Message From The CEO Q1 2026

“…every year one day comes, when, although there is no obvious change in the appearance of trees and hedges, the Earth seems to breathe and it is spring.”

-          Elizabeth Clarke

 

Spring is in the air and I hope you are feeling it..

I’m writing this in mid-March, just days away from the Spring Equinox, when we officially mark the season of renewal. Things are looking good here in the Carolinas, with trees blossoming and grass greening up again. I recognize that many of our facilities still have snow on the ground btw…

The weather is a little volatile, just as it normally is when we leave the struggle of Winter and we start to enjoy the sun shining on us more directly again in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

The Source: NASA https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/watch-the-skies/2021/03/19/march-equinox-brings-2-seasons-spring-autumn/

I look forward to the spirit of Renewal that comes around this time of year.B etween what we see and experience outdoors and the lessons around Easter, you can’t avoid being reminded that we exist in a world of cycles, and this is one of the great ones…Spring should fill us with thoughts of new growth, hope and optimism.

Let’s face it – it’s been a bumpy ride in the building, construction and hardwood plywood markets of late. So much static and noise and speculation about markets and tariffs and interest rates and national debt, all contributing to a mindset of clouds and doubt.

But let’s take some time to breathe in the fresh Spring air and take note of the strengths we have going for us. You don’t even have to think that hard about it…we’ve all got plenty of reasons to think positively.

Columbia’s Data Analyst Nick Alison shares a great example in this issue…just as we hear that home builders are reeling from “high” mortgage rates holding back starts, we’re reminded of how many homes in North America are 40+ years old and there’s plenty of equity homeowners can tap to do the improvements that will bring them greater value and enjoyment.

We’re seeing and hearing from our customers that they’ve got healthy, extended order files and many big commercial projects are being approved for construction across our markets. The shoots of growth are there for those who look.

And as I’ve said before, Columbia is always preparing for times like this… log decks are ready for increased demand and we’re even bringing in helicopters to bolster the effort.

Let’s all hit this Spring season with the vitality, vigor and enthusiasm that matches Nature’s own efforts!