NC Forestry and the Global Economy

Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 1pm EST

A Virtual Panel of Forestry Leaders

NCFA invites you to join us in a conversation about North Carolina forestry and the global economy. We’ll answer questions on forest exports, marketing forest products and NC's national ranking, export challenges, and the future of exporting for forestry in NC.

Attendees are eligible for: 1 hour of Category 1 CFE

Our distinguished panelists will include the following individuals:

John Beard is the third-generation owner of this family-owned business started in 1930 by his grandfather, E.N. Beard, and carried on by his father, Thomas R. Beard. John started his career with the company in sales and procurement in Louisville, KY. John is a 1984 graduate of Christ School in Asheville, attended North Carolina State University for Wood Technology, and is a 1989 graduate of Greensboro College. John is married to Sarah Covington Beard and they have one son, John Beard Jr.

Tom Guthrie joined the N. C. State Ports Authority in 1990 and is currently Director, Key Accounts & Commercial Development in Wilmington, NC. Tom’s primary focus is developing additional import / export business for the container carriers calling Wilmington. Tom is a 1984 graduate of the College of Charleston, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He is a past President of the Cape Fear Chapter of the North Carolina World Trade Association, and is a past President of the NC League of Transportation & Logistics, where he maintains a seat on their board.

Susan P. Kostelecky has been advising exporters and certifying officials on meeting foreign countries’ requirements of plant and plant-based products since 1994. Susan earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from East Carolina University. Her favorite activity, besides her work, is watching her son, Phillip, play Hurricanes Sled Hockey, especially at the tournaments!

Michelle Wang has nearly a decade of experience in international business. Before joining the department, she worked for an international agricultural products trading company, developed frozen protein sales in the Asia region, and managed the China protein sales office as an international trader. She also has experience arranging logistics and documentations for international shipments and ensuring cargos meet the export requirements of various commodities.

Michelle received her bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering from Soochow University in Suzhou, China, and her master’s degree in Textile Marketing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Michelle is originally from Beijing, China, and speaks fluent Mandarin and English. Michelle is married with one son and one daughter.

NC Forest Products Exports Presentation - created by Michelle Wang, International Marketing Specialist, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Video on Michelle’s role at NCDA&CS - https://vimeo.com/494190100

NC Ports - NC Forest & Wood Products Marketing Presentation