Staying the Course and Keeping the Faith
By Jonzi Guill, Executive Director, Carolina Loggers Association
What can I say, as Executive Director, to offer a hopeful outlook for the future of our loggers? That is a question I ask myself daily. Every job I visit and every call I receive carries the same concern in the voice on the other end: “Things aren’t good. There’s just no markets to haul to. What mill is going to close next? What is CLA doing to fix this?”
I wish I had clear answers to each of those questions, but the truth is, I don’t. What I can say is that the CLA, along with state associations across the country and the American Loggers Council, is doing everything possible to bring new markets and opportunities to our industry.
No one can predict exactly what lies ahead for logging, but I do know this: most loggers I’ve met share a deep passion for their work and the legacy they carry forward. If you hold that same passion, keep the faith and hold onto it. Your CLA has faith, too, that this industry will thrive again.
Our current issue of Carolina Logger features a cover photo from the 2025 CLA Annual Meeting, taken after Joanne and Blaine Reese and Stacy Reel were honored for their devotion to the annual Log-A-Load for Kids auction. I could not be more proud to announce that this year’s event raised over $65,000 for Duke Children’s Hospital. You can read the full story on page 12 and enjoy photos from the event throughout the issue.
The 2025 Annual Meeting was held once again in Wilmington at the Hotel Ballast, which continues to be a member favorite. Each year, the event grows with record attendance from both members and sponsors. I cannot take all the credit for that success. The CLA Executive Board went above and beyond to bring in new attendees and share the value of participating. Despite the long hours they dedicate to their own businesses, our board members made time to promote the event and strengthen connections across our community.
This year, board member and J&S Reel Logging owner Stacy Reel was honored not only for his commitment to Log-A-Load but also as the recipient of the 2025 Chairman’s Award. It is difficult to describe the amount of volunteer time Stacy gives to the CLA. He promotes the association at every opportunity, and his dedication does not go unnoticed. Our board recognizes the tremendous asset we have in him, and we are grateful for his continued service.
On the next page, you’ll find a list of the sponsors who made this year’s Annual Meeting possible. I want to personally thank each one for their contributions and support. Having a record number of vendors step forward during such uncertain times shows how much they care about this industry and the work we do together. I encourage you to support these businesses when choosing your vendors. We could not hold events like this, or offer benefits to our members, without their partnership.
On page 15, you’ll see a collage of photos from the Mid-Atlantic Logging Expo, held in Laurinburg in November 2024. James River Equipment/John Deere, Tigercat, and Linder all ran live sites, while Weiler and John Woodie Enterprises hosted static displays. Weiler also held a loader competition benefiting Log-A-Load for Kids. The CLA extends a special thank you to Shoeheel Land Management and Canal Wood for their incredible support before and during the Expo.
Both the CLA and NC Forestry Association are already looking ahead, discussing how to evolve the Logging Expo to reflect the changes and technology shaping our industry. We continue to work closely with equipment vendors to determine what will best serve our members and partners in the future. This may include new trial events or smaller demonstrations, but we will always be available to support our members and partners in every way possible.
Thank you for supporting the Carolina Loggers Association and for taking the time to read this magazine. Please know that while we may not always have the power to fix every challenge in the industry, we are working every day with organizations across the region to strengthen logging and build a brighter future.
Stay the course and keep the faith.
— Jonzi Guill, Executive Director, Carolina Loggers Association