Given the growing expenses of doing business, it might seem like a stretch to justify paying dues to member organizations like ATPA. But during the challenging times, it actually makes the most sense. After all, the main task of ATPA is representing the interests of timber producers and affiliates in decision-making (think policies, regulations, procedures and financial costs) at the regional and national levels that impact our industry the most.
In 1991 ATPA was established for two reasons:
- The emerging independent status of logging contractors in relationship to the companies they produced timber for meant loggers now faced challenges unique only to them; and
- Loggers knew there were issues and problems they simply could not solve alone — like soaring workers’ compensation rates, rising fuel costs, timber harvesting constraints and OSHA and other business regulations
For the past 25+ years ATPA has been a respected agent on behalf of its members with a significant number of successes to its credit. ATPA has proven that working collectively can be most effective tool in this business. In addition, ATPA offers a number of value-added benefits and services, like our insurance program, that help a logger’s bottom line.
Whether or not to join ATPA is perhaps one of many important decisions you will have to make this year. Having been involved in this industry for many years, I can tell you this: ATPA membership is an investment in your business and in the future of your industry — one you will appreciate for years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Specific Accomplishments of ATPA for its Members
Political Activism & Representation
- ATPA was successful in the passage of legislation exempting new and used equipment and related attachments from the state sales tax.
- Coordination with the Arkansas Highway Police to provide a permitting system authorizing the hauling of overweight logging equipment.
- Worked with state and national elected officials to secure access to emergency funding and loans for loggers impacted across the state by the economic climate compounded by natural disasters and conditions.
- Charter member of the American Loggers Council (ALC). The ALC is a national association representing loggers in 24 states. The ATPA works with the American Loggers Council (ALC) in addressing legislation at the national level.
Keeping Workers Compensation Rates in Check
Soaring workers compensation rates can put even the most successful logging operations out of business. ATPA works to keep rates fair and reasonable by supporting workers compensation insurance reform legislation. The ATPA was successful in the promotion and establishment of Insurance Class Code #2719 – mechanized logging – which provides for a significantly reduced workers’ compensation rate for fully mechanized logging operations. The ATPA is the Arkansas Insurance Department’s certifying agent for Class Code #2719.
The ATPA offers its members a highly successful endorsed worker’s compensation insurance program. This program includes other lines of insurance in addition to workers’ compensation and provides a dividend issuance to members in the program. See Programs & Benefits under the ATPA drop-down menu for more information.
Opportunities for Professional Development/Continuing Education
Since 1995, the ATPA has been the administrative agent for the award-winning Ark Pro Logger Training program providing information and training in areas such as Timber Harvesting & Transportation Safety, OSHA Regulations, Business Management, Best Management Practices (BMPs), Environmental Considerations and Defensive Truck Driving.
Communication of Important Information Pertinant to our Industry
The ATPA provides our members with up-to-date information on critical information, legislative progress, and other communications via a number of vehicles, including electronic newsletters delivered to the inbox.
The Southwest Forest Products Expo
This indoor static equipment and forest products and services industry show is held bi-annually and is considered one of the best regional showcases across the country! In addition to large-scale equipment, the event showcases the latest in tech, supplies, and services that help our contractors and loggers thrive in the field (and the office)!
Involvement in the Community through Log A Load for Kids
The ATPA in coordination with the Arkansas Forestry Association co-sponsors the Log A Load for Kids program, a fund-raising project that benefits the children treated at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. More than $5 million dollars has been raised through the Arkansas Log A Load fundraising campaign since 1993, a portion of which was used to fund the first ever Pediatric Cardiovascular Chair at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, sustainability of the Angel Transport Program, and currently, support for a South Wing Expansion project.