Starting Time: 00:00
Hayes D. Brown, attorney and forest owner, will moderate this news conference. Hayes’ email address is hbrown@hayesbrown.com.
Starting Time: 00:51
Al Jones is the Economic Development Representative for the Alabama Forestry Commission. This is a new role brought on by a grassroots push from the Alabama Farmers Federation and enacted thanks to legislation designed to direct state funds toward improving timber markets around the state by furnishing a full time economic development specialist. Al began his position with the Alabama Forestry Commission last month, and he joins us to talk about what he will be doing in this new role and how it will benefit the industry.
Starting Time: 04:56
Robert Izlar is the Founding Director of the University of Georgia Harley Langdale, Jr. Center for Forest Business. He retired in 2022, but prior to that, he played an active role in the organization’s Timberland Investment Conference. Held every other year in Amelia Island, Florida, the conference brings together experts to discuss policy, economics, supply chain and more. Though the conference has a high price tag–upwards of nearly $2,000–it continues to be a major event attended by hundreds of land owners each year. Robert joins us to talk about the Timberland Investment Conference, why it was created, and what it offers attendees year after year that they can’t get anywhere else.
Marisa Futral is the Hunter Education Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. She recently shared excellent news for the state of Alabama: last year, there were zero fatalities reported due to hunting accidents. With more than 200,000 hunters expected to partake in hunting season this year, Marisa, like everyone, hopes to see that positive trend continue. Marisa joins us to talk about this incredible statistic, the typical accidents she sees, and what hunters should (and must) do to ensure not only their own safety, but all hunters as well.
Starting Time: 14:15
Portrice Warren is a teacher in the Birmingham City School system by day, but by night she has a much different focus: the renovation of an old home on a longleaf pine farm. She and her family purchased the tract of land, lovingly named Bee Sweet Acres, approximately 18 months ago with the goal of renovating the small house on the site to rent out via Airbnb as extra income. Ever since, they have been spending countless hours updating the home to get it ready for listing early next year. Portrice joins us to talk about the DIY project, what’s going on with the property, and why she feels it’s a good investment.
