New Atmosphere in Washington, DC

It occurred to me sometime during this trip, that I had been coming to Washington almost a quarter of a century, since my first visit with the Indiana Builders Association in 1987. For some reason, Washington DC trips always energize me. I think it's a combination of the patriotic feelings that are evoked just from being amidst all the historic landmarks and the feeling that you are participating in democracy at its very essence.

A few of the Indiana seats in Congress haven't changed in that entire span, such as Senator Lugar, Congressmen Burton and Visclosky, but for the most part, Washington trips often remind me that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The protocols, the impact of influence on getting results, and the familiar rhetoric that remains while different mouths take over the words.

Several members of Congress made it over to the breakfast reception held by the Hardwood Federation last week, and each spent a few minutes talking to the group.

So why did this year's trip feel different? Why did the speakers actually catch my attention based on what they were saying, not how they were saying it?

I guess we first point to the fact that, in the House alone, there are 87 new representatives! That's 20% on the nose! And while I like to think I have seen just about every type of personality in Congress in 25 years, I found myself this year listening to what sounded like a bunch of regular men and women, who might actually be in tune enough, and steadfast enough, to make a difference.

There was a hint of this in 1994, when there was another wave of freshmen elected and a Republican takeover, but somewhere between Newt Gingrich and their pledge, they lost their resolve for change and blended in.

Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) was the first to really strike a chord with me. A successful car dealer who didn't like being told his multi-generational family car business was going to be closed in the government takeover of GM, Kelly put it simply:

"I'm here for a cause, not a career."

Time after time, with each speaker, we heard messages from regular guys - wrestlers, farmers, and others who were ready to make the tough decisions to bring the country out of debt and restore our economic might. We heard them acknowledge that everyone wants smaller government, just as long as its not their own pet program. We heard them promise to be Americans first, Republicans or Democrats second.

It was an upbeat trip, in which, at least for now, I have increased my optimism in the process and in Congress to act responsibly and serve selflessly. The Hardwood Federation continues to work daily on your behalf, whether you support them or not. Please consider giving to the Hardwood Federation PAC, even if it's just $25 to $50 per year.

When Jim Steen, IHLA's Representative to the Hardwood Federation, calls tell him you'll support the cause by contributing to the PAC or, better yet, by joining us in calling on Congress again this September. It will restore your faith in the process. Call me for more information.

Grunwald Legacy to be Honored this Spring

There is an annoyingly over-used expression these days, "It is what it Is." We hear it so often in our daily lives and in sports interviews, that it's on it's way to cultural extinction.

However, for those people who knew John Grunwald, and there were many, a modified version of the adage seems to be the perfect way to sum him up: "He was who he was."

If you talk about people with "passion" for forest management, the discussion begins and ends with John. I didn't get to know him until he was near retirement, but even after his career ended, his work on behalf of our industry did not. John continued to represent us at the Federal policy-making level right up until the time of his passing in 2010.

His passion drove him, and his feelings were never left bottled up. No speaker at any meeting was left unchallenged. I was fortunate enough to attend many of the same meetings as John, often in Washington, DC, and from those meetings have some great memories, all of which involve his passion in his beliefs.

My favorite "John moment" came during a Hardwood Federation meeting, where a prominent Congressman had come to address our luncheon at the request of a constituent who served on the HF Board. Not only was the Congressman already a friend of our industry, but they are exceptionally well-briefed on the issues before attending meetings, and this was no exception.

He spoke flawlessly in tune with the audience, showing that he knew our positions on every key issue. A rousing appreciation was returned by the audience as he finished a job well done. There was but one problem, however - no one had briefed him that John held an opposing view on a key issue. As John drove home point after point of disagreement on that issue, the Congressman became clearly unnerved at the horror that he had gotten our issue wrong, and you could tell he was thinking of which aide would be fired today.

The rest of the audience winced until John finished, seeing the dilemma, and a quick-thinking chairman eased the Congressman's with a quick disclaimer and a end to the questions!

This is the side of John that so many of us came to admire and respect. He had an unwavering conviction in his beliefs, along with the energy and fearlessness to spread our message. I'm sure he's doing the same in his new, celestial wooded homestead.

At this year's IHLA convention you'll receive a flyer asking for a very modest contribution to the Hardwood Forestry Fund, so that a special tree planting can take place in John Grunwald's name at Yellowood State Forest. Eighteen acres will be the home of 16,000 new trees, to be managed for timber products and a lasting legacy to an unforgettable champion of forestry.

Yellowood Forest is in Brown County, where John made his home, and just off the same highway that tragically took his life. The convention flyer will give instructions on where to send donations. The industry couldn't possibly repay John for his contributions, but you can show your thanks with a small donation.

Habitat House Generates Warmth and Unexpected Exposure

There's never a bad time to give back, and it's understood that the vast majority of folks give to good causes because they want to, not because of anything that's in it for them. That was certainly the case when the IHLA Executive Committee agreed to participate with the rest of Indiana Agriculture and help build a Habitat for Humanity home this summer. It was also in the spirit of giving back that the association helped secure the materials for the spectacuar wooden bridge built on the state fairgrounds to commemorate the 100th anninversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

However, good usually begets good, and our efforts did not go unnoticed. The Habitat home generated great media publicity for all of the participating ag-related organizations, dating back to its June construction start, and then viewed by roughly a million fair-goers. The bridge garnered the same level of attention, both from media and punctuated by the following event:

The Executive Committee, and a half dozen other IHLA members were walking from the completion of their last "shift" on the Habitat house on August 18, sweaty and hungry. The wanted to see the finished Boy Scout bridge, and when they arrived, they were greeted by a lady with the BSA organization who proceeded to tell them all about the bridge, making a point to specifically thank all the great people who help build it. We stopped her mid-rave in talking about the hardwood association, letting her in on who we were. She sounded like she'd already told the story about half a million times, but with no less enthusiasm each time.

Later that day, the Executive held their monthly meeting, and it was suggested that IHLA try to build our own home with the Habitat for Humanity program next year, perhaps even adding some Premium Indiana Forest Products upgrades here and there.

I believe that everyone in that meeting felt the same good feelings I did after working alongside the eventual homeowner to complete the home for her and her five children. That was the spirit motivating the suggestion to build an "IHLA" Habitat house next year. Of course it is likely that exposure will follow if done at the fair - they are media-generating monsters for 17 days each year.

I believe our members would do it in the same spirit with or without the publicity of the fair, and in fact would do it even if no one was watching. But.......... the Super Bowl is only about 17 months away........

On Thursday, June 10, members of IHLA's Executive Committee helped build wall panels for a Habitat for Humanity home that will be constructed during the 2010 Indiana State Fair. With about 100 people (above, bottom) from Indiana's agriculture industry fitting, nailing, and lifting, it only took a few hours to frame the entire house.

The home will be completed during the fair, then moved to its permanent home on North College Avenue in Indianapolis, where Tamika Allen and her 5 children (Essence, Ezene, Lee, Le'Nay, and Leeah will take up permanent residence, thanks to the Habitat organization. Tamika is picture in the photo above and top, with Chris Moore, Jeff Manges and Darin Hollingsworth).

IHLA has also committed to being a day sponsor to this worthwhile project, and on August 18, more IHLA members will participate in a different phase of the construction. In total, the house will be built by Indiana Ag in just 15 days!

The hammer-toting framers last Thursday included IHLA President Chris Moore; Vice President Jeff Manges; Past President Darin Hollingsworth, and the much-maligned Yours Truly. The latter probably outworked the other three, but was less at ease with the tools and blueprints.

We hope you can join us for a while on August 18, as IHLA shows its pride and its ongoing commitment to helping others. For more information on how you can participate, contact Ashley at the IHLA office.

That's DOCTOR Burke to You.....

On Friday, May 14, Robert D. Burke received the highest honor that Purdue University can bestow, when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from President France Cordova during Purdue's 210th commencement ceremony.
Dozens of family members and friends looked on as Burke was honored, and most attended a pre-graduation reception in his honor put on by the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, who nominated Burke for the award.
In receognizing Burke, department head Rob Swihart acknowledged that Burke received his forestry degree from Purdue in 1960, before a distinguished post-war career at Pierson-Hollowell Veneer Company in Lawrenceburn, IN, where he served as a log buyer for the tri-state region of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. He also managed the timber properties owned by the company. Swihart went on to say, "As one of the first foresters certified by the Society of American Foresters, Burke is an acknowledged authority on hardwood foresty. He is sought out regularly by industry, private landowners, state and federal government leaders for advice and direction in the management of hardwood forests. In recognition of his contributions to the advancement of forestry, he was elected as a SAF fellow in 1985."
Swihart detailed some of Burke's leadership history as well, noting that he is a co-founder of the international Walnut Council and a co-founder of the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center at Purdue. He serves on the Forestry Committee of the Chicago Climate Exchange, and the National Association for Conservation Districts.
Swihart went on to relate other honors and recognitions far too lengthy to list here, but truly mind-numbing when taken in total. He's literally known around the world for his work in forestry, which spans over six decades. We will put the entire biographical summary that was prepared by Swihart on www.ihla.org for all to see. Now in his seventies, Bob's involvment in forestry and related organizations has not slowed, in fact it has possibly grown. While clearly and understandably proud of his contributions to hardwoods tree management and improvement, Bob is as humble as can be, and the same friendly individual to everyone he meets. His genuine heart and good nature is the reason he has friends of all ages and backgrounds, and there are droves of people from Indiana to other continents who are proud to call Bob their friend.
Congratulations to a real Hoosier legend, Dr. Bob Burke!

Logging on the High Road

On one of my first days on the job with IHLA, Greg "Tree Boy" Koontz gave me a windshield tour of the woods, and took me to a timber sale at Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Suffice to say that you won't find a better logger than Greg, especially when measured by his passion for the job.

The day was eye-opening in many ways, including the chant from the protesters (whose arms were interlocked by some contraption) "Bur-ney Fish-er take a stand....no more logging pub-lic land." I found myself singing it under my breath days later. Ultimately, that day merely served as the first of many instances where I saw the disconnect between the logging community and the perception of the public about them.

Without doubt, many if not all of the misconceptions about loggers come from the actions of a few bad apples. Add to that the humble nature of most loggers and the preference to fight their battles locally, and you begin to understand why today we still fight the same misconceptions that we were fighting decades ago.

A few years back, the IHLA Executive Committee made several trips to the evening county council meetings in Pike County, to express our opposition to their strict road bonding requirements for loggers in the county. At the time, the ISDA had just conducted regional economic development meetings, where Pike County identified the hardwood industry as the number one priority for economic growth. However, due to the ordinance, no logger would bid on timber sales in Pike County. Who were the real losers? The landowners of Pike County, of course.

As it turned out, the reason the ordinance was enacted in the first place was because a well-known "bad apple" had left behind some terrible logging sites, giving the entire industry a bad name. More recently, this month two loggers were arrested in southern Indiana for timber theft, a problem which the DNR says has gotten very bad in the last year or so. In most cases, the theft results from landowners getting taken advantage of, either by agreeing to "cut on shares," or simply not being aware that property lines were crossed intentionally.

In Monroe County, loggers have always fought uphill battles against public perception, often due to previous jobs from shoddy loggers. In each of these examples, from Pike County to timber theft, the situation could have been avoided if the landowner, or county officials, could have had a better way of knowing with whom they were doing business.

The DNR has been promoting a multi-state cooperative marketing effort known as "Call Before You Cut," which has been designed to help assist landowners in taking the proper steps before a timber sale. In addition, the Indiana Forest Industries Council (IFIC) is working on a "Preferred Logger List," which will separate loggers by levels of training.

With such a list, perhaps Pike County officials could decide to require performance bonds from loggers who had not completed Cutter, Skidder, BMP and safety training, and make the requirements less stringent for those who had. A landowner could instantly become more confident in choosing a logger or considering a bid based on seeing his name at the top of the list of most well-trained loggers. Further, every logger in the state would have to make a decision about completing his training based on this criteria, which would automatically raise the bar for the entire industry.

Who could possibly be against this? The DNR has agreed to help subsidize logger training over the next two years in an effort to increase the number of trained loggers in conjunction with their certification of state and Classified private lands. They are also requiring trained loggers to work on these sites. Any good logger should welcome the training requirements to help weed out the bad apples who are giving the industry a black eye. Legislators can be more confident when helping us pass laws, as we have done recently, such as making timber theft a felony and the Right to Practice Forestry Act, because the industry is being proactive in policing itself.

Bottom line: All of the problems the loggers have been facing for years can be overcome by letting the public know which loggers have invested in training to help ensure healthy, sustainable forests. The bad actors will eventually be run out of town.

Government Service and Then Some!

If you want to see an example of your tax dollars at work, look no farther than the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Governor Daniels created the agency in 2005, when Indiana was inexplicably one of only two states without an Agriculture department.

For the hardwood industry, the creation of the department coincided with the release of the BioCrossroads report on Indiana agriculture, which showed that hardwoods were, far and away, Indiana's largest agricultural industry.

The following year, Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, who oversees the department, showed even a greater commitment to the importance of hardwoods to our state by creating a position in state government for a Director of Economic Development in the Hardwoods sector. She created the position to be jointly shared by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources. Wait, it gets better.

State Forester Jack Seifert hit a big home run with his hire for the position. Mike Seidl had recently announced his retirement as COO of Frank Miller Lumber Company, and Seifert seized the opportunity to capitalize on Seidl's wealth of experience in the hardwood industry.

The result is that Indiana enjoys a seasoned hardwood professional, who understands the hardwood business and global markets, who is in the position of helping the entire industry in our state. For over four years now, Seidl has worked tirelessly in trying to bring buyers and sellers together around the globe. He has participated in trade missions and trade shows in Vietnam, India, Dubai, Turkey, and elsewhere, and taken many Indiana hardwood producers with him.

Last week, he hosted a delegation of hardwood professionals from Turkey on a three-day tour of Indiana hardwood companies, a trip that will likely yield both sales and new relationships.

Seidl has vision, determination, and a keen understanding of how to create win-win situations. He loves the hardwood industry with a passion, and is driven to succeed at whatever he sets out to accomplish. Seidl served as the 1991 president of IHLA, and is one only ten individuals chosen as Life Directors of the association. His service did not end with his presidency, as he continues to be active with the commerce and convention committees, and served as chairman for the 2010 South Golf outing.

If you haven't taken the time to thank Mike for all that he does for Indiana's hardwood industry, drop him an email at mseidl@isda.in.gov.