeting or training also counts towards credit. Get your CE credit.

We know it takes the right tools to run a successful business. We understand the impact the forest products industry has on Missouri, but especially rural Missouri. Our passion for rural Missouri drives us but our experience and knowledge sets us apart from other lenders.

WWW.MYFCSFINANCIAL.COM1.800.379.3276Contact Phillip Anderson:

Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.

aCompetitive rates with longer terms

aFlexible payment schedules to match your cash flow

aExperienced staff to make your financing process simple

aFinance options to meet your specific needs

Operating Loans Term

Loans

Real EstateLoans

Leasing

FCSF_MFPA_NL-half-2020.indd 1 12/26/2019 9:43:53 AM

Page 4

Western Star 4900 and 4700 Log trucks and tractors in stock and on orderBill Merical 901-482-5644 - bmerical@crowstruck.com

5500 Davidson Road Memphis, TN. 38118

4900 w/Allison & Serco 8500 ready to go 4700SF at ST sales getting Rotobec 910 mounted

Support the PACMFPA will be holding a PAC auction in order to financially support legislative candidates and causes that are beneficial to Missouri’s forest products industries. Please donate items valued at $100 or more to be auctioned at a date to be determined. We have had many items donated in the past that were auctioned at the Summer Meeting and were very successful in supporting the PAC. Even though we will not be formally meeting this summer, let’s continue to support the PAC and our industry. We already have two items donated! The Giddens Group donated a Glock 44 22 caliber and B & K Manufacturing, Inc. donated a cornhole set.

Page 5

PROUD TO BE YOUR MFPA ENDORSED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AGENCY

Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits Solutions For

Serving the Midwest Since 1921

Your MFPA Benefits Service Team: Cape Girardeau – Tamara Bullard: 573-388-4832

Saint Louis – Jim Ruebsam: 314-444-1993 www.danielandhenry.com

Page 6

Salem, MO is hosting a “Salute to the Timber Industry Parade and Timber Fun Day” to be celebrated on Labor Day September 2. Parade will showcase the timber industry and and relative business. The Parade begins at the Commons on Hwy 72 with line up

starting at 8:00 AM. The parade will start at 10:30 AM. Following the parade a Timber Fun Day will be had at the Commons from 12:00 to 5:00. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, and bratwurst will be provided by Vandivort Drug in celebration of 40 years in business. The activities include fun games for children, hands on activities such as shingle splitting, rail splitting,crosscut sawing and exhibits for viewing.

Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition Update The Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition (RAHPC) is making great strides forward, despite the COVID19 pandemic. All research has been conducted, analyzed, and placed in the hands of the brand accelerator.

The research encompassed a wide audience of consumers, architects, contractors, home renova-tors, designers, millennials, and Gen Xers. It was conducted in a variety of methods - in-person focus groups, online polling, and interactive bulletin boards. Results of this research provide the basic tenets for developing a much-needed over-arching brand identity.

Key findings of the research include:• Attributes favoring American hardwood:

o Attractiveness (#1 Attribute)o High-end Appealo Uniquenesso Durabilityo Gold Standard - everyone wants the look and feel of real hardwood products.

• Drawbacks in choosing American hardwood:o Cost (#1 Barrier)o Not a “Good Value”; disconnect between durable being good valueo Disposable Societyo “Close is Good Enough”

• Little importance in the decision process:o Made in Americao Environmentally-friendlyo Sustainability of the resource

Our marketing consultants have developed a pre-liminary go-to-market playbook which will outline the many ways companies and associations can engage and guide influencers. Once this step is finalized, RAHPC can begin to consider where we start our activities for the most effective exposure. Additionally, we will be addressing sustainable fun-draising methods.

The RAHPC Executive Committee is preparing a webinar to update funding partners and industry affiliates on the Playbook highlights. A representa-tive from Clutch will present the American hard-wood brand platform, brand tag and recommenda-tions for engaging audiences and influencers.

To learn more about the webinar details, or to sign on as a funding partner, email hardwoodpromo-tion@gmail.com or reach out to any RAHPC Ex-ecutive Committee member.

H&W Ad.indd 1 1/30/12 1:24 PM

Page 7

MFPA Membership DirectoryThe Membership Directories are here and are being shipped to you! We would like to thank all the com-panies that placed an advertisment in the directory. Your advertisments make the directory possible.Thank you advertisers:Biolube, Inc.FCS FinancialForest & Woodland Association of MissouriGross & Janes CompanyHaas & Wilkerson InsuranceHeartland Forest ConsultingIndependent Stave Company, Inc.Madison County Wood Products, Inc.McClain Forest Products LLCMenominee Saw & Supply Company, Inc.Missouri Forest Services CorporationMissouri Master Logger ProgramMissouri Profesional Timber Harvester ProgramMissouri Wood Industry Insurance TrustTAG Truck CenterThe Daniel and Henry Company

505 East State StreetJefferson City, MO 65101-3038

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJefferson City, MO 65101

Permit No.239