Finding opportunity and adventure in the US South.

Josh Balsom, Procurement Forester 

After starting with Canfor as a temporary employee in 2013 and then a fulltime employee in 2015, Josh Balsom had worked his way up to Permitting Supervisor in Prince George before seizing the opportunity to move to Mobile, Alabama two years ago. Now, a Procurement Forester, Josh thrives in a relationship-driven role that connects him with private landowners and timber consultants – something he finds uniquely rewarding.

“In Canada, most timber comes from crown land, where regulations reflect the priorities of governments and First Nations,” Josh explains. “Here, timber is primarily sourced from private land, which brings a whole different approach to forestry.”

Professionally, Josh is proud of helping implement new timber cruising technology that has revolutionized data management for the team. Personally, he’s embraced the southern lifestyle, from fieldwork-friendly weather to the enthusiastic embrace of college football.

Advice from Josh? “Jump in. It’s a great learning opportunity!”

Ashley Middlemiss, HR Business Partner 

After nearly a decade with Canfor, Ashley Middlemiss moved her family of six from Prince George to Mobile at the end of 2024 to take on the role of HR Business Partner, supporting CSP’s West Region. Supporting teams across Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana, Ashley brings a hands-on approach to building relationships with employees and mill managers.

“Our family wanted an adventure,” Ashley shares. “This move was a chance to stretch personally and professionally, and to show our kids the value of exploring the world.”

Though the transition was daunting – especially saying goodbye to their close-knit family and navigating a mid-year school change for three of her four children – the warmth of Southern hospitality has made all the difference. “Everyone here has been incredibly welcoming and helping in any way they can. Plus, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities like zoos and waterparks which we didn’t have in the small community where we used to live.”

Ashley and her family are most excited to enjoy the good weather and beaches but also do some road tripping to experience everything the South has to offer.

Ashley encourages anyone considering a move to “do your research and lean on those who’ve been through the transition as there are many details you may not consider with a cross-country move. It’s a big step, so make sure you also have a close support system that you can depend on during the transition – that was something that was incredibly helpful for us.”

Joe Yarama, Senior Safety Manager 

For Joe Yarama, who has been with Canfor for seven years, moving from Prince George to Mobile Alabama to take on the role of Senior Safety Manager was both a career milestone and a personal challenge. “Safety is about people,” Joe emphasizes. “My mentor once said it’s 10% technical and 90% people, and that’s what I love about the job.”

Joe’s transition has been smooth professionally, thanks to a supportive team. He’s been spending a lot of time touring the mills and meeting with Plant Managers, Superintendents and GMs to develop CSP’s 2025 safety plan. Personally, the move tested his resilience. Selling everything, including their home, and starting fresh was tough, but the experience has been deeply rewarding. “Canadians are known for their politeness, but the South is known for their Southern hospitality,” Joe explains, mentioning how their neighbors welcomed them for deep-fried turkey at Thanksgiving, and have offered to mow the lawn and help with their move.

While he misses friends, family and hockey, Joe is embracing the Gulf Coast lifestyle, complete with Mardi Gras celebrations, rich southern history and southern soul food – a problem for his waist another time. “It’s been a bucket list experience!”

Irene Dahl, Environment Regional Manager

When Irene Dahl accepted the role of Environment Regional Manager, CSP East, she knew she was in for an adventure. Moving her husband and three children from Prince George was no small feat, but the chance to gain international experience was too exciting to pass up.

Irene welcomed the learning curve of getting up to speed on US environmental regulations while setting up a new life for her family on the other side of the continent, and once she got her feet under her she felt much more settled. Leaving behind close family and friends was bittersweet, but Irene and her family have found joy in their new community. “My kids are now loving school and sports and making friends there, while my husband is starting his own business so he can be home with the kids while I travel for work – we do really miss all the help from the grandmas!”

The Dahls have traded ice hockey for roller hockey, and the picturesque rivers and lakes British Columbia is known for, for beautiful beaches and cougars and bears for gators and sharks. They love all that Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding areas have to offer – from the endless activities and sports to local concerts and events, and all the rich history and culture. Irene has even played in a flag football game for moms!

“Although there are days where I miss good old Prince George, I do not regret our move here,” Irene explains. “When you’re open to adventure, you never know what doors will open or where your path will take you in the future!”

Matthew Buxton, Maintenance Superintendent 

For Matthew Buxton, leaving Prince George and moving to Mobile, Alabama to take on the role of Maintenance Superintendent at the Axis Sawmill was a once-in-a-career opportunity. “My inner desire for continuous improvement has me very excited as we begin to build out a world class maintenance program focusing on safety, skills, reliability, quality and efficiency – all with the goal of making Axis as successful as possible,” Matthew shares.

Though he misses Canadian staples like a Tim Hortons Double Double (coffee with two creams and two sugars), Matthew has embraced adapting to a new environment. "You don't know what you don't know, but the support from my family and team has made the transition a success.” He also noted how “Canfor has offered both internal expertise and third-party service companies, helping with Visas, taxation, banking, housing, school enrollment for my kids, among many other things.”

Matthew highlights the numerous growth opportunities within the company and encourages everyone to explore them without concern for the location. He’s also on the lookout for the best “sour cream glazed donut & double double coffee” substitute in Mobile.

For these five employees and their families, moving from Canada to the US South has been more than a career change – it’s been an adventure and a life-changing journey. Whether navigating cultural differences, embracing a new normal, or making an impact in their roles, each has a unique story to tell.