Industry Panel Updates ALC
The Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club (ALC) met recently at Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA, for its annual spring meeting.
The program featured a panel discussion on industry issues that included flooring, domestic markets, exports and railroad ties. Speakers reported that each of these sectors were flat in the first few months of 2026.
The tie industry has scaled back purchases as railroad companies have delayed track improvements. The wood flooring industry continues to battle substitute materials and export markets are down for lumber and increasing for logs.
Domestic markets for lumber are improving slightly as building and renovations rise. Lumber producers and distributors have to be more specialized in their offerings to attract new customers, one speaker reported.
The one-day meeting also included golf at Blue Hills Golf Club as well as Sporting Clays at The Preserve at Crooked Run in Fincastle, VA.
The ALC also conducted its annual Beach Meeting at Avista Resort in North Myrtle Beach, SC, the first few days of this month and this publication will provide coverage of that in the July issue of National Hardwood Magazine.
The ALC represents the forest and lumber industries in the Appalachian hardwood territory. It promotes better understanding and communication throughout all facets of the lumber industry.
ALC’s main focus is to support responsible lumber practices while discouraging harmful and ecologically irresponsible acts.
Learn more at lumberclub.org.
