2016 President's Report

From the desk of Jared Tappero, 2015-2016 Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference President

As President of the 67th annual Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference I would like to thank the Board, committee chairs and volunteers, event sponsors, vendors, and members for their continued commitment to this organization. I am proud to be a part of this group and the industry we showcase. I feel the positive impact SCLC has on natural resources related education and the forest products industry is unparalleled.

I am honored and thankful for having been able to participate in the capacity I have.

The theme for the 2016 Conference was “This Is How We Roll", a statement that exemplifies how individuals in the forest products and construction equipment professions - owners, employees, and vendors alike, come together to make things happen and keep rolling.

A priority of the Conference and Expo is educating students and teachers, professionals in the forest products and construction equipment industries, and the public, about forest resources and the importance our industry has in maintaining and perpetuating these resources. Conference committee chairs and members do this by putting together a program and exposition that provides a format for education and interaction between professionals and others with an interest in natural resources and the industries supported by them.

Our trade show includes vendors who bring us the latest in equipment, technology, and support relating to the forest products and construction industries. Each year the Expo gains more popularity and, as a result, vendor spaces are at a premium and have sold out early. This year 95 exhibitors purchased 132 spaces to fill up our Expo!
The Ad Book this year had a significant jump in income. This shows there are continued and increasing contributions to the Conference from businesses and individuals which support our related industries, and our objectives.

The conference program started Tuesday morning with two new additions; a CalFire instructed Licensed Timber Operator (LTO) Training class, and a Fireline Safety and Awareness class. These classes which are in high demand will continue to be offered regularly, and are good examples of how SCLC and various agencies are working together to educate our professionals. The SCLC Program Committee, in its continued alliance with Associated California Loggers and Loggers Association of Northern California, continue to bring educational opportunities to our LTO’s which seek Pro Logger and Certified Logger credits, and other professionals who wish to keep up with the most current topics on natural resources.

The Golf Tournament, held again this year at Gold Hills in Redding, was a success with a total of 19 teams of four participating in spectacular weather. The Team of Bob LeDoux, Gerardo Hernandez, Pat Cramer, and Brandon Baker, secured first place shooting a respectable 63.

The Media Logging Contest held annually is a great way to get local media personalities involved in the Conference and Expo, and gain exposure for our program. A number of live interviews and broadcasts were organized to promote and generate interest in our program.

The Gin Fizz Breakfast kicked off the Conference on Thursday morning and was emceed by Buzz Eades who did a great job keeping the show rolling. Award recipients this year included: 2016 Logger of the Year – Don Fulton, of Fulton Trucking, Groveland, CA; 2016 John Jarret Award – Bob Thompson, of Hat Creek Construction, Burney, CA; and 2016 Roy Derrick Berridge Award recipient – Eddie Axner, of Eddie Axner Construction, Redding, CA. Our keynote speaker was longtime forest products industry representative Bill Dennison, who did a great job integrating our theme into the past, present, and future of the Conference.

Education Day this year included over 800 local students from 3 Counties, 12 schools, and 31 classes, with over 150 volunteers to lead the students and teachers through the Conference Expo. The In-Woods Forest Harvest Demonstration, which provides an “Active Learning Experience” for local students, was held April 20 & 21, near Shingletown. Over two days 670 students, teachers, and parents attended. Thursday afternoon was set aside for a multi-agency training session where 30 agency personnel representing California Mines & Geology, CDF&W, Water Quality, and CalFire, toured the woods and got exposure to equipment and processes related to timber harvesting. LTO’s and foresters were on hand to interact and answer questions which came up as a result of the tour.

Wildlife play a significant role in what we do as natural resource professionals. “Wild Things” wildlife show has been a great way to integrate the importance of wildlife into the educational aspects of our program; it’s a big hit during Education Day and a big attraction for the members of the public who attend our Expo.

The Presidents Reception & Vendor Dinner, held to show appreciation of vendors and their commitment to the Expo, was well attended by over 220 individuals including, SCLC members, past presidents, vendors and exhibitors. An excellent prime rib dinner was enjoyed by all.

The winner of the Past Presidents Ax Throw this year was Than Williams. Than and Buzz Eades went to a throw-off as both had scored a total of 15 points in the initial competition. Than threw a 4, which surpassed Buzzs’ 2, and brought home the Mike Balcom award.

The Future Farmers of America Forestry competition drew 8 teams from 6 schools with a total of 31 students participating. Students competed in five divisions of emphasis in forestry related skills. Overall team winners were: 1st Place – Trinity Team A; 2nd Place – Red Bluff Team A; 3rd Place – Trinity Team B.

Ladies Day Champagne Brunch was held at the Win-River Eagle Room where over 110 ladies were entertained by Nashville recording artist Summer Schappell. The women enjoyed a spectacular buffet-style brunch, with all attendees receiving a generously donated gift as part of the drawing which ended the event.

The Lumberjack Banquet and Education Auction, held at the Win-River Resort and Casino Event Center, was sold out to over 450 attendees. The Banquet this year was a great success with over $109,000 generated through the silent and live auctions, card and timber harvest games, and event sponsorship.

The Logging Sports competition was a big attraction again this year for all who attended the Expo. Participating Colleges Included: Cal Poly, Humboldt, Berkeley, and Shasta. The Shasta College team took home the Conference Trophy with a very strong performance by their men’s and women’s teams. A large part of the success of Logging Sports event is the support provided by the California Conservation Corps and local Pro’s.

The Excavator Rodeo, Log Loader Competition, and Truck Driving Skills Competition, which take place at the Expo, provide a hands-on opportunity for professional operators to show off their skills and gives the public an opportunity to see forest products and construction equipment in action.

The amount of volunteer time and effort put into producing the Conference and Expo is huge. Again I would like to thank all the committed individuals, and the companies that support them and the Conference, who volunteer their time to make the Conference and Expo the successful event that it is.

Regards,
Jared Tappero