Kevin Kanduch - Presidents Message

As we move into the start of the summer season, there are encouraging signs across Montana's forest products industry. Markets continue to slowly creep upward, and while challenges remain, there is a growing sense of cautious optimism throughout the industry. Many facilities are seeing increased activity, and I remain hopeful that this positive trend continues in the months ahead.

The Montana Logging Association recently celebrated a major milestone at our 50th Anniversary Convention. It was a tremendous event filled with great conversations, important connections, and an opportunity to hear about, and reflect on, the roots of our association. On behalf of the MLA, thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the celebration such a success. Your support and participation are what continue to make this organization strong.

I also want to remind everyone that the Blue Collar Scholarship deadline has been extended, and the scholarship value has been doubled. This program is designed to support the awesome people that we get to work with every day as employers, and we encourage anyone who may qualify to apply. Scholarship applications and additional information have been included in the recent Compendium emails are available on the MLA website www.logging.org.

Here at KLM Contracting, spring breakup repairs are largely behind us, and equipment is steadily moving back out of the yard and onto projects. We are currently ramping up work in Salmon and Clinton while also starting several mastication projects throughout the area. Our excavation crew has been working hard and is getting a fantastic start for the hectic season ahead.

By now, you know that I like to end these messages with a little inspiration. So, this time I would like to focus on momentum.

Momentum is a powerful thing. It doesn't happen all at once, it is built through consistent effort, daily discipline, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when progress feels slow. Whether it's improving markets, growing a business, training the next generation, or simply getting through a challenging season, success often comes from small steps repeated over time.

As we head into the busiest months of the year, I encourage everyone to focus on building momentum in their operations, their teams, and their personal goals. Keep moving forward, support one another, and remember that today's effort lays the foundation for tomorrow's success.

Stay safe, work hard, and have a great summer.

Kevin Kanduch

President, Montana Logging Association