Spring 2024 9 Board of Directors, and individual members. VFA celebrated our community’s champions in the General Assembly during our Advocacy Update Luncheon at the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit. Senator Russet Perry and Delegate Chris Runion joined us in Charlottesville where they spoke to the group about their connection to rural communities and forestry and how those experiences play a role in their leadership for Virginia. Senator Perry serves on Virginia’s Agriculture, Senator Russet Perry Delegate Chris Runion (l. to r.) VFA Executive Director Corey Connors, John Gee, Delegate Amy Laufer, State Forester Rob Farrell, and John Magruder Conservation and Natural Resources Committee and represents District 31 that includes parts of Fauquier and Loudoun counties. Delegate Runion of the 35th District, serving Bath County, Highland County, and parts of Augusta and Rockingham counties, is a member of the House’s Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee as well as the related subcommittees of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Local representative, Delegate Amy Laufer of the 55th District that includes part of the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson, stopped by for conversations with attendees during the Welcome Reception that was sponsored by International Paper Co. on the first evening of the Forestry Summit. Robert Crockett Kyle Shreve peer community of industry leaders for a deep dive into discussion, strategic tools, and planning around what’s next for their business. There is considerable positive feedback from this event, with plans already underway for the upcoming Retreat, Sept. 24–25, 2024. A second successful VFA Sporting Clays Tournament took place on May 10, 2024, and the Virginia Wood Cup Golf Tournament, co-hosted with Virginia Forest Products Association, will be held in the fall. Both events bring members and their guests together to enjoy each other’s company in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. If you have not found a way to become more involved in the past, please look at some of the new opportunities available for volunteers —there is something for everyone who cares about the forestry community. Members have been at the heart of VFA’s work since its inception in 1945. We encourage everyone to explore new ways to engage in the activities and ideas that will help shape and sustain VFA’s strength in the future. Next year, the College of Natural Resources and Environment will celebrate the beginnings of its forestry program at Virginia Tech, with 2025 marking the 100-year anniversary of the first professor of forestry being hired back in 1925. On May 7–9, we will gather at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va., for the 2025 Virginia Forestry Summit. We look forward to seeing you there!
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