[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 24, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SHERM ANDERSON

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing Sherm Anderson of Powell County for his long-standing 
dedication to Montana's timber industry, carrying out his family's 
entrepreneurial spirit in his hometown of Deer Lodge and for selflessly 
serving the greater Powell County community. His perseverance in his 
personal and professional life helps the State of Montana maintain its 
vital wood products industry.
  Sherm's dedication to healthy Montana forests first began when he was 
a teenager driving a logging truck. Years later, he and his wife Bonnie 
went on to form the Sun Mountain Lumber forest products company, which 
employs hundreds of people and serves as the Treasure State's largest 
lumber mill and North America's largest finger joint plant. Sun 
Mountain Lumber plays a vital role in the Deer Lodge Valley economy and 
continues to have an impact across the State. Earlier this year, Sherm 
purchased R-Y Timber, a Livingston, MT, sawmill, that was shuttered 
following a devastating fire--and saved even more logging jobs. 
Montanans are lucky to have this forest products powerhouse right in 
our backyard.
  When it comes to Sherm's accomplished work history, he served in the 
Montana State Legislature, branched out into real estate and 
construction, operates a fitness center, contributes to a local auto 
museum, maintains his own 1,200-acre ranch, and most recently invested 
in the town's old hospital complex in order to renovate it into 
workforce housing. As Sherm continues to weather the volatility of the 
timber industry, he understands that collaboration is critical to 
keeping important wood product jobs viable and also ensuring our forest 
lands remain healthy for generations to come. It is clear Sherm 
understands the importance in working with folks from all backgrounds 
to make southwestern Montana a better place to live and work.
  It is my distinct honor to recognize Sherm Anderson for his passion 
to preserve our shared Montana way of life. The Anderson family has 
created a multigenerational legacy that promotes fruitful forest 
stewardship.``Montana Proud!''

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