FRA’S SOUTHCENTRAL REGION OUTSTANDING LOGGER AWARD WINNER
BRIAN LEWIS WITH LEWIS TIMBER, INC., RECOGNIZED AS FRA’S SOUTHCENTRAL REGION OUTSTANDING LOGGER AWARD WINNER
Nashville, Tennessee, April 29, 2024 – The Forest Resources Association (FRA) honored Lewis Timber, Inc. from Aliceville, AL, as the 2024 Southcentral Region Outstanding Logger Award winner at FRA’s Southcentral Region Spring Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 29. James Edelen, Chair of FRA’s Southcentral Region Steering Committee, introduced Lewis Timber as this year’s winner and invited Chris Isaacson, President and CEO – Alabama Forestry Association, to come to the podium and share his thoughts on why Brian Lewis and Lewis Timber, Inc. was nominated for the award. Isaacson discussed his personal and professional relationship with the Lewis Family. Edelen presented Josh Lewis with an engraved cherry and black walnut cross-cut saw plaque. Josh graciously accepted the award on behalf of his entire family and the Lewis Timber, Inc. team. The FRA Outstanding Logger Award, sponsored by STIHL, Inc., also included a $500 check along with a voucher for a STIHL MS 462 chain saw as part of the award package.
Pictured left to right: Josh Lewis, Taylor Lewis
Pictured left to right: Clay Altizer, FRA Southwide Region Manager; James Edelen, Southcentral Region Steering Committee Chair; Josh Lewis of Lewis Timber Inc., and Josh’s wife, Taylor.
Lewis Timber, founded by Brian Lewis (Josh’s father) in 2013, has grown into a robust operation with four crews, including three company-owned and one contracted. The company typically produces 175,000 tons of sawtimber, 60,000 tons of pulpwood, and 25,000 tons of other products, sending them to a diverse range of markets in the region.
Family plays a central role in the company, with all members contributing in various capacities. Brian oversees operations, Janet manages daily business affairs, Kirk serves as an equipment operator, and Josh, a registered forester with a degree in Forest Resources from Mississippi State University, serves as the company forester. Additionally, Olivia, who recently graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Agricultural Science, is instrumental in building Lewis Timber’s social media presence.
Safety is a top priority, with monthly meetings attended by all 25 employees. They utilize a unique load accounting system and provide high-visibility clothing and OSHA-required protective gear. Actively engaged in their community and the forestry sector, Lewis Timber donates equipment for local projects, participates in forestry associations, and fosters online education through social media.
Gene Taylor with Warrior Tractor and Equipment – “Lewis Timber is a company that proves you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best. I believe they are unique loggers, aware of the landowner’s needs, and very particular with each and every job they do. This makes them extremely efficient in this business.”
Pritchett-Moore Insurance Account Executive Tony McDaniel,“In a time when a lack of quotas and the cost of everything a logger touches seems to be increasing, Lewis Timber has found ways to evolve, increase their market share, and grow the company for future generations.”
Clay Altizer, FRA Southcentral Region Manager, stated, “Lewis Timber, Inc. represents everything that FRA is looking for in an Outstanding Logger Award winner. They have implemented an impressive safety program, and their industry advocacy efforts and social media presence is exemplary. The entire family has embraced their respective roles within the company, and their overall commitment to achieving excellence is obvious once you step foot on one of their logging jobs. I congratulate the entire Lewis family and the Lewis Timber team on winning this year’s Southcentral Region Outstanding Logger Award.”
About Forest Resources Association (FRA)
FRA is an association representing the interests of more than 330 organizations and businesses in the forest products industry, including forest landowners, suppliers, consuming mills, associated businesses, and state forestry associations. Members all share a common interest – they rely on FRA to promote the public policy interests of the forest products industry’s supply chain on Capitol Hill and our work to advance safety, operational and technical efficiencies, and supply chain relations. FRA has member representation in 49 states and 384 Congressional Districts.
