WHA Annual Convention -
WHA Annual Convention - A Virtual Success By Dave Sweitzer After 64 years of in-person annual conventions, the Western Hardwood Association, headquartered in Camas, WA, held its 65th convention embracing the virtual concept. Almost everything from previous annual meetings was included with the notable exception of networking, which is always a very important part of the convention. However, with the new software, virtual attendees were able to use their smart phones and other electronic devices to communicate with other attendees, view the program agenda, preview the speakers, buy raffle tickets, and bid on numerous auction items. The Alder resource was first discussed by Garrett Dalan, The Nature Conservancy, who addressed “Alder Harvest in RMZs on Private Land.” The project he discussed is in the beginning stages, but he believes that his conservation group and the Hardwood industry can work together to bring more Hardwoods to market. Next, Matt Comisky, American Forest Resource Council, told how a cooperative effort between Hardwood and softwood groups could increase the “Hardwood Harvest on State and Federal Lands.” Garrett Dalan Matt Comisky Dana Spessert, National Hardwood Lumber Association, showed the production and financial success of manufacturing facilities that incorporated NHLA’s new efficiency offerings. Dana Lee Cole, Hardwood Federation, explained how HF is representing Hardwoods on Capitol Hill and is working to get “essential” status during COVID-19, favorable Hardwood language in the Farm Bill, and acquaint Congress with the economic, environmental, and social benefits of Hardwoods. Dana Spessert Dana Lee Cole Kent Wheiler, University of Washington/CINTRAFOR, and Michael Snow, American Hardwood Export Council, discussed COVID-19, tariffs, and trade wars from the perspective of Western Hardwood markets and U.S. Hardwood exports. Each pointed to China as the major influencer both domestically and internationally. Wheiler also touted a new Western product line from Pacific Coast Maple – Maple syrup. Already in limited production, the prospect looks good for a sustainable enterprise. Kent Wheiler Michael Snow 38 OCTOBER 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE
Finally, Russ Vaagen, Vaagen Timbers, closed the speaker program sharing his experience with his company’s development of softwood CLT and a virtual tour of his manufacturing facility. He was optimistic that Hardwoods could be applied to the softwood CLT and give it a finished look. Part of the success of the annual convention is raising money for scholarships and the wood design contest. Both the raffle for a Gibson acoustic guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid Oregon Walnut back and sides, and an online auction of some 25 items helped raise the needed funds. Russ Vaagen Scholarships Winners – Two ,500 scholarships were awarded to Oregon State University students. Alyssa Broaddus is on track to become a professional forester, in charge of determining how to ensure the sustainability of the forests in her area, influencing the wood products industry and forestry in the future. Amy Kronsberg has worked with several different companies in the forest products industry, getting her ready to be a forester working with a private company to grow and harvest trees. Alyssa Broaddus Amy Kronsberg Jill Kellett was awarded “Best Furniture Design” for this Alder nightstand. Robert Bancroft designed and constructed this Alder table. Design Contest Winners – Two University of Oregon students won the 2020 contest. Each constructed a bold design from Alder. Robert Bancroft designed and constructed a mid-century modern coffee table to store board games without sacrificing the look of your room. His entry won “Best Design for Production.” The table was made from solid Alder with grain match waterfall joints connecting the entire top and down both sides. Bancroft has since sold his table and been commissioned to create and build a matching piece. Jill Kellett was awarded “Best Furniture Design” for her daily ritual nightstand that addresses multiple problems involving morning and evening routines. Incorporating a power strip behind the drawer, cords can be routed through the shelves. Multi-layered surfaces maximize surface area for items to rest. The Western Hardwood Association’s mission is to be an authoritative resource for a sustainable, profitable, and growing Western Hardwood industry. The organization was founded in 1955 to assist Western U.S. Hardwoods in gaining a position of prominence in the manufacturing of fine furniture, cabinets and pallets. n Contact the WHA at wha@westernhardwood.org, www.westernhardwood.org. OCTOBER 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 39
