Team Selected to Study Commodity “Check-offs”

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities has selected Phoenix Strategic Solutions, Inc. to lead a team which includes Kelly McCloskey & Associates, Ltd. and the Artemis Strategy Group to deliver services in response to Endowment RFP 2008-002. Expected outputs will yield a comprehensive feasibility report with implementation options examining the potential for coordinated “check-off” programs for softwood lumber in the United States and Canada. The intent is to consider the potential to provide a stable and uninterrupted funding stream to support and expand markets to benefit the broad range of forest communities and stakeholders reliant upon softwood forests and forest-based products across North America. “We’re especially pleased to have these three highly competent organizations in a partnership which combines their expertise to undertake this project,” said Endowment President Carlton Owen. Work related to the project is to be completed by June 30, 2008.