Building Community Awareness - The Upstate Paper Assocation

Forest and paper products business and education leaders in upstate South Carolina began a proactive approach to community awareness in 1993. The Upstate Paper Association was found to inform leaders in the region about the environmental performance of our industry. The association, founded by Champion International Corporation and Bowater Incorporated, is comprised of forest producers, suppliers (manufacturers, contractors, and engineers), and educators.

The Association initially faced three challenges: 1) identifying a target audience, 2) establishing a forum for communication, and 3) selecting messages to deliver. Leaders were identified in a variety of categories, including elected officials, educators, media, advocacy groups, etc. A luncheon series was established as the forum, and topics presented at the luncheons ranged from species preservation and restoration to environmental regulations to the takings issue.

While the luncheon series has been useful, especially as a gathering of industry peers, the association realized that limited progress had been made with educators and the media. Currently, our priority is to become involved in community activities. Successes through the association have lead to leadership roles on the program committee for the state forestry association annual meeting, a chamber of commerce conference on sustainable development, and in three environmental forums conducted by US Congressman Bob Inglis.