[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 152 (Wednesday, October 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES ON RE-OPENING THE SONORA 
                                SAWMILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Sierra Pacific Industries on re-opening the Sonora Sawmill. This 
dedicated business is assisting in bringing back economic vitality to 
the region.
  Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) is a third-generation family-owned 
forest products company based in Anderson, California. With its 
formation in 1949, the firm now owns and manages nearly 1.9 million 
acres of timberland in California and Washington, and is the second 
largest lumber producer in the United States. Sierra Pacific employs 
over 3,500 people in these two states, with about 3,000 of them in 
California. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that these direct jobs in 
California also provide more than 7,000 indirect jobs in related and 
affected businesses.
  At Sierra Pacific Industries, the company's dedicated team members 
produce quality wood products using the most sophisticated equipment 
and machinery. This basic understanding represents Sierra Pacific's 
philosophy toward its valued crew members. During the course of Sierra 
Pacific's growth and development, efforts have been made to assure an 
atmosphere of fair treatment and appreciation for all employees. Some 
of SPI's continuing programs include: appropriate compensation and 
benefit levels for crew members and their dependents; development of 
supervisors sensitive to the needs and concerns of today's crew 
members; and career advancement opportunities for all employees through 
a desire to promote from within the company whenever possible. Through 
a full commitment to this philosophy, SPI continues to be an 
organization where its crew members are proud to work and others strive 
to become part of the team.
  Sierra Pacific continues to make substantial investments in forestry 
and mill modernization in the State of California. Although many 
companies have left the state due to its difficult economic and 
regulatory climate, SPI remains committed to rebuilding a competitive 
climate for business in California and investing in the rural 
communities where it operates.
  Sierra Pacific Industries is committed to managing its lands in a 
responsible and sustainable manner to protect the environment while 
providing quality wood products and renewable power for consumers. To 
SPI, sustainable forest management means more than planting trees. The 
company employs modern forest management practices that closely mimic 
natural forest events. It has invested in state-of-the-art equipment to 
optimize every fiber of every tree. SPI is a voluntary partner in the 
independent Sustainable Forestry Initiative ' 
(SFI') forest certification program to help ensure our 
forests are here for generations to come. The expertise of its 
registered professional foresters and natural resource specialists 
guarantees that wildlife habitats, water quality, and other forest 
values are protected.
  The Sierra Pacific Foundation was established and funded in 1979 by 
A.A. ``Red'' Emmerson's father, R.H. ``Curly'' Emmerson. During the 
past 20 years, the Foundation has provided over $3 million in Higher 
Education scholarships to dependent children of SPI employees. The 
Foundation also contributes to youth activities and other organizations 
in the communities in which Sierra Pacific Industries has facilities, 
with contributions to more than 100 worthy organizations each year. The 
Foundation awarded $403,250 to 177 students to assist them as they 
attend colleges, universities and trade schools during the 2011-2012 
school year.
  Mrs. Ida Emmerson, wife of company president A.A. ``Red'' Emmerson 
for nearly 41 years, served as president of the Sierra Pacific 
Foundation until her death in 1996. Red and Ida's daughter, Carolyn 
Dietz, proudly succeeded her as Foundation president.
  The original Sonora sawmill was first constructed in 1901. It had 
several owners before Sierra Pacific Industries purchased it and nearby 
timberlands in 1995. Sierra Pacific operated the plant continuously 
until it was forced to close the facility in 2009 amid weakness in the 
lumber market, reduced timber harvests on nearby national forest lands, 
and increasing state regulatory burdens. In June of 2011 SPI announced 
that it would rebuild the mill using new technologies that would allow 
it to cut a wider array of log sizes to maximize the efficiency of the 
operation. The mill restarted in September, 2011 and employs about 130 
workers on two shifts.
  Sierra Pacific Industries generates $11.7 million in annual payroll 
in Tuolumne County to its direct employees, and pays $400,000 in 
property taxes. In addition, SPI pays out over $200,000 annually to 
local vendors for their supplies and services.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising Sierra Pacific Industries for 
their diligent work in the timber industry and applauding them in the 
re-opening of the Sonora Sawmill.

                          ____________________