The Alaska Forest Association is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this week during a 3-day convention in Sitka, executive director Jack Phelps announced today.

The AFA began life in 1956 as a division of the Timber Operators Association, and became the Alaska Loggers Association on July 21, 1957. The name was changed to the Alaska Forest Association in 1990 to reflect the decision to encompass all sectors of the forest products industry in Alaska, including sawmills, pulp mills and forest land owners.

"AFA has been providing high quality services to its members for four decades," said Phelps. "Managing public relations and government affairs for the industry has been the visible part of that work. Behind the scenes, AFA has provided a solid group health insurance plan, a pension plan and, through our sister company, workman's compensation. As the world and our industry has changed, the Association has always adapted to make sure loggers and mill workers had the opportunity to provide protection for their families."

"Through our annual safety conference every spring, our members have the opportunity to stay current on state of the art safety ideas, devices and techniques," said Phelps. "Our goal to keep the industry vibrant and healthy extends right down to every individual worker. I am proud of the efforts AFA member companies make to provide good paying, safe jobs for their employees."

The AFA convention is held each October. This year's event in Sitka will include speeches by Congressman Helen Chenoweth (R-ldaho), Society of American Foresters President Harry Wiant, and former Alaska State Senator Lloyd Jones.