BREWER, Maine — The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine held its 23rd annual meeting Friday, May 4, with awards presented to businesses, individuals and legislators from across Maine for contributions to the logging industry.
The event also raised a record $46,311 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Maine, topping the previous record of $44,000 set in 2017.
The meeting was held at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer and included a morning meeting, luncheon with Mark Turner, president of the American Loggers Council, as speaker, and an afternoon tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Clinic at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, which the PLC has supported with donations through the Log A Load for Kids program.
The annual PLC auction for Log A Load followed the tour, then the annual dinner and awards ceremony.
“Our annual meeting is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate and a time to plan for the future,” PLC Executive Director Dana Doran, said. “The PLC has made important strides on behalf of loggers, forest contractors, and forest truckers and stands ready to continue its work on behalf of the industry for years to come. Our members should be proud of what they have accomplished this year, and especially proud of what was accomplished here for the children tonight.”
The annual meeting is one of the PLC’s major fundraisers to benefit Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Log A Load For Kids encourages loggers and others in the forest products community to donate the value of one load of logs, or any amount, to local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
“The generosity of our members no matter what challenges their businesses face continues to amaze me,” Doran said. “Our members reach deep each year for these families and continue to devote an incredible amount of time, effort, and resources to the Log A Load cause.”
PLC and the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS) Foundation have raised more than $1 million since 1996 for children in Maine to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care.
Awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations:
PLC Logger of the Year Award: Chaplin Logging Inc. of Naples. This award recognizes a PLC Logging Contractor for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession.
PLC Impact Award: Maine State Senator Thomas Saviello of Wilton. Each year, the PLC recognizes someone from the public sector who has demonstrated a commitment to the industry and has made a significant impact for its improvement.
PLC Community Service Award: Katahdin Fire Company of Old Town. This award is given annually to a PLC member, supporting member or affiliated organization who gives back significantly to their community.
Acadia Insurance Safety Award: Treeline Inc. of Chester. This award is given to a company that continuously demonstrates safety throughout their business.
PLC Supporting Member Award: Farm Credit East. This award is presented annually to a supporting Member that has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in Maine.
PLC President’s Award: Robert Linkletter of Athens and Brian Souers of Lincoln. The President’s Award honors individuals or organizations within the PLC which have a significant and positive impact on the PLC and the logging industry in Maine.
