The Workforce Connections Project has been a priority for FRA’s Western Region for over a year now, so when given the opportunity to attend the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC), and this year’s Future Forestry Workers Career Day – I jumped at it.

For the second year, Western Forestry and Conservation Association, Wood Resources International, and FRA’s Western Region collaborated on last week’s Mapping the Course conference in Vancouver, Washington.

FRA’s Western Region recently held its 2019 Fall Meeting in Lewiston, Idaho. The region planning committee has a long-standing commitment to content, collaboration and networking.

It is easy to celebrate National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. What’s not to like? Truckers make our entire modern way of life possible! They bring us a bountiful variety of fresh food to urban and rural areas alike.

Earlier in the year, we announced the formation of the Workforce Connections Initiative in the Western Region. The main goal is to connect qualified candidates with those companies in the Pacific Northwest who have labor shortages and problems filling open positions.

Fiber Industry Consultants, Ltd (FICL) was created in 1999. Customers of the consulting company receive a comprehensive 30-page monthly report on many aspects of the forestry business in the Western Region.

At FRA’s Annual Meeting in May, each region shares information on the key wood supply chain issues facing the forest industry. The following is the Western Region’s report:

On April 8, 2019, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed HB1011 into law after the bill received unanimous approval from both the State House (March 7) and the State Senate (March 29).

As many of you are aware, FRA began the “Workforce Connections Project” earlier this month. It has been an interesting month, with much to learn, and even more to build upon.

Earlier this year the National Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety Foundation (THATS) partnered with SafetyMeetingApp.com to offer a benefit to FRA Members and friends.