As National Forest Products Week comes to a close in the U.S., we're celebrating the people and partnerships behind our products. Bringing products to market takes more than a single team. It takes coordination across every stage of the journey, from production at our mills through distribution by our many partners. Every team member and partner plays an important role in connecting our natural wood products with the customers who bring projects to life, from everyday applications to ambitious builds. To everyone who plays a part in that journey, thank you.

When Terry Hahn joined Western in the 80s, he planned to spend only a couple of years logging before pursuing a career in computer programming. Decades later, he’s celebrating 45 years with our team, a career shaped by challenging work, strong camaraderie and opportunities that led him to his current role as Grader Operator in Port McNeill. Growing up on northern Vancouver Island, forestry was always part of Terry’s life. His grandfather operated a road grader in Zeballos, and his father worked in nearly every role in the industry except grading. Terry credits the support and mentorship he received along the way for helping him build a long and rewarding career with Western. Englewood Operations Manager Rob Shambrook was particularly instrumental in that journey. Outside of work, Terry is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys riding his motorcycle, exploring new places and, in years past, skydiving throughout B.C. and California. One of his more memorable jumps saw him parachute into the Port McNeill Fall Fair, with permission, of course. He also enjoys roasting his own coffee at home and spending time with his wife, Janice. Congratulations, Terry, on 45 years (and counting) with Western. Thank you for your dedication, experience and the positive impact you continue to make on the team.

We’re taking a look back at the Cowichan Exhibition Logger Sports, where summer wrapped up with flying chips and forestry skills on full display. Western’s Ally Briscoe, Brad Constantine, Nicola Leonard and Nick Russell got in on the action, while Marie-Eve Leclerc helped keep the event moving as a volunteer. From axes flying to competitors racing up poles, the competition put skill, strength and a bit of nerve to the test, carrying on a logger sports tradition with deep roots on Vancouver Island. The event marked the close of the local logger sports season, with competitors now looking ahead to what’s next. Thanks to the Cowichan Exhibition team for keeping the tradition going and giving our crew a chance to be part of it. @NorthCowichan (Photos by Heather Warren)

Mass timber education starts with connecting the classroom to the industry. Kelsey Boyer, Director of Mass Timber at Western, gave a guest presentation at @CalPoly's Mass Timber Construction Management Faculty Workshop and led a hands-on exploration of Mass Timber products. "It’s always valuable to spend time with the faculty who are preparing the next generation of architects, engineers, and builders," Kelsey shared. "The more we can connect what’s happening in the mass timber industry with what’s being taught in the classroom, the better prepared students will be to work with these systems." Thank you to the Cal Poly team and participating faculty for bringing industry and education together!

The best part of the North Island Career Expo & Interactive Trades Event? Seeing students and job seekers explore career opportunities firsthand. Participants had the opportunity to try operating a crane manipulator, explore the tools and equipment used by our welders and mechanics, test their knowledge of nuts and bolts while wearing full PPE and identify tree species using wood and seed samples. It was great to connect with students from across SD 85 and local job seekers to share some of the many career opportunities available at Western. Thank you to the organizers, exhibitors and everyone who stopped by to make the event a success. Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, we're hiring in communities from Campbell River to Port McNeill, with opportunities for skilled trades professionals, equipment operators, aspiring forestry professionals and supervisors. Explore current openings: westernforest.com/careers #bcjobs @SkilledTradesBC

The Western team had some great conversations and made new connections at this year's @MassTimberPlus. Rich Frazer, General Manager of Engineered Wood Products, and Kelsey Boyer, Director of Mass Timber, represented Western at this year's event, connecting with industry colleagues and sharing updates on our Alaska Yellow Cedar and Hem-Fir glulam. It was a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people and discuss opportunities across the mass timber industry. Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with our team! Special thanks to @GetFEA and WoodWorks for bringing the industry together for a great conference. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversations. #AEC #MassTimber #Glulam

This Canadian Thanksgiving, we're grateful for the people who make Western what it is. From the seeds and seedlings that will become the forests of tomorrow to the products we deliver every day, it's your dedication, skill and care that make it all possible. Thank you for the care and expertise you bring to your work every day. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Western.

Congratulations to Anna McNally, Cedar Sales Manager at Western, on being named to Canadian Forest Industries’ Top 20 Under 40 list, recognizing emerging leaders in Canada’s forest products sector. Anna’s forestry career started almost by accident. After immigrating to Canada from Ireland, she joined Western in a reception role while getting settled and soon discovered an industry she wanted to grow with. Today, she leads one of Western’s key business segments and shares her knowledge with customers and the broader industry, from training building distributors to presenting at industry conferences. Anna credits the relationships she’s built and the trust she’s earned along the way as among her proudest achievements. @COFI_INFO

Build a career in forestry at Western Forest Products. We are hiring for roles across our Vancouver Island operations, from foresters and field planners to mechanics, millwrights, and grapple yarder positions. Explore opportunities to work with us and apply today: westernforest.com/careers/ #bcjobs