Montgomery, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey has officially designated the third week of October as “Alabama Woods to Goods Week” to align with National Forest Products Week. Scheduled for October 20 – 26, 2024, this week-long event aims to highlight the professionals, resources, and companies involved in Alabama’s forest products industry, as well as its significant environmental and economic contributions. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Governor Ivey has proclaimed Alabama Woods to Goods Week.
The forest and forest products sector plays a crucial role in Alabama’s economy, contributing over $36 billion and employing 123,624 residents through its various activities.
Alabama’s Woods to Goods Week serves as a celebration of the state’s second-largest manufacturing industry, emphasizing sustainability and recognizing the contributions of loggers, truck drivers, mill owners, employees, landowners, and foresters. Their efforts have made a profound impact not just within local communities but also across the state, the nation, and globally.
Activities during the week will include mill tours, visits to logging sites, donations of children’s books, demonstrations on ecosystem management, and various educational events geared toward students and public officials. These initiatives aim to showcase the industry’s positive effects on the environment, community, and economy.
For more information about Alabama Woods to Goods Week and how to get involved, visit www.alwoodstogoods.com.
The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) represents individuals and businesses in the forestry sector, including manufacturers of forest products, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, and consultants. AFA is committed to promoting a favorable business, regulatory, and legal environment for landowners and forest industry operators to support the sustainable development of Alabama’s forests.
More than two-thirds of Alabama is covered by forests, which supply the essential materials for the state’s second-largest manufacturing sector. The forestry industry generates a total economic output of $36.3 billion for Alabama.
The Forest Workforce Training Institute, known as ForestryWorks®, is a nonprofit organization focused on developing a sustainable workforce pipeline for the forest industry to ensure its future success.
The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils consists of nine non-profit councils that rely on the leadership and unique skills of local community members. Thanks to a strong commitment from volunteers and their credibility, RC&D has emerged as one of Alabama’s most effective service delivery systems, dedicated to conserving and developing the state’s natural and human resources to enhance quality of life for its residents.