National Hardwood Magazine - October 2018

HARDWOOD FEDERATION

HARDWOOD FEDERATION UPDATE STUDY’S DATA POINTS TO UNDERSCORE HOW LUMBER INDUSTRY POSITIVELY IMPACTS NATIONAL AND STATE ECONOMIES The Hardwood Federation is proud to represent the industry on federal policy issues in Washington, D.C. Sometimes our positions are easy to stake out as there is significant agreement within the Hardwood community about what is right…or what is wrong. Over the summer and early fall we worked on re-authorization of the Farm Bill. Although most people think of the nutrition aspects of the Farm Bill, including food programs for people in need and farm assistance, the Farm Bill also includes a number of forestry related issues that impact the Hardwood sector. Federal forest management efforts are often tied up in Farm Bill negotiations, as are biomass energy issues and export promotion programs. Although we always conduct our due diligence, we are usually able to come to quick agreement that we support those measures and, if included in the final version, will support passage of the Farm Bill. Other issues are more difficult to navigate. Although we all work under the Hardwood banner, certain industry sectors may be impacted differently by a specific policy or piece of legislation. The trade disputes, and resulting tariffs imposed by both the U.S. and our trading partners, that emerged during the summer months certainly were disruptive for large segments of the Hardwood industry, creating significant concern about the impacts of an extended trade war. Others applauded the Trump Administration for taking tough action against China. Walking a fine line between supporting targeted action in support of some sectors that doesn’t devastate long term markets for others proved challenging, but necessary. Regardless of the issue or the position one is advocating, the most compelling arguments for policy implementation are always those based on hard data, particularly when it comes to economic policy. Although the Hardwood Federation has used general wood products economic data for years, we have never had access to Hardwood specific information regarding how the industry positively impacts national and state economies. This is about to change. Hardwood Federation member associations have come together to fund an Economic Impact Study that will strengthen our advocacy hand in Washington, DC and our public relations hand back home. The analysis will include economic impact indicators, direct, indirect and induced for: • Jobs supported by the Hardwood industry, measured on a full-time basis, or as one person working for one year; • Gross Regional Product, the summation of labor income, profit, taxes and indirect business taxes at the state and regional level; • Labor Income which is comprised of proprietor income, employee wages, and benefits; • Output defined as the summation of business revenues/ industry sales; • Taxes that are paid by the Hardwood industry. The analysis model includes information on income received by the federal, state and local governments. We anticipate the results will also break out information by product sector including flooring, kitchen cabinets, railway ties, and veneer and plywood. Please turn to page 91 BY DANA LEE COLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HARDWOOD FEDERATION, WASHINGTON, DC 202-463-5186 WWW.HARDWOODFEDERATION.WILDAPRICOT.ORG 28 OCTOBER 2018 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

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