With today’s technology, a muscular physique is no longer a prerequisite to a career in the woods. Employing that technology has made it possible for Rick and Sharon DeHaan to achieve their goal of building a business that could provide opportunity for the family, which includes four girls and two boys, to grow and work together.

Before offering my thoughts on forest certification I want to stipulate that I am not a forest scientist. I am a writer, with degrees in journalism and broadcasting. I was in the advertising and public relations business for many years before I got involved in launching Evergreen in 1985. Much of what I know about forestry I learned from reading. I am a voracious reader, thanks to my mother, who taught school for 41 years.

As every logger knows, running a highly specialized, capital-intensive small business can be extremely frustrating. “In 1998, we were having a heck of a lot of turnover problems, as a lot of other people were, so we enlisted a consultant to do what they call ‘exit interviews,’” Gahlsdorf said, adding that there are three keys to retaining good personnel: find and hire the good ones; make a plan to purge the bad ones; and learn to recognize management mistakes that lead to more turnover.

I’m humbled, grateful and pleased to be the recipient of this year’s award. I accept it on behalf of the people who have supported our industry, our communities and me. They have given unselfishly of their time and spirit. During the Shovels of Solidarity (SOS) movement they networked, did legwork or sent a shovel. They were activists in their own right; they did what they were capable of doing to right a wrong.

The Husqvarna 357XP offers high power and rapid acceleration in combination with superior ergonomics, low vibration levels and a slim body. It features a centrifugal air cleaning system for longer intervals between filter cleanings, smoother operation and reduced wear. The side-mounted chain tensioner makes chain adjustment quick and easy and the snap-lock cylinder cover saves time when changing spark plugs and cleaning.

Long-time friend Bud Gauthier remembers Len Vizina as a real people person. “He worried more about his people, keeping them working and making sure of the benefits they had available to them,” Gauthier recalls. Leonard (Len) J. Vizina, who began his forestry equipment career with Pettibone Corp. in 1959 and retired as vice president of engineering/special projects for Blount, Inc. in 1997, died May 15 at his home in Owatonna, Minn. He was 67.

The Wood Supply Research Institute (WSRI), a consortium of logging associations and forest products companies that funds and directs research into problems facing our industry, has made several notable changes. Steve Carruth of MeadWestvaco stepped down as executive director and the board hired Jim Fendig as his replacement. Carruth was a dedicated leader of the group but due to restructuring within MeadWestvaco he took a new position and relocated to the South Carolina coast.

When times get tough, people tend to become more open-minded about new ideas and different ways of doing things. Concepts previously discarded or considered unfeasible suddenly become possibilities. Challenging times force people out of their comfort zone to seek solutions to problems. While it’s not comfortable, it can be a positive force that shakes loose outdated business practices.

Cutting Systems Inc. offers the FDT-6000 flail/pull-through delimber. Unit features high speed drums combined with high tensile chains to strip stems; heavy-duty 25,000 lb. axle with airbrakes and dual tires and rims; towing light package; front mount hydraulic stabilizers; and standard loader bar and chain slasher package.

Blount, Inc. has taken significant steps to strengthen its position as a forestry equipment manufacturer by offering more hard and soft products for those who distribute and use its logging equipment. In late June Blount’s Forestry & Industrial Equipment Div. (FIED) introduced a skidder for the first time. The Prentice 490 is a mid-size, single arch grapple unit manufactured at the company’s plant in Owatonna, Minn.