From the ApSAF Chair...

2011 - A YEAR FOR PASSION

What an informative and enjoyable annual meeting we had during January in Charleston, SC.  There never seems to be enough time or memory recall to thank everyone at these meetings.  Many thanks again to Edisto Chapter and Brian Clark; to our passionate speakers; and to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to attend.  A very special thanks goes to Mark Megalos for his leadership during 2010.

I particularly want to thank Joann Cox for three years of dedicated service as our representative to Council. Joann elevated the level of professionalism in these duties. Her well-articulated and succinct Council reports at our Executive Committee meetings set a high standard of excellence. Always leading by example, Joann’s quiet and effective style brought out the best in her fellow Council and ApSAF members. Joann will be sorely missed for what I hope will be only a short but well-deserved rest.  Well done, good and faithful servant! 

Within each of us lives a passion which drives us to clear choices throughout life.  I believe that if I asked, “Are you satisfied with your career choice?” then most foresters, perhaps even all, would answer with a resounding “YES!”  So, just what is your passion within our profession?  Better yet, how can you take that passion and turn it into a chapter, state, or sectional idea?  Whether it is youth education, technology transfer, advocacy, public policy, or history, any passion can take root and blossom into a viable project to be implemented here – and who knows where else.  This kind of passion, acted upon by fellow professionals, can make a great organization grow.  I encourage you to view the inspiring example in Robert R. Williams’ video documentary, A WORKING FOREST:  Its future with Fire, People and Wildlife, which took root in New Jersey and spread across our nation.  (You can contact Bob at bob@landdimensions.com.)

I have always had a passion for working with young people.  The perspective of teens and young professionals interests me and helps me to think creatively.  This year my main goals are to help young people in two areas.  First, I want to increase by 10% the current principle of the Kenny P. Funderburk Fund by the end of next year’s annual meeting.  My prayer is that this will be a start to bringing the fund to its full endowment of $100,000.00.  The Funderburk Fund is an important cog in providing forestry students with opportunities to interact with forestry professionals.  Second, I want to create and implement a first round of web-based training seminars for our newest members.  Today’s young professional use a very different set of tools for learning than many of us; we need to provide access and insight into ApSAF for these young professionals so that they feel confident and capable to be the highly-motivated leaders  our organization needs.  For forestry to remain a viable industry and profession, it will take the collective group, young and experienced alike, working together for a better Society.  Are you ready to share your passion and take ownership?  ApSAF awaits!

Chip Maley
2010 ApSAF Chair