Commerce Sends Delegate to International Mass Timber Conference in Portland
The Montana Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, led a delegation to the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland from March 31-April 2. Justin Bilyeu, international trade specialist, represented Commerce’s Export Montana team.
“This delegation brings together Montana companies, researchers, mills and service providers to accelerate wood innovation statewide,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. “By exploring international trends, they facilitate strategic business connections that support export expansion and trade mission recruitment.”
Members of the newly formed Montana 21st Century Wood Innovation Group and other industry players from across the timber supply chain made up the 60-person Montana delegation. The group will continue meeting regularly to explore innovations in the industry. Delegates participated in site tours, trainings and seminars and walked the show to network and learn about innovations. The delegation visited the booths of several exciting Montana companies who exhibited at the show, such as SmartLam, one of the leading mass timber producers in the country.
Introductions were made at the show among industry leaders, international partners and Softwood Export Council representatives, which helped generate interest in upcoming international trade shows and missions with an emphasis on Asia and Mexico. Domestic connections were also made between Montana participants like Sun Mountain Lumber and SmartLam, who began conversations on working together.
Commerce supports Montana’s wood products industry through a range of programs, from the Export Montana team’s grant programs, technical support and resource referrals, to the industry specific Wood Products Revolving Loan Fund.
Bilyeu said, “This conference was a productive event for Montana’s timber industry, innovation ecosystem and export efforts. The delegation strengthened Montana’s national profile and opened pathways for export expansion, technology adoption and investment. The connections forged at the conference will continue to support Montana’s leadership in the wood industry.”
For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.
Tags: Article