LSLA Winter Meeting
LSLA Winter Meeting Includes Hardwood Industry Updates Photos By Chris Fehr The Lake States Lumber Association (LSLA) recently convened for its annual winter meeting at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI. Approximately 130 members and guests were treated to three days of networking, informational presentations and receptions. A welcome reception opened the meeting followed the next day by a welcome speech by Larry Krueger of Krueger Lumber and multiple guest speakers and presentations. Michael Snow, executive director of the American Hardwood Export Council, was the first presenter. He discussed the current market and outlook for U.S. Hardwood exports. He was followed by Hardwood Federation Executive Director Dana Lee Cole, who gave attendees an update on HF activities on Capitol Hill. She was followed by LSLA Michigan State Legislative Consultant Scott Everett and LSLA Wisconsin Legislative Consultant Amy Boyer. Following lunch, Jim Maltese of Stella-Jones brought everyone up to date on projects by Real American Hardwood Coalition. The day also included an LSLA Education Board Meeting, a Carbon Credit Panel Discussion and election of LSLA directors. Additionally, during the Wednesday reception, Joel Nilsestuen, assistant deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation, gave a presentation. A Board of Directors meeting closed the event. n Tyler Francois, Snowbelt Hardwoods Inc., Hurley, WI; Nick Bunkelman, Menzner Hardwoods Co., Marathon City, WI; Brady Francois, Snowbelt Hardwoods Inc.; Jim Higgins, SII Dry Kilns, Chambersburg, PA; and Tyler Kamps, Kamps Hardwoods Inc., Dutton, MI To learn more about this association, visit www.lsla.com. John Stenson, U-C Coatings LLC, Buffalo, NY; Dan Hansen, Midwest Hardwood Company LLC, Maple Grove, MN; and David Messer, MacBeath Hardwood Co., Edinburgh, IN Aaron Ruotsala, BioSource Corp., Ironwood, MI; Nolan Mulder, Wolverine Hardwoods Inc., Allegan, MI; Kyle Jeske, Richardson Hardwoods LLC, Sheboygan Falls, WI; and Derik VanEpern, Ottawa Forest Products Inc., Amasa, MI The LSLA Board of Directors (front row, from left): Jennifer Lu, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Madison, WI; Jim Maltese, Stella-Jones Corp., Bangor, WI; William Millard, Granite Valley Forest Products Inc., Rockbridge, WI; Nikki Loehr, LSLA Coordinator, Crystal Falls, MI; and Kate Miller, JM Longyear LLC/Northern Hardwoods Inc., Atlantic Mine, MI; (back row, from left): Steve Peters, Rockland Flooring, Rockland, WI; Kirby Kendrick, Kendrick Forest Products Inc., Edgewood, IA; Michael Skenadore, Menominee Tribal Enterprises, Neopit, WI; Loren DeJonge, Constructive Sheet Metal Inc., Allendale, MI; Rick Luokkala, Performance Pallet Corporation, Seymour, WI; and missing from photo is Kyle Jeske, Richardson Hardwoods LLC, Sheboygan Falls, WI Ryan Peterson, Northern Hardwoods Inc., Atlantic Mine, MI; Jon Johnson and John Erickson, Timber Products Company, Munising, MI; Jason Brettingen, Kretz Lumber Co. Inc., Antigo, WI; and Joe Morrey, Stella-Jones Corp., Bangor, WI Amy Boyer, Boyer Consulting LLC, Madison, WI; and Rob Paradise and John Gehringer, Devereaux Sawmill Inc., Pewamo, MI Additional photos on next page 32 MARCH 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry MARCH 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 33
