he Friends of Forestry Political Action Committee has grown and is now one of the top 25 business PAC’s in North Carolina. Our successes in the General Assembly are directly related to our PAC’s ability to educate candidates on the importance of forestry and to provide them financial support for their campaigns.

Formed in 1999, the FFPAC is non-partisan and not affiliated with any political party and is registered with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The PAC was formed to provide financial assistance to candidates for statewide political office who support forestry and the forest products industry.

WHY IS A PAC NECESSARY? In short, it is critical that forestry interests take an active role in politics in North Carolina support state legislators who support forestry. As North Carolina becomes more urban, the political power will continue to shift from rural to urban areas. In 2008, 51% of the registered voters live in 14 of the state’s 100 counties. Consequently, 51% of the General Assembly comes from these 14 counties. Legislators elected from these areas often lack the understanding of and ties to forestry and agriculture.

WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF THE PAC? To promote and strive for the improvement of government by encouraging and stimulating forestry interests to take a more active and effective role in governmental affairs.

• Encourage and promote the private enterprise system.
• Assist forestry interests in organizing for more effective political action in carrying out its civic responsibility.
• Financially support those candidates for state election who are knowledgeable and/or supportive of forestry needs.
• Create awareness among candidates of the importance of forestry to the economy and the environment.

WILL THE PAC SUPPORT CANDIDATES FOR FEDERAL OFFICE? No. The Friends of Forestry PAC was formed as a state PAC and will not participate in federal elections. 

WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE PAC? All contributions must originate from individuals from their personal funds. The PAC may not receive funds from a for-profit business entity, a labor union, professional association or insurance company or drawn on a business account.

ARE THESE CONTRIBUTIONS DEDUCTIBLE? No. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 removed many deductions previously available, including deductions for contributions to political entities.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC RULES IN SOLICITING CONTRIBUTIONS? All monies solicited shall be voluntary contributions and may not be secured by physical force, job discrimination or financial reprisals, or by due, fees, or other monies required as a condition of membership or employment, or as a requirement with respect to any terms or conditions of employment.Additionally, North Carolina law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, job title, or profession and name of employer or employer’s specific field for each individual whose contributions aggregate is in excess of $100 in an election cycle.

IS THE FRIENDS OF FORESTRY PAC AFFILIATED WITH ANY MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY? NO. The PAC is not bound by Democrat or Republican (other any other) party. Environmental and business issues are not party specific. Support of a candidate will be based on their voting record, past support of forestry issues or their stated platform regarding forestry related and business issues.

WHO WILL MAKE THE DECISIONS ON WHO TO SUPPORT? The Board of Directors for the Friends of Forestry PAC will determine who to support and how much will be contributed to an individual campaign. The Board will solicit and accept advice from NCFA members and others knowledgeable about the candidates.

The Friends of Forestry PAC Board will consider additional donations to candidates following the adjournment of the General Assembly in mid-2008. Any member wishing to recommend support of a candidate should send an e-mail to Bob Slocum at rwslocum@ncforestry.org