Training at the EXPO

We offer a number of Ark Pro Logger training workshops right at the Southwest Forest Products Expo, and these workshops/classes fill up fast. Be sure to register at our ONLINE TICKET HUB to reserve your spot [LINKED HERE]. Note, you will need to register for both the Expo and within that registration, you will need to register for the classes you want to take (numbered Class 1-6).

ATPA 2025 Southwest Forest Products EXPO Logger Training

Hot Springs Convention Center rooms 207 & 208

 

FRIDAY, AUG 22, 2025

Class 1: Union Pacific Crossing Reduction Education and Safety

  • Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 AM
  • Description: This presentation is targeted to the general public, Loggers, Log truck drivers. It’s designed to heighten awareness of rail safety and to change behaviors around Union Pacific Railroad crossings. 
  • Presenter: Buck Russel, Sr. is the Supervisor of Public Safety Union Pacific Railroad and works to prevent highway grade crossing collision and trespasser incidents through education, enforcement, engineering and community outreach.

Class 2: Logger Safety

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Description:  This presentation is targeted to the general health and safety of loggers. 
  • Presenter: Dr. Venessa Casanova, earned degrees from the University of Alabama and Auburn University (PhD in Forestry) with postgraduate training in the fields of labor studies and public health. She joined the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, TX in 2013 and devotes her time to teaching, research, and service. She is also the director of the NIOSH-funded Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education.

Class 3: “Logs and Ledgers: Business Management for Logging Contractors

  • Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    • Description: This presentation introduces the NEW Business Management module for Logging Contractors. The goal is to make the information relevant so that logging contractors can make informed business decisions.   
  • Presenter: Dr. Shaun Tanger is an Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Trade in the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.  He has been at UAM since 2023
  • Rebecca Montgomery is an Economic Analyst with the Center for Forest Business. Ms. Montgomery has a BS and MS in Forestry from the UAM.

 

SATURDAY, AUG 23, 2025

Class 4: “Reducing Claims and improving driver safety with Vestige Multi-Camera System”

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Description: This presentation will provide tools needed to improve log truck drivers’ safety. 
  • Presenter: Mr. Derek Breedelove is the Senior Solutions Partner, He has been in the GPS/Telematics for 20+ years. He has two daughters ages 10 and 12.

Class 5: “Logs and Ledgers: Business Management for Logging Contractors

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Description: This presentation introduces the NEW Business Management module for Logging Contractors.  
  • Presenter: Dr. Shaun Tanger is an Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Trade in the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He has been at UAM since 2023 and previously worked as an Associate Professor of Forest Economics at both LSU and MSU. His outreach efforts are focused on forest management for small landowners, forestry related economic development projects, and supply chain logistics of timber harvesting.
  • Rebecca Montgomery is an Economic Analyst with the Center for Forest Business. Ms. Montgomery has a BS and MS in Forestry from the UAM. She has work experience with the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, the Arkansas Division of Forestry, the Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters, and as a consulting forester.

Class 6:  Arkansas 811

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Description: This presentation is designed to make your logging safer around all underground utilities, as well as regulations and laws in the state of Arkansas. 
  • Presenter: Eddie Powell, servers as Damage Prevention Coordinator for Arkansas 811, where he is responsible for promoting cooperation, coordination, and communication among the many entities involved in excavation with the goals to reduce damages and facilitate partnership among those entities.