MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) drew record-breaking attendance at its 2025 Annual Meeting this week, hosting more than 450 forestry leaders from across Alabama and the Southeast at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. The event ran from Sunday, September 7, through Tuesday, September 9.
“This year’s Annual Meeting was a tremendous success for the forest industry,” said AFA President and CEO Chris Isaacson. “From the record attendance of our members to the speakers and the topics that were covered, I am proud of the growth and resilience we are seeing in our industry.”
U.S. Senator and Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville served as keynote speaker, focusing on trade and tariffs affecting the forestry sector. “Alabama’s forestry industry is critical to the state’s economy, especially to rural Alabama,” Tuberville said. “With President Trump at the helm, we’re working around the clock to slash red tape and help Alabama foresters thrive.”
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter also addressed attendees and moderated the CEO Panel, which included Caroline Dauzat of Rex Lumber, Glenn Nunziata of Enviva, and Doug Otto, interim director of the Alabama Port Authority. “At $36 billion annually, forestry is one of Alabama’s top industries and supports well over 55,000 jobs in our state,” Ledbetter said. “I’m proud to work with this organization to protect these jobs and grow this vital industry.”
During the meeting, Senator Jack Williams was honored with the 2025 AFA Legislator of the Year Award for his support of the industry. “This award is without a doubt, one of the most meaningful that I have ever received,” Williams said.
The AFA hosts its annual meeting to highlight challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping Alabama’s timber industry. The 2026 gathering is scheduled for September 13–15 at Perdido Beach Resort.
Alabama Forestry Association
