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Director’s FEB/MAR

message Executive Director
Tommy Carroll
Take Time for Fellowship

There is no doubt 2018 was a challenging year from new friends and business contacts.
hurricanes, rain and truck insurance just to name a few. SWPA sponsors will have an oppor-
Many logging companies have been hit hard and are tunity to meet new contacts and
contemplating if there is a future for them and others potential customers. Please also encourage logging
that depend on them for jobs. Some good news oc- employees and landowners to attend and learn more
curred as both Georgia and Florida retained conserv- about the complexities of harvesting and transporting
ative leadership in their respective state governments. wood fibers. Remember the SWPA was formed in 1990
This did not happen at the federal government level as by loggers for loggers. It is the only organization in
it the socialists gained ground by securing seats as part Georgia and Florida that devotes one hundred percent
of the majority control in the House of Representatives of its time and resources to supporting those engaged
while the Senate held a slight conservative majority. in the harvesting and transportation of wood fiber.
The 2020 elections will be here before we know it and
it is imperative that the socialist agenda be stopped. Please come join your peers and friends from all the
SWPA sponsors that also help keep the lights on for
Moving ahead the SWPA annual meeting will occur at this association to be able to serve its members. Tough
the Waycross, Georgia fairgrounds on March 7th - 9th, times have passed and more lay ahead. Staying united
2019. Events planned are a loader contest and truck offers more ideas and problem-solving solutions than
rodeo contest. Chainsaw carvers, face painters and a going it alone. Time moves on and a new generation
silent auction will add to the host of vendors while an of loggers is starting to emerge. Do not miss opportu-
educational program will be held on Friday morning, nities to meet each other and build new relationships
March 8th. There will be a President’s reception at the and strategies for your future success.
exhibit building on Thursday night and the banquet on
Friday night. Admission is free but you must register in If you need more information about the annual meet-
advance for the educational workshop and Friday night ing or any other matter, please contact Pam or me and
banquet. Checkout the SWPA website for more details we will do our best to adequately serve you.
and registration forms.

The main purpose of SWPA annual meeting is to allow
loggers from different regions to converge and develop

Sometimes we stare so long
at a door that is closing

that we see

too late

the one that is open. Alexander Graham Bell

Tommy Carrol is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Wood Producers Association, Inc., which represents logging professionals in
Georgia and Florida. The SWPA Inc. is Headquartered in Hilliard Florida. For more information please contact us at (904) 845-7133 or you
may contact Tommy directly at (478) 952-2809. website: ww.swpa.ag Tommy’s email: tcarroll@swpa.ag

Vol 30 Issue 1 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 3