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Dave Donaldson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Forest Resources at The Westervelt Company, will share the legacy and evolution of one of the nation's most respected, privately owned land stewardship organizations. With more than a century of experience navigating shifting economic, environmental, and political landscapes, Westervelt’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and principled leadership. This keynote will offer forest leaders valuable insight into how enduring values and adaptive strategies can shape a sustainable future—even in the face of uncertainty.

A.I. in the Woods: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Future-Proof Your Business
Artificial intelligence is no longer a “someday” technology — it’s transforming how businesses of every size and industry work right now. For forestry and natural resources companies, AI can be a powerful tool to streamline operations, cut costs, and uncover opportunities you didn’t know were there. This session goes beyond the buzzwords to show you exactly how AI can strengthen your competitive edge — and what dangers you must be ready to defend against. You’ll leave with fresh, practical ideas you can put to work immediately, proving that even the most traditional businesses can thrive in an AI-driven world.

Turning Challenges into Game-Changers: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Innovation in Natural Resource
In today’s fast-changing natural resources industry, innovation is the difference between keeping up and leading the way. Learn how to turn big challenges into market-shaping opportunities. You’ll get an inside look at a real-world process for spotting untapped potential, launching new ventures, and transforming existing businesses for the future.

Fueling Innovation: Unlocking the Capital to Power Your Next Big Move
Every breakthrough — whether it’s a bold new venture or a smarter way to grow an existing business — needs the right funding to succeed. This session will demystify the capital-raising process, from understanding the different stages of investment to knowing how and where to connect with potential funders. You’ll discover strategies to make your ideas stand out, attract investor interest, and position your business for long-term growth. With opportunities ranging from private equity to national funding sources, you’ll see how securing capital can open doors, expand markets, and turn vision into reality. This is your roadmap to making innovation happen.

From Challenge to Action: VFA’s Plan for a Stronger Forestry Future
As the forestry industry faces mounting challenges and shifting market forces, the Virginia Forestry Association is charting a clear course to protect and advance our members’ interests. In this session, you’ll hear the latest state-of-the-industry insights for Q4 2025 and a forward-looking outlook for 2026. We’ll share the short- and long-term actions VFA is taking — shaped directly by your peers through Town Hall and Segment Council discussions — to address urgent threats, seize emerging opportunities, and take decisive steps that matter now. This is your chance to see how member input is driving real change and ensuring Virginia’s forestry sector remains resilient, competitive, and future-ready.

Closing Remarks: The Power of Servant Leadership