PLC Member Weekly Update Feb. 25, 2022
In this Issue:
Inflation Survey – Results Available!
Acadia Dividend Reminder – Keep the focus on Safety!
Annual Meeting 2022 – May 13, Save the Date!
Forestry for Loggers Video – Recording now available!
Logger’s Voice Winter Edition – Now Available!
GenerationNext – Training for young loggers
Next PLC Board Meeting – March 3
PLC Store – Many items for sale
Safety Resources – Registration open for Spring Safety Training!
Trucking – MDOT releases three year work plan
Classified listings – Check them out!
Member Discounts – Many to choose from
Logging News – Latest headlines
Member Price Inflation Survey Results
Members,
As you know, the PLC surveyed its membership in recent weeks and asked them to compare what they paid for parts, equipment, services, and fuel in January 2022 compared to January 2020. Results of this survey are now available.
As you will see, all surveyed costs increased between 17-30 percent, and the average increase in costs is 24 percent overall. That compares to an average national inflation rate of 8.4 percent over the past two years (7 percent in 2021 and 1.4 percent in 2020). Clearly, while all Americans are facing higher prices, loggers are being hit harder than many.
Thank you to those who participated in this survey. PLEASE NOTE: This information is being made available for your personal use only. It is not to be used as a negotiation tool or shared with others.
SURVEY RESULTS
Acadia Safety Dividend Reminder: Keep the Focus on Safety!
Members who are part of the PLC Safety Group Dividend Program,
2022 has gotten off to a pretty rough start with losses for PLC members. We know that markets are extremely challenging right now, so please make sure that your companies do everything they can to manage risk and ensure losses don’t have a major impact upon your company and the Dividend program.
As you know, the PLC working in partnership with Acadia Insurance has made great strides in improving safety and reducing losses for our members in recent years and this has paid off with dividends totaling more than $12 million to eligible participants of this safety group since 1999. As we start another year, now is the time to renew the focus on safety!
Remember, the PLC offers many Safety Resources and PLC Safety and Training Coordinator Donald Burr is always available to to help you improve safety in your company and reduce losses. Email him at safety@maineloggers.com or call (207)-356-1541. Stay safe out there!
PLC Annual Meeting 2022: May 13
SAVE THE DATE!
Members and Supporting Members, we are pleased to announce plans to hold the PLC’s Annual Meeting and Log A Load for Maine Kids live auction this year on May 13 at a new location, the Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina in Bar Harbor!
Please save the date for this important event and many more details will be released soon along with sponsorship opportunities!
Forestry for Loggers Video
Recording of January session available for Members Only
The logging industry in Maine is comprised of many loggers who have become managers because of mechanization and the complexity of their business. The Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (PLC) and the Maine Forest Service (MFS), Forest Ranger division partnered in January 2022 to offer three online (via Zoom) trainings focused on what the MFS looks for during Timber Harvesting Inspections to help you better manage your business. One of these recordings is now available for those who missed the original sessions. VIEW IT HERE.
Logger’s Voice Winter 2022
The Winter 2022 edition of The Logger’s Voice is now available
READ THE VOICE
GenerationNext Program for the Next Generation of Agricultural, Fishing, and Forestry Managers Members, UMaine Extension is working with Farm Credit East to hold a Maine-based GenerationNext Training Program for those who may be part of the “next generation” of leaders taking management responsibility in an agricultural business (farming, fishing, and forestry), or entrepreneurs starting and growing businesses of their own. The 8 sessions in the program will be held online Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon March 4-April 22, 2022. This online program is designed for young Mainers ages 20 to 35, who will be the next generation operators of a family business or starting their own family business. Tuition is $199 per attendee for the entire series, including course materials. However, the PLC has been informed full financial assistance is available to cover that cost through the Maine Farmers through UMaine Extension’s Equipping New Farmers with Practical Skills and Knowledge project, and has also been advised that while the program’s online description seems aimed primarily at young farmers, it is intended for young loggers and fishermen as well.
The course is designed to broaden management expertise, covering areas such as: Leadership and Management Financial Management and Budgeting Marketing Risk Management Strategic Planning and Farm Transfer To register and for more information about the course, CLICK HERE |
Next PLC Board Meeting
March 3
Governor Hill Mansion, Augusta
Full Board
9-11 A.M.
All Member Contractors invited!
PLC Online Store
Looking for great PLC items and apparel? Gifts? First Aid packs, safety items and more? You will find them at the new PLC Online Store on our web site. Ordering is easy.
CHECK IT OUT HERE
Safety Resources
PLC Logger Safety and Fleet Trainings 2022 REGISTER NOW!
The PLC is pleased to offer Logger, Fleet, CPR and Dynamic Driving Safety Training for its members in person for 2022! Please review our Logger and Fleet offerings and register as soon as possible, but no later than March 25, 2022 to ensure there is room for your employees at the chosen location(s). Trainings run from March 31 to May 25, 2022.
You may REGISTER ONLINE HERE, or download, fill out and mail back the paper registration form Safety Registration 2022 – Form. A hardcopy has also been sent to your office. Via US mail.
This training is free to employees and owners of all PLC Member companies and Maine Master Logger companies! Lunch is provided, and we have added new topics based on feedback received from PLC Members. Don’t miss out, register NOW!
The PLC would also like to thank our sponsors of the 2022 Safety Trainings below. We could not offer these trainings without you!
Did you miss the latest Safety Resources Update? The NEW video below will tell you what you are missing!
*Safety Resources Updates are issued on the first Wednesday of each month. If you are not seeing them in your email let us know!
New Hump Day Safety Video – Battery Safety!
New Unsafe Zone Safety Video – Tony Madden: Safety Glasses!
*This video pairs well with last month’s new HumpDay video HERE. Share them both with your employees!
Trucking
MaineDOT Releases Three-Year Work Plan
AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Transportation has released the 2022 Edition of its three-year Work Plan. This Work Plan includes all capital projects and programs, maintenance and operations activities, planning initiatives, and administrative functions for calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024. This plan contains 2,316 individual work items with a total value of $3.17 billion, consisting primarily of work delivered or coordinated through MaineDOT.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched its Training Provider Registry as the final step in implementing new entry-level driver training standards for individuals seeking to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or certain endorsements.
Logging Industry News
Maine loggers are paying 24% more for goods and services than in 2020, survey shows
From machinery to insurance, good and services for Maine logging companies are costing them 24% more than two years ago, the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine announced Wednesday.
Maine law banning loggers from hiring immigrant truckers blocked by federal judge
A federal judge has blocked a Maine law that previously banned logging companies from hiring immigrant truckers to haul their logs within the state.
Member Discounts
TRUCKING DISCOUNTS THROUGH THE ALC!
PLC Members, because the PLC is a member of the American Loggers Council YOU are entitled to special discounts on truck purchases! Click on the brand names below to learn more!
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Fabian Oil Discount
Traction Heavy Duty Special
Wallingford’s Discounts
Maine Trailer Discounts
Scandinavian Forestry Equipment
PLC Members get a 5% discount on culverts purchased at Treeline and Frank Martin & Sons
Hale Trailer discounts for PLC Members on new trailer purchases! Call Neal at 207-232-7969 for details!
Cross Arena Discounts for PLC!
Classifieds
PLC Classified Section
Check out the equipment and job opportunities our members have listed at the LOGGING ZONE! If you have equipment for sale, are looking to buy, are looking for employees, or
Preferred Supporting Members
Preferred Supporting Members
