In the September/October 2017 edition of My Take, Timber Harvesting magazine Executive Editor DK Knight discusses the 2017 LBOY, the ALC’s Master Logger program, the late Eric Johnson and hard helmets. Knight writes, “Congratulations to all those who make G. Ikola, Inc., Timber Harvesting’s 2017 Logging Business of the Year, a leading light in Idaho and the intermountain West. Led by Gerry Ikola and his wife of 40 years, Capella, the business involves their three children—Erica, Gerry Jr. and Gabe—who are preparing to assume eventual responsibility for keeping the wheels turning. Two decades ago, when the Timber Harvesting editorial staff was refining qualifications for candidates for its inaugural Logging Business of the Year Award (LBOY), it determined the honor should symbolize leadership excellence, professionalism, integrity, business acumen and management, community and industrial service, harvesting know-how, innovation, safety, and environmental soundness.”

West Fraser Purchases Six Gilman Sawmills; ALC Leaders Vote To Stimulate MLC

Timber Harvesting magazine Western Editor Dan Shell travels to McCall, Idaho to visit TH’s 2017 Logging Business Of The Year: G. Ikola Inc. Operating a family logging business that’s going into its third generation, and giving back to the forest products industry through extensive involvement outside his business, Ikola Logging President Gerry Ikola has developed a reputation as a motivated industry leader with a calm demeanor and collaborative way of communicating and problem solving. Since taking the reins of the business from his father in the 1970s, Ikola has built a successful, dependable and innovative company in west-central Idaho known as G. Ikola Inc. He and Capella, his wife of 40 years, have worked tirelessly to not only make their McCall-based firm the best it can be, but also to help create a better logging industry for all and to effectively promote the industry’s upside to outside skeptics.

Timber Harvesting magazine Associate Editor Jay Donnell has the opportunity to visit Sanders Logging Company in Cochran, Georgia. Becoming the first logger in Georgia to do so, Harry Sanders III started running a Tigercat H250D Processor with a Tigercat 575 processing head in late July and the machine has really bolstered the company’s output. Before Sanders got his hands on processor the business was producing around 150 loads a week, but they’re now up to roughly 180 loads per week. One of Sanders’ primary sawlog markets, Interfor, encouraged the move. Interfor continues to build on its already strong foothold in the South and especially Georgia where it operates six sawmills, including one in Perry where Sanders moves southern yellow pine sawlogs. The Canadian-based Interfor’s preference for “prime length” sorts means less waste at the mill.

Timber Harvesting magazine Senior Associate Editor David Abbott travels to Scottsville, Virginia to visit the Tapscott brothers, owners of Tapscott Brothers Identities. Better known by their nicknames, brothers Charles (Binky), 53, and Troy (Guke) Tapscott, 49, have a longstanding tradition of turning setbacks into successes. Armed with a knack for finding innovative solutions, a determined entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to take risks, and a good, old-fashioned work ethic, the Tapscotts have always found a way forward. (By the way, don’t bother asking where the nicknames came from. “Nobody remembers,” Binky insists. “It’s all I’ve ever gone by.” As two of six brothers, Binky and Guke aren’t the only ones with unique monikers. Two of their brothers go by “Beatle” and “Hassie.” At least they know why their eldest brother is called Junior: He’s Harvey Tapscott, Jr. Only Tracey Tapscott was completely left out of the nickname game.)

Timber Harvesting magazine contributor Wendy Farrand discusses the importance of regular meetings and clear communication. Farrand writes, “What's the big deal? You come to work, you get the wood out, and you go home.” Those were the exact words of an old-time logger I worked with who was totally perplexed about the need for regular meetings in the woods. Smaller crews may be able to skirt the regular meeting recommendation, but if you are a leader, and you are not holding regular structured meetings, your crew isn’t as effective, productive or as safe as they could be, no matter what size it is. I believe that with all my heart. Things may be flowing smoothly, but without the opportunity to regularly share, set expectations and hold people accountable, you will feel the impact somewhere down the road.”

High Marks For SW Forest Products Expo; River Ridge New Dealer For Phoenix DF703 FB; Bandit Industries Expands Its Reach

Tigercat Telematics; John Deere Forwarder Upgrade; Barko Strong Arm Grapples; Oregon’s SpeedMax XL

As We See It: A Positive Change At The USFS; Johnson Was Good At What He Did; Enviva Releases Latest Track & Trace Data; Memorial Service For Jeff Castleberry; Dicky Dost Moved From Woods To Mills