Why Become an AOL Member?

“AOL… The voice for Oregon Logging Operators”
With
the many small business challenges faced today, the logging and forest contractor
needs a business partner on their side. While being a profitable & successful independent
forest contractor is a goal most aspire to achieve, gaining the support and synergy
from a business ally—such as Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL)—can help the contractor
overcome some of their challenges and accomplish that goal. AOL is on the logger’s
team!
Top-Ten Reasons… Why to Join AOL
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40
years on the logger’s team. Founded in 1969, for over 40 years the association
has been a respected partner for Oregon independent contractors who sought-out the
association’s valued small-business services. The association works to foster an
effective business, forestry and public policy climate—necessary for forest contractors
to prosper in their small business operations.
- Savings with membership.
Most
member companies “make money” by belonging to AOL. How is that possible? Member
programs provide real value, such as: savings from group insurance rates; insurance
dividends; lessons learned; losses/accidents prevented; free technical materials;
on-site consultations; improved regulation/policies; reimbursement for 1st aid &
hearing training; free seminars; exclusive communication programs; fee-less logger
certification; informative newsletters; camaraderie & sharing with peers; and more!
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By
loggers, for loggers. AOL member services have grown and evolved to continue
meeting logging contractor needs. Meeting today’s challenges and addressing tomorrow’s
opportunities. AOL is governed by a board, officers, and program committees comprised
of Oregon loggers who volunteer their leadership.
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Strong
voice for loggers. AOL joins you with fellow contractors in making sure
your voice is heard among purchasers, landowners, lawmakers, regulators, lobbyists,
allied associations, media, and the public—without you having to take time away
from the job. AOL collaborates with at least 11 other forestry and farm trade groups
in Oregon, to assure that contractor interests become collectively more powerful.
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Valuable
services. AOL provides members with highly sought-after programs, including:
government affairs, group insurance benefits, industry relations, field communications,
professional logger certification, public relations, technical assistance, and community
service.
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Participation
& sharing. AOL-sponsored AOL-sponsored meetings, conferences, committees,
and seminars allow you to participate, socialize, and share information and camaraderie
with other loggers and industry representatives. Such communication and programs
foster innovation and continuous improvement.
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Experienced
staff. AOL’s staff of 16 skilled professionals provides excellent
service, consultation, and representation for the associations’ 1,000 member companies.
Your association staff collectively has over 370 years of experience in harvesting
and forest business professions.
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State
policymaking. Your association strongly represents the forest contractor
interests in state government and agency policymaking, including the Oregon Legislature,
Forestry Department, OR-OSHA, BOLI, SAIF, ODOT, DEQ, ODFW, and other state & county
agencies. The AOL-Political Action Committee gives Oregon loggers influence in the
Legislature.
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Federal
policymaking. The association reliably represents the forest contractor
interests in federal government and agency policymaking, including the US Congress,
US Forest Service, BLM, Fed-OSHA, Fed-DOT, EPA, USFWS, NMFS, and others.
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Consultation.
The experienced staff of AOL provides member companies with valuable consultation,
technical advice, and safety materials. As the contract operator faces the day-to-day
challenges of business, it’s reassuring to know that AOL is a part of the contractor’s
team—offering guidance in those regulatory matters, compliance, or just sharing
improved methods.
Being in the logging and forest contracting business is
competitive. It’s never been easy; and today’s forest contractor has a never-ending
list of obstacles to overcome for most any contract situation. AOL programs can
aid in topping hurdles, such as operational, regulatory, contractual, accounting,
workforce, managerial, financial and surety, to name a few.
By joining AOL—with America’s largest logging association membership—you add a strong
player to help your forest business have a winning team!