PLC Member Weekly Update Sept. 16, 2022

Mechanized Logging Operations Program Graduation

Congratulations to the graduates of the 2022 Mechanized Logging Operations – MLOP program who were recognized Thursday in Summit Township at the active harvest site where they have spent the last 12 weeks earning their certificate: Wyatt Ryder of West Paris, Wyatt Baruch of Madison, William Osgood of North Yarmouth, Stephen Pare of Norwalk, Mason Rowe of New Vineyard, Isaac Valley of Sanford, Eligh Norwood of Gray, Cole Chamberlain of Caribou, and Andrew Shaw of Whitefield. Well done!

PLC Northern Maine Log A Load Golf Tournament Underway Today!

Our Northern Maine Log A Load for Kids Golf Tournament on in Lincoln is underway today but you can still help us help Maine kids by donating. Check out the link below and let’s make miracles happen together! Great to see everyone out on the course today!

Sept. 16 JATO Highlands Golf Course, Lincoln

MTI Forestry Recovery Initiative Phase 2 Grant Program Now Open

The Maine Technology Institute’s Forestry Recovery Initiative Phase 2 grant program is now open. This is a great opportunity for contractors that want to purchase new equipment and we encourage you to explore it. The application portal for Phase 2 of the Forestry Recovery Initiative will be open from September 13, 2022 until 11:59 PM on October 18, 2022 A few points to note, from the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development: Successful FRI-2 projects may include either projects that provide significant productivity improvements to an existing facility to make that business more competitive in a worldwide market or new projects that utilize new technology or processes that provide a new market for Maine wood resources. Approximately 20-30% of the available funds will target significant productivity improvement projects. For strategic projects, MTI expects a maximum award of $2M with an anticipated minimum of $500K. (MTI reserves the right to adjust these limits based on an assessment of the applications received.) For productivity enhancement projects to existing facilities, MTI expects the awards will be $250K – $1M. (MTI reserves the right to adjust these limits based on an assessment of the applications received.)” Additional information, including how to apply, is available through the link below. LEARN MORE/APPLY

Campaign Fund Raising – Please Respond by Oct. 1

As a member of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (PLC) you know that one of the primary objectives of this organization is to advocate on your behalf at the state legislature.  The key to our recent success in Augusta has been establishing and investing in long-standing relationships with policy makers. We do this in many ways, but we do know that fundraising and campaign contributions can also take our efforts a step further. 

As we prepare to elect a new legislature, it’s essential that we help candidates, especially those new to the legislature, understand how important loggers are to the forest products industry.  To keep a seat at the table and ensure our participation in every policy conversation, we must engage our association in the fundraising conversation for candidates. 

 Similar to what we did in 2016, 2018 and 2020 the PLC is continuing a political fund-raising effort to provide modest donations to Maine House and Senate leadership campaigns in both parties. These donations will help the PLC build relationships, reinforce our role as the advocacy organization for Maine loggers, and underscore our importance.  We also must create positive relationships with candidates on both sides of the aisle in order to be effective in the State House in the long term.

We know that money is tight for your company and this may not be something you can afford.  That said, the PLC is not creating a Political Action Committee and by law we are only allowed to collect $5,000 per year for campaigns, therefore, we are only seeking small donations.  To be effective this fall before the election we must receive your donations by October 1st. 

Please consider a small donation. If every PLC member gave $100 to this effort, we would reach our goal in a short period of time.  If this is something you have an interest in, please click the link below to indicate what amount you can contribute and how you prefer to pay,by credit card or check (payable to the PLC of Maine).

Thanks very much for your support of the PLC and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Dana Doran, Executive Director

DONATION LINK HERE

PLC Members Only!

Equipment Cost Calculators Available

Members,

With expenses rising rapidly in the industry we know you are struggling to get a handle on your costs. This is a great time to utilize the cost calculators created in 2021 for PLC Members.

These new, easy to use, logging equipment and log trucking cost calculators are available on the PLC Members Only section of our web site You may access this private section of the web site with your member login or set up a login HERE.

These calculators allow you to quickly estimate the hourly cost of operation for any piece of your equipment.

DISCLAIMER: These calculators are being made available for your business use as a member benefit. They produce equipment estimates and are not official products of the PLC nor should they be used for negotiation purposes.

PLC Online Store

CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens certification: Did you know your employees are required to have this training every two years? If your employees need this training in 2022, contact Jessica at Jessica@maineloggers.com or 207-688-8195 and the PLC will schedule training in your area. THIS TRAINING IS FREE TO MEMBERS!

Featured HumpDay Safety Videos – Dehydration and Wheel Safety

Now FREE to Maine Loggers! A $300 value!

LEARN MORE

Nine students graduate from tuition-free Maine logging program

MAINE, USA — Nine trained Maine loggers are ready and anxious to enter the workforce after their graduation ceremony.

$30 Million USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Award To Increase Carbon Storage In New England’s Forests

September 14, 2022 – Marking a transformative investment in our region’s forests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program has awarded $30 million to the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) and its partners to help forest landowners implement climate-smart forest practices that also protect ecosystem health and biodiversity. The partnership includes more than 20 companies, organizations, and institutions from across New England that represent forest-related industries and have climate interests at the forefront of their concerns. The proposal is also strongly supported by New England’s congressional delegation.

Grant program to help strengthen Maine’s forest economy

STATEWIDE– Nearly 2 and a half million dollars is coming to Maine to strengthen it’s forest economy.

AS WE SEE IT: August 2022

Maine Tax Symposium, 2022

How will the latest State tax changes impact you?

Registration is now open for the 2022 State Tax Symposium (Online) presented by Maine Revenue Services

Click Here to Register Now!

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!

PETERBILT

WESTERN STAR

INTERNATIONAL

—

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! 

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