Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. invites you to join other members and guests at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA for the 2009 Summer Family Conference on Aug. 1-4.

The Homestead is an AHMI member favorite with its panoramic view of the Appalachian Mountains, finely appointed rooms and suites, superb dining, a myriad of sporting activities and outdoor summer adventure. It is ranked among the world’s finest golf and spa resorts and is steeped in the rich and timeless tradition of Southern hospitality that treats all visitors with a gracious atmosphere.

The AHMI package offers meeting participants the Modified American Dining plan with two meals included each day at any of The Homestead venues.

The conference begins with an informal reception for early birds on Saturday, Aug. 1 in the Chairman's Suite at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 2, optional golf is available and meeting registration at 4 p.m. with the Welcoming Reception at 6 p.m.

The Monday business session will begin with a detailed presentation by Michael Snow, executive director of the American Hardwood Export Council. He will share information on developing markets for American Hardwoods around the world. AHEC has recently completed research on markets in India, Australia and the Middle East and he will discuss this and offer reports on efforts in existing markets.

A second session is the announcement of partnerships with three organizations to offer Forest Stewardship Council group forest land and chain of custody certification for AHMI member companies. The association is finalizing plans with the Southern Forest Network, the WoodNet Market Council, and Foresters Inc. and representatives of each company will share information.  The strategy will provide options for member companies to use a template approach to completing the process and paperwork involved with certification. Many companies will find cost and time savings in the group approach.

Following the business session, golf, tennis and sporting clay tournaments are set for Monday afternoon. A reception is scheduled for Monday evening at 6. The conference will close with an AHMI Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Reservation forms for The Homestead and AHMI meeting are linked below. Reservations for dinner are required in all of The Homestead’s restaurants and we strongly encourage you to make your dinner reservations at the time you book your room reservation.  If you have questions, please call the AHMI office at 336-885-8315.

Homestead reservation form (print and return by mail)

Homestead reservation online
(enter the group code APPALACHIAN)

2009 Summer Conference -
Aug. 1-4
The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA

2010 Annual Meeting - Feb. 24-28
Long Boat Key Club, Long Boat Key, FL