October 14, 2008
Mississippi Forestry Association is pleased to announce Brad Smith of B.J. Smith Logging, Cobbs, as the 2008 Outstanding Logger of the Year. Smith was honored at the MFA President’s Banquet on October 16, in Choctaw as part of the organization’s Annual Meeting. The 350 banquet guests watched a video produced by Farmweek detailing Smith’s logging company before the award was presented. Smith was presented with a miniature handmade wooden logging truck, a check for $500.00, a monogrammed camouflage jacket and various other prizes. Smith requested all prizes be donated to Log-A-Load for Kids, a charity that benefits sick children.
Ron Ard, Plum Creek senior resource forester nominated Smith and praised his environmental record, work ethic, and high moral character. “Brad is an honest, Christian, hard-working professional who has started at the bottom and worked his way up to becoming a successful businessman.” said Ard.
Smith, who has operated his own logging operation for 12 years is the son and grandson of loggers. Paul B. Smith, logged for fifty years, working first with a team of mules and cross cut saws. Jimmy Smith, Brad’s father, was named MFA Outstanding Logger of the Year in 2005. Amy Smith, Brad’s wife continues the family tradition by working as the company’s secretary/treasurer.
Safety is a hallmark of B.J. Smith Logging. Smith supervises a crew of eleven employees and insists on safe logging operations, supplying the crew with all conventional safety gear. “Safety comes first for him,” said Ron Ard, nominator.
Smith has completed sustainable Forestry Initiative training and adheres closely to Best Management Practices. He is a member of Mississippi Forestry Association, Lincoln and Southwest County Forestry Associations, and the Mississippi Loggers Association.
Brad, Amy and their three children participate in many community charities including Log–A-Load for Kids and are also active members of the New Hope Church of Christ.
Mississippi Forestry Association’s vision is to serve as The Voice of Forestry in Mississippi. In 1938 MFA was formed to guard and grow Mississippi’s forests and that is still the mission today. MFA is the only organization that represents every group in the forestry community. MFA leads the efforts in protecting landowner rights, improving the forest products economy and educating the community about the ecological benefits of healthy, renewable forests and of the forest industry. MFA is a private (non government), nonprofit association. To learn more, visit www.msforestry.net.