OREGON LOGGING CONFERENCE
10-4 CHECKS OUT THE LOGGING EXPO
If you are involved in any way with the logging industry in the west, chances are you have attended the long-running Oregon Logging Conference. If you are like us and know nothing about the logging industry, you might not even know the event exists, even though it has been running annually for 70 years. Held at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene, Oregon on February 21-23, this show featured vendors, inside and outside, displaying products from every conceivable aspect of the logging industry.
You might ask, “So why did 10-4 go?” Well, trucking is a big part of the logging industry, so there were plenty of trucks and truckers on hand at the show. We were also invited to attend by Bruce Mallinson of Pittsburgh Power. He was going to the show for the first time to promote his performance products for trucks, and thought we might like to be a part of it as well. We had been wanting to visit Oregon for some time (there are some great trucks up there), so this was a good excuse to go. We were also able to handout some free magazines and posters, and meet some really fun people.
Filling four buildings and a parking lot, there was a lot to see and do at the show. Outside, huge pieces of equipment were on display including self-leveling harvesters, log loaders/stackers, delimbers, chippers, shovels, skidders, a large variety of cutting attachments, and much more. This stuff was heavy duty and high-tech! Inside was a bevy of vendors featuring all sorts of cutting tools and equipment, reforestation supplies, log trailers, communication devices, clothing, financing options, rigging supplies, logging publications, safety organizations and more. There was also an antique log truck display and hundreds of old photos from the last 150 years of logging in the Northwest.
Throughout the entire show, attendees had access to the most current information on rules, regulations and techniques through a variety of seminars. By attending these classes, loggers had the ability to earn nine Professional Loggers Credits. These credits were applicable toward Professional Logger Certification and fulfilled requirements as outlined in the Sustainable Forest Initiative.
And after a long day of walking, talking and learning, all the vendors and registered loggers were invited to hang out and enjoy some refreshments at the Sawdust Bowl, held inside one of the buildings on Friday night after the show closed. This fun social event, which featured unlimited free drinks, was our favorite part of the day. Hanging out with old friends and truckers we had met at the show, our group was one of the last to leave - and the loudest (what a surprise).
We had a great trip and really enjoyed the show. The Oregonians made us feel very welcome in their neck of the woods. We met a lot of people, had fun, and made some good connections and friends. What more could you want out of a working vacation?
