The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) kicked-off their annual forestry conference in Vancouver, with a sold-out Ice Breaker (more than 700 delegates and 51 booths). The two-day conference promises to be an outstanding event given the expected attendance and high profile speakers such the Hon. David Eby, Premier of BC, Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations, Arun Alexander, Canada’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States; BC Minister of Forests, Hon. Bruce Ralston and BC Minister of State for Sustainable Development, Hon. Andrew Mercier. Linda Coady, President and CEO of COFI opened the conference noting her delight to be in a room connecting with so many provincial, municipal and First Nation leaders as well as the many firms and individuals that service and supply our mills. The event sponsor, KPMG Partners John Desjardins and Andrew James shared the stage, emphasizing their firm’s work with many forest industry clients, the challenges industry currently faces and the importance of working together to address the issues of concern.

The JW Marriott Park Hotel and Conference centre was the scene of a forest sector reunion of sorts. This evening was a demonstration of the camaraderie and support within the forest sector as delegates and exhibitors mingled, snacked, shook hands and hugged in a display of mutual respect and friendship. Sandy had so much fun pulling all of these willing faces together for group photos.