C:  Kip Fotheringham, (prev) Treasurer, BCWLA & Vancouver NAWLA Regional Committee

R:  Carl Dobler, President, BCWLA

It was a fine day for the AGM and Smoker at the Vancouver Rowing Club.  The AGM was well represented and numerous topics were discussed and initiatives tabled which show great potential for the Association for this year.  The highly anticipated Smoker with the Honorable Steve Thomson as the keynote speaker gave us much better insight into the international wood markets and the future of the forest industry over the next several years.  After the Minister concluded his speech the floor opened up for Q&A and an number of topics were discussed.  A few questions were asked that required further insight so it was proposed the Executive send a delegation and have another meeting with Minister Thomson and the Executive plan to follow up with that promptly.

Additionally, Minister Thomson was able to announce that both the BCWLA and the Vancouver NAWLA Regional Committee had both met today and agreed to EACH donate $5000 to the victims and familiy of the Burns Lake tragedy.  In addition, the Minister agreed to contribute to the same fund, the additional $500 which the BCWLA donates each year on behalf of the keynote speaker to the charity of his/her choice.

This totals $10500 contributed by the BC wholesale lumber community.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and family affected by the Burns Lake tragedy.

It was with deep regret that Kip Fotheringham had to depart his Executive role as Treasurer for the BCWLA due to his recent change of companies.  We wish him all the best in the future, but don't think for a minute Kip we won't call you when you're needed :-)

With the departure of Kip, Maureen Zavislak of Artemis International has agreed to act as Treasurer for the remainder of the 2012 terms with the hopes and expectation from all the Executive she continue in the role for many years to come.  Thank you in advance for your volunteer work!!