RALEIGH, N.C. (AUG. 21, 2025) – Forestry Mutual Insurance Company announced today the sale of the book of business of their in-house agency, FMIC Agency Inc. D/B/A United Risk Advisors, to Joiner Insurance Agency, effective Wednesday, Aug. 20. This strategic…
FMCSA Webinars and Workshop
FleetSafe Solutions, a VLA member, wants you to be aware of upcoming seminars and a workshop on FMCSA compliance issues. You may register using the information on the webinar and workshop flyers. Please contact Kim Claytor for a special disxcount…
VLA Members Can Receive Special Pricing
FleetSafe Solutions is pleased to offer Virginia Loggers Association members special pricing on our safety and testing programs. Let us help you develop a compliant and safe workplace. ► View Fleetsafe Solutions flyer (pdf)
National Registry II: Fact Sheet For Drivers
Commercial drivers must understand the process that is in place about the Medical Examiner’s Certification. The NR II fact sheet will give you all the answers to your questions. ► View The Driver Fact Sheet (pdf)
Clay Shoot for Log a Load for Kids – 3/28/25
Help the Virginia Loggers Association raise funds to help children with serious medical conditions. Help the six loggers (the Magnificent Six) who are creating this wonderful event and helping kids have a better life! Location: Arrow Head Gun Club, Victoria,…
Challenges and Opportunities to Address Logging Capacity in the US
This webinar was brought to you by a coalition of organizations: the American Loggers Council, American Wood Council, National Alliance of Forest Owners, and FRA. We are united in addressing the challenges facing loggers and haulers, including workflow instability, rising…
Let the Sawdust Fly with Virginia Loggers Association General Counsel Attorney and Peter Wood
This podcast link will be worth every minute of your time. Virginia attorney and VLA General Counsel and Peter Wood define how to avoid major legal issues and expensive suits before the accident. Develop a good plan with your attorney…
VLA 2025 Annual Meeting: August 7-10
Virginia Loggers Association Invites You to Join Your Friends and Other Members at the Inn at Virginia Tech! We will Gather to Unwind, Relax, Learn, and Enjoy Each Other’s Company! Plan to join us for another grand VLA annual meeting…
Safety Meeting at Keystone Truck & Tractor – Nov. 8, 2024
REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOVEMBER 1! The incredible logger training opportunity is available November 8 to earn your Update class credits, plus legal, VDOT, VSP, & VDOF updates totaling 5 CEs. Register by November 1 and we will set a plate…
The Dismantling of the American Timber Industry
It seems like every time a forest product mill or plant shuts down (monthly if not weekly) it’s viewed as a singular isolated incident. But viewed collectively, the cumulative impacts and magnitude become more focused and apparent. The individual incidents…
Logging is Necessary for Healthy Forests
Why do we still debate whether logging is a natural component for healthy forests?Forests produce lots of solid wood and fiber products all of us use in our homes and businesses. Our healthy forests produce all of these products, enhance…
Good News for Loggers and Virginia’s Forest Products Industry
VLA celebrated Forest Products Week yesterday with Governor Youngkin who joined the Virginia Department of Forestry, Franklin Lumber Company, and Virginia’s top forestry & logging trade associations to see some important operational phases of Virginia’s third largest industry. The Virginia…
VLA Sponsors to 2022 Annual Gathering of Members, Associates, & Friends One of the Best Ever!
Virginia Loggers Association is grateful to every sponsor to our 2022 annual gathering at the Williamsburg Lodge. The generosity of our sponsors was overwhelming and helped make this annual meeting the highest attended gathering of VLA members, associates & friends…
How to Calculate Fuel Price Adjustment
The economy is mercilessly hurting loggers and truckers. Fuel price increases are a chief concern. Dr. Joseph Conrad, Assistant Professor of Forest Operations at Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia helps us to take the complex…
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Expands July 2022
Spotted Lanternfly spreading causing VDACS and VDOF to take actions for control. See letter and updated map of quarantine areas: ► View letter from VA Dept of Agricuture (pdf) ► View map of quarantine areas (pdf) If you haul from…
VLA 2022 Annual Meeting Recap
Members, associates, and friends of Virginia Loggers Association enjoyed a wonderful weekend networking, socializing, learning, and having so much fun. Guests this year outnumbered all past annual meetings. The speakers were fantastic and spot-on with topics. Workshops were held for…
VLA 2021 Annual Meeting Recap
VLA’s annual meeting has come and gone but its memories will last a long time. By almost every account this was a great event and possibly even VLA’s very best annual gathering of people from all walks of life. Attendees,…
VLA Member James River Equipment Recognized for Amazing Results to Dream On 3
James River Equipment (JRE) was introduced to Dream On 3 five years ago when Hoopaugh Grading Company shared the wonderful things they were doing for all children with life-altering challenges. Through fundraising efforts such as a clay shoot and a…
Mid-Atlantic Logger Training Webinar Series
Logger Training Continuing Education Credit for each Session and Good for MD-DE, VA, OH, & WV Logger Programs. ► Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/maltwebinar ► View Flyer: Click Here
Forestry Legislative Day at the Richmond Capitol
Join Other Loggers, Wood Mill Owners, Consultant Foresters, Forest Landowners & Friends to Meet Your Elected Representatives in Virginia’s House of Delegates and Senate. Food & beverages provided along with possible meeting with the new Governor and Secretary of Agriculture…
Speyside Rolls Out the Barrel: The Story of Barrels and Bourbon
Former State Forester Jim Garner Receives First VLA Supporter (Non-Logger) Award Plus More Interesting Articles. Please click the following link to read these interesting articles: ► View full article (pdf)
Announcing the 2022 VLA Annual Conference
Join VLA friends and family at our annual meeting August 11-14, 2022, at Williamsburg Lodge! We promise to make it a great time for everyone. We welcome ALL members, exhibitors, sponsors, and friends. Contact VLA now for exhibiting and sponsorship!…
Annual Meeting Sponsors Go Above & Beyond
THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS OF THE 2021 VLA ANNUAL MEETING! Over 47 companies and individuals gave generously towards the success of VLA’s annual meeting August 6 & 7 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Our sponsors allow VLA…
Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters & Haulers Program
A new USDA fact sheet explains the PATHH program and how forest harvesters and haulers may recover some of their losses incurred in 2020. Click here to view the fact sheet. (pdf)
Roseburg Forest Products Announces Construction of New Sawmill
Loggers in Southern Virginia and North Carolina are excited about the news released today about a new state-of-the-art sawmill to be built in Weldon, NC. Virginia loggers have said for a long time that more markets are needed in this…
Loggers! Reach More Landowners! Register Online with DOF Now!
VDOF has a service providers directory on their new website. Loggers must sign up your business to appear in the directory where landowners can find you. >> Click here to view the flyer (pdf)
“Understanding Wood as a Raw Material” Educational Offered at the Richmond Logging Expo
This short course provides an introduction to wood as a raw material for manufacturing. Offered by Dr. Henry Quesada and Briand Bond at Virginia Tech on May 20, 2021. For more information and registration see flyer. Click here to view…
Why Not You?
If we truly want to change things consider running for an office. Managing Editor David Abbott helps us to think about this through an article he shared with VLA… Why Not You? By David Abbott, Managing Editor Southern Loggin’ Times…
Timber Harvesters and Timber Haulers Get Christmas Gift in Stimulus Package
President Trump signed the 2020 December COVID 19 Stimulus bill into law on 12/27/2020. Timber harvesters and haulers will be eligible for some relief of their business losses due to the Coronovirus. Contact VLA at info@valoggers.org for more details. Click…
Richmond Expo 2021
Join us May 21 – 22, 2021 for the Richmond Expo at the Richmond Raceway Complex! Visit the VLA Booth! Click to view PDF file
Wishing Our Members, Friends, and Families a Happy Thanksgiving
Virginia Loggers Association gives Thanks for many THINGS. Most important is the confidence and trust you placed in this trade association to represent your interests. Through your support in both the good and difficult times, VLA has a home which…
Frank Myers Accepts New VLA President Duties
Mr. Myers offers humility as he takes on his new duties as President of VLA. In his first article, Mr. Myers offers solid advice to voters. ► Click here to view the VLA President’s Corner article (pdf)
Federal COVID-19 Relief Package for Logging and Trucking Companies Deserves Our Support!
Virginia logging and forest trucking contractors have joined a national effort seeking federal relief for their industry at a time when COVID-19 and its economic impacts are threatening the survival of the companies depending on the entire U.S. forest economy.…
Loggers and Friends Contact Your Board of Supervisors Now
Loggers and Supporters please check your local newspapers now for County Board meetings and notices for amending county ordinances to adopt exemption of personal property & tools & machinery taxes on forest harvesting equipment. Please show your support! ► Click…
Patriotic Video for Troubled Times – “We Are Warriors”
Whether the enemy is the silent and unseen one like COVID-19, Americans are stronger when standing together and not dividing. Let’s remember the good that comes from collective strength and unified vision. We can be unique and still work together…
Toilet Paper on a Log Truck
From trees hundreds of products are made everyday that we use in our homes and businesses. For example, toilet paper and other paper products are made from trees. Without managed forests which are harvested and reforested we would not have…
Driver Appreciation and Safety Day at WestRock Roanoke Rapids
Each year Virginia Loggers Association participates in Log Truck Driver Appreciation and Safety Day. Great companies show their appreciation to our commercial truck drivers by giving them lunch and a nice safety item. VLA loves to participate along with Forestry…
VLA Members Visit Virginia’s Congresssional Delegation
Each year members of the Virginia Loggers Association join their friends and colleagues from across America to meet with congressional leaders in Washington, DC. Several VLA board members and spouses joined us 2019 and made direct contacts with elected representatives.…
Great Pine Stand Thinning Creating Quail Habitat
Virginia Loggers Association members conduct all types of sustainable forest harvesting for private and public landowners. About 80% of Virginia’s forestlands are owned by private individuals who manage their forests for many purposes. Managed forests can produce income while making…
Solid Wood Products to Make a Post & Beam House
Forest products are Virginia’s third largest industry. Sold wood products go into many things, such as houses, that are used by all of us. Virginia has about 16 million acres of forestland consisting of ample supplies of pine and hardwood…
Current and New Loggers Attending SHARP Logger Class in Alberta
Virginia Loggers Association consists of logging businesses across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Members and their employees stay abreast of the latest information on sustainable forest harvests, safety and water quality through Virginia Tech’s SHARP Logger continuing education classes.
2019 Logger Survey by American Loggers Council
A national survey of loggers’ attiude across America on current and projected future markets and logging conditions. Find out how Loggers across America feel about their businesses now and the next five years. ► View Survey Results Report (pdf)
TEAM Safe Trucking
Information for all haulers including changes in rules, regulations and training. ► TEAM Safe Trucking Newsletter (pdf)
Richmond Logging Expo 2020 Rescheduled
The Richmond Logging Expo 2020 has been reshceduled due to the corona virus pandemic to October 9 10. We look forward to seeing everyone. Please visit the VLA booth. ► Expo Richmond 2020
Forest Products Named and Essential Services
Under federal and state declarations and acts, businesses hauling forest products are temporarily exempted from overweight, overwidth, licensing, registration and hours of service which includes interstate highways. You must copy and keep the VDOT waiver dated March 19, 2020 in…
Cares Act Stimulus Information
Click on the link below for more information about the recently passed Cares Act Stimulus Program. ► CARES Act Section A (pdf)
Virginia Government Leaders Message of Hope During this Pandemic
The Richmond Logging Expo
Expo Richmond will be returning to Richmond Raceway May 1 & 2, 2020! NEW DATE ► View Expo Detials
Join VLA Today & Receive Great Corporate Discounts on Your Purchases!
Members of the Virginia Loggers Association are eligible for amazing rebates on Western Star and Peterbelt truck purchases. Please follow the details outlined on the respective flyers. Also, Michelin Tires offer great discounts on tire purchases to members of the…
Challenges & Solutions for Timber Transportation: A Research Perspective
TEAM Safe Trucking is a coalition of interested persons who want to decrease log truck accidents. Dr. Joe Conrad, University of Georgia, provided his research on challenges in the logging transportation area and recommendations. Great overview for all of our…
VLA 17th Annual Conference Recap
We are so pleased to announce that the VLA Annual Conference in August 2019 at the Homestead Resort was a great success! Attendance exceeded all previous conferences and the Homestead staff was fabulous. Jim McCoy and Michael Harold gave 70…
Action alert: Urge your representatives to support the Future Logging Careers Act
In the current Congress we have a great opportunity to pass the Future Logging Careers Act to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work in mechanized logging operations under parental supervision. This bill is a part of our efforts to recruit…
Tell Congress to pass the ‘Safe Routes’ Act for Log Trucks
Join the American Loggers Council in urging Congress to pass the bipartisan (H.R. 2453 and S. 1509), allowing log trucks to utilize federal interstates for short-haul trips. View the entire bill at https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr2453/text/ih. You can send a quick note to your…
White Oak Bourbon Barrel with VLA Engravement from Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill
Description coming soon.
Virginia Waiver for Carriers Transporting Essential Relief Supplies or Providing Emergency Restoration (Includes Forest Products)
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has authorized a temporary waiver of registration and licensing requirements for carriers, and the Commissioner of Highways authorized a temporary waiver of normal weight, width and height restrictions. Forest Products are included. Please read…
VLA 16th Annual Conference: August 24 – 26, 2018
Virginia Loggers Association Annual Conference will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA on August 24-26, 2018! We’re planning a great meeting! (lots of family functions too…) So, why not make your plans early to attend our 16th annual…
A Continuing Education Opportunity
Setliff & Holland, Attorneys at Law will present legal and business management training on April 20, 2018. This excellent training will be offered in collaboration with the Virginia Tech SHARP Logger Program and the Virginia Loggers Association. Lunch is graciously…
2017 VLA Annual Meeting Presentations
Below you will find a variety of the presentations displayed at the 2017 VLA Annual Meeting. Click on the presentation titles to view the PDF documents. ⇒ Housing Outlook by Dr. Urs Buehlman Urs Buehlmann is Professor, Virginia Tech Department…
Commercial Truck Safety Overview – A Must Read!
Points of interest from this report are shown below, but please click here to read the full report. “According to an FMCSA study, two-thirds of commercial truck crashes are caused by the other driver, not the commercial driver.” (Note: FMCSA’s…
2017 VLA Annual Meeting at Virginia Tech, August 18 – 20
Don’t miss an opportunity to meet with fellow loggers, mill representatives, and your industry services’ representatives on August 18 – 20 during our annual conference. You will be glad you reserved your room early and joined others to hear unbelievably…
“As We See It” – Adapt, Change and Overcome
American Loggers Council incoming President sets forth a vision for all of our nation’s logging businesses. Each must have a vision and clearly understand our economy at all levels. To survive, we must adapt to a changing business climate, make…
“As We See It” – Adapt, Change and Overcome
American Loggers Council incoming President sets forth a vision for all of our nation’s logging businesses. Each must have a vision and clearly understand our economy at all levels. To survive, we must adapt to a changing business climate, make…
Virginia Loggers Association Members Talk Logging and More with Congressional Representatives
April 14 – 16, 2016 Here we are at the Washington, D C annual spring “Capitol Fly – In! We were part of an effort by the American Loggers Council focusing attention on the importance of logging to the forest…
VLA & State Officials Meet on Interstate Highways’ Hauling Weights
Virginia Loggers Association President Vance Wright and board member Frank Myers, along with Executive Director Ron Jenkins, met with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Sam Towell, VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick and DMV Commissioner Richard Holcomb on March 11, 2016…
As We See It
The American Loggers Council Sends out its appreciation to All of its Sponsor. ► View Sponsor List (pdf)
Virginia Loggers 14th Annual Meeting August 25 -28, 2016!
Quick Look & Lodging Meeting will be Held at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia. Call 540 985 – 5900 and use “VLA” for reservation booking code. Friday August 26, 2016 – Small Business Succession Planning and Reality of Commercial…
Town of Emporia Truck Issues
The City of Emporia City Council has approved a one year extension to allow the hauling of forest products through the City until December 31, 2016. Councilman Woodrow Harris asked the City Manager to place this issue on its December…
2016 General Assembly Preview
Virginia legislature is very important to loggers and others. The 2016 session opens with a variety of bills covering a wide range of subjects from the administration of government, agriculture and forestry to workers compensation. To ensure the sustainability of…
VLA 2015 in Review
2015 in Review: Organizations look into the future and set higher goals for themselves. Before the future (2016) is almost history, it is important to review and even celebrate your accomplishments of the past (2015). VLA spoke for loggers in…
Virginia Loggers Association’s 14th Annual Meeting
You are invited to join Virginia loggers and many friends of the forest products community and associated organizations at the Hotel Roanoke for its 14th annual meeting. Please reserve your lodging by August 6 to receive your great group rate.…
Frank Myers Receives American Loggers Council Award
Veteran Virginia logger selected by his peers to receive recognition. On Saturday, September 26, 2015, Virginia Logger Frank Myers with M.M. Wright Inc. was recognized by the American Loggers Council as the 2015 recipient of the National Logger Activist of…
C. K. Greene named Logger of the Year by Forestry Mutual
The Virginia Loggers Association is pleased to provide the following meeting recap and presentations from the 2015 Annual Meeting in PDF format. ► VLA 2015 Annual Meeting Recap ► Dominion Virginia Power Biomass Presentation ► Land Use Permit Regulations Temporary…