Product Showcase
The Hardwood Federation – The Industry Voice in Washington, D.C.
The Hardwood Federation was founded in 2004 by hardwood industry leaders concerned that there was no consistent, united, and active presence in Washington D.C. representing the federal policy interests of this uniquely American business sector. The Federation is a unique entity itself, comprised of hardwood trade associations rather than individual businesses. This allows us to engage those that work in hardwood mills, yards, manufacturing facilities, and those who provide supplies and services to the industry (loggers, equipment manufacturers, chemical and finishing producers), in a much more inclusive way, sharing information both directly through our mailing list, but also flowing information and action alerts through the communications networks of our member associations. Association executives also alert the Federation team when their members start discussing issues that have federal implications, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. What started out as a group of 10 or 12 associations has grown to 34 associations in 2025. We are very pleased and grateful that the Great Lakes Timber Producers Association has joined our ranks.
On a day-to-day basis, the Federation identifies and tracks federal legislation, policies, and regulations that impact the greater hardwood industry. This includes broader business climate issues like tax, transportation, and environmental regulations, but more importantly, we focus in on issues that are specific to U.S. hardwood companies. This includes forestry practices on federal lands, export promotion of U.S. hardwood timber, logs, and products, trade barriers to international markets, truck weight limits, carbon neutrality of woody biomass, wood innovation initiatives, and education and data collection about the wood products industry.
When an issue has broad business community impact, like the recent effort to extend or revive tax credits and policies favorable to small business, the Federation partners with association coalitions to advocate for positive change (or fight change for the worse). The Hardwood industry has a unique role in this space as we represent companies that are both manufacturing and rural…a combination that is rare. When an issue is more focused on wood or wood products concerns, we work within much smaller coalitions comprised of allied associations that share our specific concerns including the Forest Resources Association, the National Alliance of Forest Owners, the American Wood Council. We are also working on developing closer ties with the American Loggers Council. Our voice is essential as the wood products industry is much more complex than many people think. Softwood and hardwood have very different uses and markets. Paper and container companies depend on our residuals but also have their own set of priorities. While we are united in many ways, it is important that policy makers understand that hardwood issues cannot always be addressed by solving a softwood or paper problem. We cannot be left behind.
As is very clear to anyone that follows the news even a little bit, Washington, D.C. is a complicated place. Thousands of issues are dealt with by the President, Congress, and federal agencies and departments on a daily basis. And the pace of activity under the Trump White House has increased exponentially. Not having a voice in the process, each and every day, risks being left behind. The Hardwood industry made the wise decision to be part of the process and do their best to influence positive outcomes for the sector.
So how does the Federation stay on top of a constantly changing status especially under an Administration that has no intention of slowing down? The only honest answer is, we are doing our best, but it is a challenge. Just as every other trade organization in town struggles to stay current, so does the Hardwood Federation team. But we do have some strategies to keep up to date and to proactively advocate for the U.S. hardwood industry as the situation develops.
First, we are in regular contact with key Administration officials and Congressional offices that provide information and are available to answer questions. We also follow D.C. based information networks that distribute updates, often in real time, of official Administration news alerts as well as the unofficial comments shared on social media channels like X or Truth Social.
As an industry association located in Washington D.C., we meet with peers from other organizations regularly, both in scheduled meetings and as a part of day-to-day casual interactions. These exchanges often provide insight not available in media accounts or in formal updates from Congress or the Administration. This is also an excellent example of the benefits of having a D.C. presence.
In terms of business climate and trade issues, Hardwood Federation Executive Director Dana Lee Cole is the Vice-Chair of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Advisory Committee on Building Materials. As such, provides information, input, advice and comments to the Commerce staff working on issues related to international trade and domestic business policies. She also has security clearance (albeit at a pretty low-level) to receive confidential updates and information related to ongoing trade negotiations. This not only allows for input into the negotiations process but also helps inform and direct Federation advocacy efforts.
This role has been particularly helpful in terms of the U.S. Government’s work to push back on obligations for importing products to Europe laid out by the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). As we all know, the geolocation requirement is the most onerous burden imposed by the EUDR. Through our engagement with the Trade Advisory Committee we have been able to elevate our concerns to the highest levels of the government on a regular and ongoing basis. Our efforts have been supported by Congressional letters of concern that have also been sent to Administration officials. We are confident that our concerns around geolocation are part of ongoing negotiations with the European Union…if and how this will be reflected in the final text of the announced trade agreement between the US and the EU, but we are hopeful the issue will be addressed in some way that eases the burden on US exporters of hardwood in all its forms.
Political engagement is not limited to those who live in Washington, D.C. We also look to industry members to reach out and tell their story. Political engagement at all levels is essential, and hearing directly from constituents on a regular basis will help create a breadth of knowledge, and a personal connection, that cannot be duplicated. The Hardwood Federation can help those interested in becoming more politically active. The highlight of each year is the Hardwood Federation Fly-In to D.C., an opportunity for those in the industry to visit our nation’s capital, walk the halls of Congress, meet their representatives and tell their story and how Washington either helps or hinders efforts to maintain productive business operations and provide jobs to rural economies. We also encourage those that cannot travel to D.C. to visit with their members of Congress on their home turf by inviting them for tours and meeting with their employees. For those who have not been active in the past, perhaps now is the time! Let us know how we can help. We have helpful how-to manuals and talking points available for the asking.
We look forward to working more closely with GLTPA, getting to know the members, and understanding their priorities. We will share updates on our advocacy efforts and the outcomes of these efforts in the coming months. We expect that federal policy under the Trump Administration will continue to evolve, and that the status quo will never be long-term. The Administration shows no signs of slowing down, and neither does the Federation!