In the world of timber harvesting, 2024 has been a monumental year for Shamco, Inc. of Iron River, Michigan, as they secured a "triple crown" of awards. The company’s exceptional practices, commitment to safety, and innovative forestry techniques have garnered them national recognition across multiple stages in the industry.
Shamco’s winning streak began with their selection as the Michigan Association of Timbermen’s 2023 Logger of the Year. This honor was awarded in April at the MAT's annual event in Frankenmuth, Michigan, where Michigan’s industry leaders gathered to celebrate our members. The power of this award, which brings statewide visibility, set Shamco on the path to further accolades.
In early October, Shamco’s accomplishments led to an even higher honor: they were named the 2024 Logging Business of the Year by Timber Harvesting and Forest Operations Magazine at the American Loggers Council Annual Meeting in Sonora, California. This award is well known in the industry, recognizing top logging businesses for their excellence in performance, sustainability, and community involvement. As part of the award package, Shamco was featured on the front cover of the magazine’s September/October issue and honored with a custom video production that showcased their cutting-edge logging operations and environmental stewardship. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GG3l9TV7Xk
To cap off this remarkable year, Shamco was selected by the Forest Resources Association (FRA) as the winner of the 2024 FRA Lake States Region Outstanding Logger Award. This award, presented in Wausau, Wisconsin, marked the culmination of Shamco’s "triple crown" achievement. Along with industry-wide recognition, this award came with a $500 check and a brand-new Stihl chainsaw, presented by Stihl—a fitting prize for a team that exemplifies excellence in logging.
These honors emphasize how valuable it is for Michigan timber companies to strive for excellence. Winning the MAT Logger of the Year award can be a gateway to further national recognition, as seen with Shamco's trajectory in 2024. Their success is a testament to the quality of Michigan’s timber industry and the bright future that awaits those committed to managing our State’s great forest assets.
Shamco’s triple win serves as inspiration for all MAT members—an example of where hard work, innovation, and dedication to the craft can lead.
Read about their awards here:
MAT Logger of the Year award: https://www.ironcountyreporter.com/outdoors/shamco-named-logger-year
Timber Harvesting Magazine Loggin Business of the Year award: https://timberharvesting.com/september-october-2024/
FRA Lake States region Outstanding Logger of the Year award: https://forestresources.org/resources/shamco-inc-recognized-as-fras-lake-states-region-2024-outstanding-logger/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGEmsZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTlznRwlftYR0QwFlKmTBIXGuuefJ3L2haxDobuZpe3MrUjguhyjNWx_WQ_aem_LQwMex4kUcWXtR0XPfu1sg