As you read through this issue of Wood Bioenergy, make sure not to overlook the preview for Timber & Biomass Expo Southeast, starting on page 32. As the article explains in detail, the show will take place on land owned by The Langdale Co. near Valdosta, Ga., near the Florida line. The location is appropriate. Georgia and Florida are hot spots for wood bioenergy development, with dozens of wood fired power plants and pellet plants and a cellulosic ethanol plant announced in the last three years.
Excitement in anticipation of the show, now scheduled for June, continues to build as the date approaches. The show itself has been in the planning stages for a very long time but has been delayed by several factors, primarily market-related and most recently from heavy rain in the area throughout late 2009 and into the early months of 2010. Had the rain not made the ground too wet, the show would have been held in April. In some ways this most recent delay has been a blessing in disguise, according to Hatton-Brown co-publisher DK Knight (Hatton-Brown, which publishes Wood Bioenergy as well as multiple timber business-related periodicals, is sponsoring the event). The April-to-June postponement has allowed time for more exhibitors to take part, including one that will be debuting its forest equipment line in the South.
From Left: Dan Shell, Western Editor; David Abbott, Associate Editor; David (DK) Knight, Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Jennifer McCary, Senior Associate Editor; Rich Donnell, Editor
This is the first show of its kind in nearly a decade in the timber-rich Deep South. The fact that it is taking place at all is noteworthy and is a sign of gradual improvement in the industry. Dozens of manufacturers are taking part, representing all sides of the business, from traditional harvesting and related machinery to developing wood-to-energy machine and systems. The article details what many of the exhibitors plan to showcase. The editorial staff at Wood Bioenergy is looking forward to seeing what each exhibitor offers, and we look forward to seeing many of you there as well.