Letter from President

MESSAGE FROM THE
President

It is a privilege and honor to welcome you to the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Forestry Association as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of our organization.  Our meeting will explore the present status of Tennessee forests, exalt the statewide accomplishments obtained by forest management, address the challenges facing the forest industry today, provide educational opportunities to enrich our knowledge, and offer enjoyable times for fellowship with colleagues.

Our industry is constantly changing.  The difficult economy we are presently facing has added even more pressure in making the best management decisions.  Hopefully, all of us will gain wisdom and vital resources from this meeting.

This has been an exciting year for Tennessee Forestry Association.  Gaining a better working relationship with the Tennessee Legislature and other government officials has allowed the Tennessee Department of Forestry and loggers across our great state to improve the forest industry.

TFA members and state officials have worked together in visiting other countries with hopes of expanding our export hardwood lumber business.  Throughout this year, TFA has diligently provided educational programs for landowners to help assist them with decisions on their timber as well as educating them of their landowner rights.

Forestry is much more than an industry.  It is a way of life.  With our commitment to good land stewardship, we are making sound investments for the future.  Together, we all work toward managing our forest, providing valuable forest products, creating jobs, and protecting forest resources to benefit generations to come.

Our Association has a history of bringing people together for a common purpose.  The Tennessee Forestry Association continues to serve as a strong voice for forestry in our state.  TFA is a strong supporter for Log-A-Load for Kids.  This year we broke a record donation in giving Le Bonheur Children's Hospital a total amount of $36,500.00.

I encourage each of us to take time to appreciate the friendships and partnerships that make this industry strong.  In making wise decisions about the forest industry, may we look to the future and not just for today.  We face many challenges and the industry is ever changing, but I am confident Tennessee Forestry has a bright future. 

I want to thank each of you for your membership, your support, and your commitment to the Tennessee Forestry Association.  I am very appreciative of the hard work and dedication of our board, committees, staff, sponsors, and volunteers who have helped make our association such an integral component of the forest industry in our great state.

Most importantly, I want to thank God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon my family and me.  I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Hankins family for supporting me as I serve as TFA President.

 I am proud of what TFA has become, and I am excited about our future.

Sincerely,

Jay Wolfe

President of Tennessee Forestry Association