PLANS ARE RAMPING UP FOR THE 80TH OREGON LOGGING CONFERENCE

August 2017 Issue Vol. 2 Issue 2

In this issue learn what's new with plans for the upcoming 80th Oregon Logging Conference . Meet past OLC Foundation scholarship recipients, updates on 2018 program topics and St. Charles Hospice to benefit from the OLC Desserts for Dreams event.

Easy Quick Links to the 2018 OLC program schedule, panel and seminar topics, social events, competitions and other activities can be found on the last page of this newsletter.

The True Meaning of Labor Day

For a lot of people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and the end of Summer. But why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. It has been celebrated as a national holiday on the first Monday in September in the United States and Canada since 1894.

Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers make and have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Through the years the nation has given increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. The first state to pursue legislation was New York, but the first state to actually pass Labor Day legislation was Oregon on February 21, 1887.

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

Information source for this article: Wikipedia

2018 OLC Board of Directors Visit

Redmond Smokejumpers Training Center

2018 OLC President Rick Kriege hosted his President’s Fieldtrip in Central Oregon, where the Board of Directors visited the Redmond Smokejumpers Training Center, located at Redmond Air Center/Robert’s Field Airport, just outside Redmond, OR.

The Redmond Air Center is the hub of aerial firefighting and fire training activities in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the smokejumper unit, the center includes a regional aviation group, a regional fire cache, an airtanker base, and the Redmond Hotshots, an interagency Type 1 training crew.

Smokejumpers are primarily front line resources for suppressing wildland fires. During the fire season, typically May through October, many smokejumpers are on alert – ready for fire assignments at a moment’s notice. By air or by land, smokejumpers respond to any fire by the most effective and efficient means available. And yes, they are best known for their ability to parachute out of airplanes to reach the fire.

Once on the ground, smokejumpers typically work a fire from size-up to mop-up. And then pack themselves and their equipment out to the nearest road or trailhead to be picked up and taken back to the base. Depending on the need and size of the fire, smokejumpers may be dispatched in numbers from two to 20.

Newly hired smokejumper candidates are put through four weeks of training with an emphasis on physical fitness, parachute skills, and firefighting techniques. Other training topics might include tree climbing, saw work (both power and cross-cut), portable pump use and maintenance, radio communications, navigation, and mop-up standards.

A fleet of fixed wing aircraft is utilized by smokejumper and paracargo operations including a Twin Otter, Dornier, Casa, and a Shorts Serpa

Smokejumping was first proposed in 1934 by T.V. Pearson, the Forest Service Intermountain Regional Forester, as a means to quickly provide initial attack on forest fires. By parachuting in, self-sufficient firefighters could arrive fresh and ready for the strenuous work of fighting fires in rugged terrain. The smokejumper program began in 1939 as an experiment in the Pacific Northwest Region, and the first fire jump was made in 1940 on Idaho's Nez Perce National Forest in the Northern Region. In 1981, the first woman smokejumper in the nation successfully completed the training program at the McCall Smokejumper Base in Idaho.

For more information visit Redmond Smokejumers Training Center

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

PAST OLC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Gordon Culbertson - Director, International Business Development

Forest2Market, Charlotte, NC

By Gordon Culbertson, 2006 President Oregon Logging Conference.

The Oregon Logging Conference has been a significant part of my life. Through the conference I met many fine people; developing business associates and close friends. It was a great honor to receive the OLC Foundation scholarship. It provided me with needed financial assistance, but also gave me confidence as I started my career.

The kindness and respect shown by the conference committee was a fine example of how professional business people treat others. Several of the committee became life long friends and mentors.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in the forest industry. My work has been very rewarding and fulfilled my career goals. Over nearly 45 years in the industry I managed timber operations for some of Oregon's most innovative independent forest products companies. During these years my active participation in industry associations was encouraged by my employers.

The Oregon Logging Conference is a fine example and has been a means to support our industry, improve my knowledge, meet people and partake in enjoyable social events.

Today I work part time for Forest2Market and manage our family owned forest land. I look forward to many years of continued involvement in the OLC.

Brian Tenbusch - Log Buyer, Rosboro Company, Springfield, OR

By Brian Tenbusch, Oregon Logging Conference Director

I grew up in Sweet Home Oregon, where my dad, uncles and grandfathers all worked in the timber industry.

As a young teen I was always interested in logging and the outdoors. At 16 years old Melcher Logging hired me to work in their truck shop and eventually run logging equipment. At that point I was truly hooked on the timber industry.

While attending the College of Forestry at OSU, I was the recipient of the OLC Foundation scholarship. "I am extremely thankful for the financial help", says Tenbusch. "The degree has really helped me excel in my career".

I graduated in 2003 with a Forest Engineering degree. I immediately went to work for private industry as an engineer and contract supervisor. After 10 years I went to work for American Forest Resource Council helping with forest policy. A couple years later I went to work for Boise Cascade as their Area Manager sourcing logs for the veneer mill in Willamina, OR. After 6 years working for Boise Cascade, I was hired by Rosboro Company to buy logs for their sawmill in Springfield, Oregon.

"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to college and experience a career in this industry. I enjoy going to work every day, and certainly appreciate the help from the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation."

Calling All Past Oregon Logging Conference Scholarship Recipients

We want to hear from you!

The Oregon Logging Conference Foundation scholarship program began in 1968, and since then we have awarded over $575,000 in financial assistance to those interested in pursuing careers in the logging and forestry-related industries.

Are you a past recipient of an OLC scholarship? We want to know how it influenced your career pathway…how it changed your life, and what you are doing now.

We are proud of our scholarship program and really want to share the impacts of our contributions.

Send us your story, and if we use it, we'll send you a complimentary registration to attend the 2018 Oregon Logging Conference.

Email us at info@oregonloggingconference.com or call 541.686.9191.

Auction Donations Support

Industry Scholarships

Here is an opportunity for you to support the next generation of loggers, and other industry professionals. This support makes a difference in the career pursuits of individuals interested in joining our industry.

The Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) Auction will take place over a two day period in the Wheeler Pavilion at the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds. The auction will be held on Thursday, February 22 and Friday, February 23 following each morning’s breakfast, during the 2018 Oregon Logging Conference. Auctioneer for the fundraiser will be Jaime Yraguen of Basco Logging.

Donation of auction items are now being accepted and those interested should contact the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation office at 541-686-9191. The list of donations will be updated regularly on the OLC website ( www.oregonloggingconference.com ).

Here's a few of the items donated so far:

The OLCF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all donations and purchases are tax deductible. Proceeds from the auction support scholarships awarded to deserving students to help with college-related costs. These students go on to play vital roles in the future of the logging and forestry industry.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SELECTED, PANEL AND SEMINAR

TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED

Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc. (SFI) was asked to be the Kynote speaker at the 80th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, by OLC President Rick Kriege. She has accepted the invitation, and we will introduce you to Ms. Abusow in later issues of the OLC NEWS.

OLC program committee chairs are hard at work putting together top quality topics and speakers who will address current rules and regulation, the latest technology in the industry, and forest practices updates for both Oregon and Washington.

Attendees can earn up to 10 Professional Logger credits by attending panel discussions and presentations at the Oregon Logging Conference. These credits are applicable toward Professional Logger’s Certification and fulfillment requirements as outlined in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

As in prior years, the hole-punch system will be used. All paid registered members of the OLC will receive a punch card in the registration packet. At the end of each seminar or panel session, as you exit someone will be available to punch your card.

As an added bonus, just for attending the Oregon Logging Conference, two additional Professional Logger credits can be earned by all registered logging companies who come and enjoy the show.

Click here to view the latest OLC program. panels and seminars and to find out how you can earn the maximum number of credits when attending the two days of sessions.

CHARITY SELECTED FOR THE 15TH ANNUAL

DESSERTS FOR DREAMS BENEFIT

St. Charles Hospice has been selected as the charity to benefit from the 15th Annual Desserts for Dreams charity event, by OLC First Lady Donna Kriege.

Donna has close personal ties to St. Charles Hospice after becoming involved first hand when her father came to live with her and was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. “They were extremely helpful and pleasant,” Kriege said, “and they helped through a difficult time.”

This sweet event includes light luncheon fare as well as desserts, donated by local restaurants and bakeries. Hosted champagne, wine, sparkling cider, coffee and tea are also served, which takes place on Friday, February 23, 2018. Tickets are $30 per person.

Something new this year will be a shuttle bus from the Lane County Fairgrounds to the Eugene Hilton where Desserts for Dreams will take place. This will provide transportation for ladies who are at the Fairgrounds, and want to attend the event. The shuttle will run between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., and then return to the Fairgrounds from the Eugene Hilton at 3 p.m. when Desserts for Dreams concludes. More details will be coming soon!

According to St. Charles Hospice representative Sharon Strohecker, the organization offers quality hospice care for anyone in need.

She said a terminal diagnosis may leave patients and their families feeling stressed, overwhelmed or scared, but St. Charles hospice can help. She said the dedicated team of professionals and volunteers provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, north Klamath, Southern Wasco, and southern Wheeler counties.

The goals at St. Charles Hospice is to improve patients’ quality of life and address the physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

St, Charles Hospice is also a proud partner of We Honor Veterans, a program that works with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the unique needs of veterans.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will go to support this charity.

For more information on this event visit www.oregonloggingconference.com

GET READY FOR THE 2018 OLC.

EXHIBIT BOOTH PACKET

WILL BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 25TH

The 2018 OLC Exhibitor Contact packets will be available and posted on the OLC website on September 25th.

The 2018 OLC will exhibits in the Auditorium (with 13,000 square feet of additional space) and Expo Hall 2 (with 7,200 square feet of additional space) as well as the main Convention Center making more than 95,000 square feet, the total inside exhibit space for the show.