16 VIRGINIA FORESTS Building Your Business Success: VFA’s Forest Leadership Retreat By Luke Shenk Attendees of the second annual Forest Leadership Retreat (FLR) gathered at Wintergreen Resort in September to discuss the dynamics of operating a profitable forestry-related business. The two-day event hosted a variety of business-related presentations that defined the key components for maintaining sustained excellence while leading organizations through an ever-changing landscape. Dave Tenny, president of National Alliance of Forest Owners, discussed big ticket items such as climate change, wildlife habitat, and land degradation in the opening keynote session. “While those in the forest industry are well versed in the vast benefits working forests provide for the climate and countless numbers of wildlife species, what does the rest of the world see?” Tenny asked his audience. Providing an economic overview and addressing the widespread cultural views surrounding the industry, Dave uniquely illustrated how the achievement of positive cultural change goes far beyond, and is sometimes even more significant than, policy change. As working forests are essential to ecological balance and economic stability, advocacy and sustainable practices continue to play an important role in the wellbeing of the forest industry. The remaining sessions focused more keenly on operating a forestryrelated business and dissecting some of the challenges many incur while striving for excellence. Attendees listened to engaging presentations revolving around entrepreneurial business strategy, leadership, and professional growth. From updating your business plan to hiring the right people, many topics were discussed allowing attendees to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge, advice, and information that was shared. Scheduled networking breaks peppered throughout the retreat offered opportunities for more in-depth conversations while catching up with colleagues and friends. Small group discussions allowed participants to share information and talk about successful business strategies that can help meet today’s challenges. A relaxed atmosphere gave everyone the chance for plenty of conversation and relationship-building at the Forest Leadership Retreat.
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