We honored many key people that help make the Association and our mission successful at the Annual Award Luncheon. We also were honored to have Gayle Manchin, the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission as our keynote speaker. Ms. Manchin also brought along her husband, Senator Joe Manchin, who made some impromptu remarks for attendance.
Awardees were honored at the Annual Conference Award Luncheon.
Service Award
Bill Robinson
Given to someone who has contributed above and beyond expectations to support the work of the Association over time. Bill has been instrumental in developing the West Virginia’s Loggers Council, as a venue for loggers and log truckers to have a voice in issues of importance to the sector. During his time, Bill has sought out opportunities to reduce workers compensation rates, sought out health care benefit providers, and lately has been a strong voice testifying before Legislative Hearings on eliminating the threat of lawsuits from the deliberate intent law in the State. Safety in his own logging business has enabled Bill to serve as an example that safety can help profitability.
Legislator of the Year
Delegate John Paul Hott II
Given to a legislator that has provided a sustained advocacy for the forestry community and forest products industry by sponsoring and co-sponsoring key legislation and providing the advocacy to work with others to advance the legislation. Delegate Hott was the among the primary sponsors of legislation to eliminate the deliberate intent law that plagues the industry with lawsuits and unregulated insurance premiums. Delegate Hott also serves as Co-Chair of the Forest Management Review Commission that has been seeking to improve the Managed Timberland Tax Program. As an insurance business owner, Delegate Hott understands the challenges and needs to address risk management issues such as workers compensation and deliberate intent that impact the logging and forest products businesses.
Logger of the Years Finalists
Generation III Logging LLC, Friendsville MD
Danny Sines and his family operate a successful mechanized logging and trucking operation that works in NE West Virginia and surrounding tri-state area. His work as the President of Mountain Loggers Group has led to over $2 million donated to the WVU Children’s Hospital over that past 20 years.
JDK Logging LLC, Oakland MD
Bryan Glotfelty operates a mechanized logging operation in NE WV and tri-state area. The operations include working on municipal drinking water watersheds providing a high quality of drinking water to rural communities.
Logger of the Year
Secondhand Tradition LLC, Birch River WV
Lindsey Collins operates an innovative tethered logging operation for harvesting on steep slopes in central WV. Leslie has a commitment to safety and community that is displayed by all his employees.
