Small Log Conference 2011 Offers "Think Outside the Box" Program Speakers stress collaboration, entrepreneurial energy and technology as solutions to small diameter log challenges…

Fifth Small Log Conference
Slated for Coeur d’Alene event slated for March
March 23-25, 2011

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho– For Gifford Pinchot III, the utilization of small diameter logs represents entrepreneurial opportunity. Pinchot, who heads the Bainbridge Graduate Institute in the Seattle area, specializes in business development with an eye toward conservation and sustainability. As a guest speaker for the upcoming Small Log Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, he sees the international gathering as the right venue for presenting his ideas.

The conference runs March 23-25, with a pre-conference mill tour set for March 23. The event, entitled "Technology, Evolution and Collaboration," also features a Supplier’s Showcase and an industrial waste wood grinder demonstration by Rawlings Manufacturing of Missoula, Montana. Activities are based at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

"We cannot solve the problems of today’s timber dependent communities unless we find ways to encourage entrepreneurs to build local businesses that use small diameter wood," Pinchot said, adding, "We can’t find cost effective ways to thin regrowing forests unless we find valuable markets for small diameter wood. This means encouraging a raft of entrepreneurs who can add value to small diameter wood."

Just as Pinchot finds solutions in entrepreneurship, John Shelk of Ochoco Lumber in Prineville, Oregon sees collaboration’s pivotal role in addressing small log utilization challenges. Shelk’s mill survived the Northwest spotted owl wars of the 90’s, but came away completely mistrusting the environmental community. It was therefore not an easy move to sit down at the table with seven prominent leaders from the environmental side. Trying to break the timber supply log jam and curtail endless litigation, Shelk and six others from the timber industry hoped to move from "no" to "yes" in the tense discussions. He remembers the first day of collaboration well.

"We were sitting across the table from each other, arms folded, asking why are we here," said Shelk, who joined Ochoco Lumber in the 70’s. "We were afraid not to come. After all, you’d better be at the table because if you’re not, you’ll just get what’s served to you." Shelk will share his compelling story at the conference, detailing the collaborative group’s successes in a session called "Getting to Common Ground."

The Small Log Conference for 2011 represents the fifth such gathering of forest industry experts, international business developers, small log entrepreneurs, rural economists and others with a stake in the future of small log utilization. Produced by the Montana Community Development Corporation, the event has reached out to a broad array of players, presenting numerous collaboration opportunities among attendees and speakers. Additionally, the Supplier’s Showcase offers displays in the latest small log technology and utilization.

Those wanting more details about the conference can contact Jan Raulin at 604-541-7562, or by email at [email protected] for registration and information. There are still some slots available for the Supplier’s Showcase. For a complete overview of the conference, visit the web at http://www.timberbuysell.com/slc.