NELA Members Engage In Business Discussions At Summer Meeting
The summer meeting of the New England Lumbermen’s Association (NELA) was recently held in Providence, RI, with 75 members attending.
Rob Hill, Holt & Bugbee Company, Tewksbury, MA; Russ Shamblen, Premier Hardwood Products Inc., Syracuse, NY; Chris Castano, Maine Woods Company LLC, Portage Lake, ME; and Bob Chase, Quabbin Timber Inc., Rutland, MA
The day began with a tour of Hull Forest Products in Pomfret Center, CT, where delegates were treated to coffee and donuts supplied by Hull before the group set off for an informative tour of their sawmill and flooring plant.
Hull accommodated company tour guides, which were provided for every group that toured to answer any questions that might arise.
Doug Settele, Keiver-Willard Lumber Corporation, Newburyport, MA; Stephanie VanDystadt, Hull Forest Products Inc., Pomfret Center, CT; Angie Capper, Pike Lumber Company Inc., Akron, IN; and Diego Camp, Robinson Lumber Company, Andover, MA
After the tour, the delegates were treated to a buffet style lunch at their hotel before the afternoon “Business Discussion” that is very important to the members.
President Bob Chase of Quabbin Timber led the discussion and provided up-to-date data on the state of economy here in the U.S. Members shared their own experiences with recent market activity and projections for the remainder of the year. The mood was one of caution as many were experiencing steady activity but lacked any optimism for the next several months. The talk of tariffs and their impact on business dominated the discussion, as many expressed frustration with their impact on activity from buyers.
Jon St. Jean, Hull Forest Products Inc., Pomfret Center, CT; Ryan Satterfield, Cersosimo Lumber Co. Inc., Brattleboro, VT; Bob Chase, Quabbin Timber Inc., Rutland, MA; and Ben Hull, Hull Forest Products Inc.
Once the discussion was completed, it was time to unwind and relax with old colleagues and enjoy “Happy Hour” and dinner before calling it a night.
For more information about NELA, contact Chris Castano, secretary/treasurer, at ccastano@mainewoods.net or 802-343-5191.
