Forestry Meeting Draws Record Crowd; Tuberville, Ledbetter Headline Event
Over 450 forestry industry leaders attended Orange Beach meeting
The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) reported a record turnout this week at its 2025 Annual Meeting, held Sept. 7-9 at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. More than 450 forestry-industry leaders from Alabama and neighboring States gathered to discuss trade, policy, and the future of the forest sector.
AFA President and CEO Chris Isaacson called the event “a tremendous success for the forest industry.” He added: “From the record attendance of our members to the speakers and the topics that were covered, I am proud of the growth and resilience we are seeing in our industry. This meeting proved our membership is energized for innovation and collaboration and we are excited to continue to work on the future of the forest industry.”
Keynote Speaker Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is running for Governor, focused on trade and tariffs. “Alabama’s forestry industry is critical to the state’s economy, especially to rural Alabama,” he said. “I was honored to attend AFA’s annual meeting and hear directly from industry leaders. With President Trump at the helm, we’re working around the clock to slash red tape and help Alabama foresters thrive. I look forward to continuing to partner with Alabama’s foresters and producers to unleash our economic potential.”
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter moderated a CEO panel that included Caroline Dauzat of Rex Lumber; Glenn Nunziata of Enviva; and Doug Otto, Interim Director of the Alabama Port Authority. Ledbetter emphasized the scale of forestry in Alabama: “At $36 billion annually, forestry is one of Alabama’s top industries and supports well over 55,000 jobs in our State. I’m proud to work with this organization to protect these jobs and grow this vital industry.”
State Senator Jack W. Williams was honored with the 2025 AFA Legislator of the Year Award. Williams said, “This award is without a doubt, one of the most meaningful that I have ever received. Alabama’s timber industry plays a vital role in our state’s economy, and I remain committed to doing everything I can to promote and protect its future.”
The AFA Annual Meeting is designed to bring together forestry professionals to share successes, address challenges, and explore opportunities. The 2026 gathering is set for September 13-15 at Perdido Beach Resort.
The Alabama Forestry Association represents Alabama’s forestry community with membership that includes forest products manufacturers, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, consultants, and others involved in forestry.
AFA is dedicated to protecting and improving the business, regulatory and legal environment for landowners and forest business owners to ensure the sustainable growth of Alabama’s forests and forest industry.
Forests cover more than two-thirds of the state and provide the raw material for Alabama’s second largest manufacturing industry. Forestry provides a $36 billion total economic output to the state’s economy. To learn more, visit: https://www.alaforestry.org
