In the 36 years I have been with Canfor, I have never seen so much opportunity for the forest industry. We have the products, the knowledge, the resources and the customer demand for unlimited opportunities today and into the future.
We also have some fantastic collaboration such as the industry-funded
Softwood Lumber Board that is directing a variety of research, promotion and information
programs to promote the benefits and uses of softwood lumber products.
The Board has 19 directors - all softwood industry CEOs and industry leaders appointed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. They manage a softwood lumber check-off program that is growing markets for softwood lumber and improving cross-border cooperation.
They are helping to develop markets, codes and standards for non-residential construction. They are supporting research and innovation for mid-high rise buildings, and promoting the use of lumber for interior and exterior applications.
This kind of leadership opens up new frontiers and new opportunities for wood, and advances renewability and sustainability in construction. It encourages a company like ours to invest in our mills to improve efficiency, environmental performance and fibre recovery.
One of the most exciting initiatives is happening right now. The Board is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council to offer a $2-million prize to a U.S. developer, institution or design team willing to test alternative solutions to designing and building taller wood buildings. Stay tuned – the winner of the
U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition will be announced next month.