Page 23 - Georgia Forestry - Spring 2020
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  The Importance of Cultivating Relationships
GFA President and CEO Andres Villegas noted the importance of relationships in telling the story of forestry at the Capitol and beyond.
Jackson and Singleton’s friendship “is a reminder to all GFA members of the opportunity we have to each be cham- pions of forestry and the importance of cultivating relationships,” Villegas said. “Eighty percent of our state’s population today is urban, living in 10 of Georgia’s major cities. This percentage will only continue to grow. Having champions for our industry on both sides of the aisle who represent both urban and rural communities is critical to the success of forestry in the political process as well as demand in consumer markets.”
The lifelong friendship Jackson and Singleton have enjoyed is helping tremen- dously to facilitate this climate of trust. As Jackson said, “This interview is a great example. How often do you see a legislator and a forestry expert talking about trust, relationships and inclusiveness?”
Jackson often thinks about something that Singleton emphasizes whenever he talks about the industry: “Grow forestry with intentions.”
“We need everyone sitting at the table,” Jackson elaborated. “We are going to miss something if we don’t include everyone in these discus- sions.” Jackson added that we must be intentional about Georgia’s continued economic development. Specifically, he tied it back to how we are educating the next wave of Georgia citizens, and the need for branding forestry as a lucrative and exciting career option for young adults, African Americans and women who have an interest in sustainable com- munities and industries.
Jackson reflected that, if not for his friendship with Singleton, he would take forestry for granted. Luckily for Georgia’s forestry community, their 26-year relationship has elevated, enhanced and encouraged the voice of forestry in Georgia’s General Assembly and in House District 64. 
RACHEL WALLENSTEIN IS AN ATLANTA- BASED FREELANCE WRITER. SHE HAS WRITTEN FOR A VARIETY OF PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLICATIONS, AND HAS ALSO WORKED WITH THE DIGITAL WRITING ASSISTANT GRAMMARLY.
  ServiinggtTheSouthheeaassttFofroOrve3r030yYears.
  BEACH TIMBER COMPANY, Inc.
We are pole, piling, and mulch manufacturers, focusing on procuring wood and buying timber.
Gary Strickland, Owner
(912) 632-2800
www.beachtimber.com
P.O. Box 763 • Alma, GA 31510
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