The Advance: Strengthening PA Hardwoods, Site Visits, AI Summit, Profile & Spotlights
Forests for the Future: Team Pennsylvania’s Strategic Impact Initiative to Advance Pennsylvania Hardwoods
Hardwoods are more than a natural resource—they’re a key economic driver for Pennsylvania’s forest regions.
Earlier this year, Team Pennsylvania launched a Strategic Impact Initiative to strengthen the hardwoods industry, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and statewide economic growth. We’re actively identifying fundable projects and seeking partners who share our vision.
This primer is a high-level outline of the state of the industry and how we’re working to shape the next era of opportunity for Pennsylvania hardwoods. . . . READ ON
SITE VISITS
A.M. Logging
Lisa Riggs and Kelly Kundratic of Team Pennsylvania spent a day in the forest and at the facilities of A.M. Logging in Centre County. The experience offered a firsthand look at the commitment to innovation and forest stewardship taking place in Pennsylvania. . . . READ ON
Conestoga Wood Specialties
Team Pennsylvania and our partner John Biemiller from EDC Lancaster County had the opportunity to visit Conestoga Wood Specialties, a national leader in custom crafted doors and components. Visiting this major employer gave us another opportunity to learn how and why PA manufacturers are deploying automation, and provided a real time pulse check on current economic conditions. . . . READ ON
Metzler Forest Products
This month, Lisa Riggs and Kelly Kundratic also visited Metzler Forest Products in Reedsville. Hosted by Nate Metzler, a second-generation at the helm of the family business, the visit highlighted the innovative ways Metzler is transforming what could be considered “waste” into products with real value. . . . READ ON
IN OTHER NEWS
Energy & Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh
Team Pennsylvania’s President & CEO Abby Smith, along with several current and former board members, were in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the Commonwealth was lifted up on the global stage to talk about two key topics we work on day in and day out: energy and innovation. . . . READ ON
A CMU Heinz Alumna Profile
“I walked out of Heinz College with a very full toolbox … It’s been consistently informing every single stage of my career.” In a political climate often defined by division, Abby Smith has built her career on a different principle: collaboration. . . . READ ON
BOARD DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT
Chris Bingaman
As a third-generation leader in Pennsylvania’s hardwood industry, Chris Bingaman brings a deep understanding of the economic and environmental value of Pennsylvania’s natural assets. In this short video, Chris shares why collaboration matters and how serving on Team Pennsylvania’s Board has expanded his view of what’s possible when sectors align around shared goals. . . . READ ON
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Kelly Kundratic
When Kelly joined Team Pennsylvania in 2018, she stepped into a brand-new role as the organization’s first Manager of Agriculture Policy and Programs, the sole subject matter expert on staff at the time. Today, she’s excited to be part of a growing team of content experts across sectors, as her work continues to drive growth and innovation in agriculture and advance the sector as a key engine of Pennsylvania’s economy. . . . READ ON