Rooted in the Forest Products Industry: Why We Sponsor, Attend, and Advocate for You
Spring and summer mean warm weather, the revitalization of nature, and for us at Continental Underwriters—heavy travel for industry events. From March to July, our team attended the SLMA 2026 Spring Meeting, EXPO Richmond, the MLMA 2026 Annual Meeting, and the SLMA 2026 Annual Conference.
As a Managing General Agency (MGA), we don’t sell insurance directly to business owners. So why do we go through all the trouble and expense of attending and, in many cases, sponsoring trade shows?
Because we’re far from your typical insurance company, we see ourselves as an extension of the businesses, people, and families we serve.
How?
- We attend and sponsor conferences and expos because we can connect with the people on the ground who understand the forest products industry best.
- We have direct conversations with decision-makers—not sales pitches, but the nitty-gritty of what’s working and what’s not in the industry.
- We keep our fingers on the pulse of what matters to you, from new regulations to shifting lumber prices to the everyday challenges facing forest products businesses.
As Corey Bounds, Risk Assessment and Claims Director of Engineering, said:
“Our involvement with associations is incredibly important to our team. Not only do we help these associations drive the industry forward, we get the opportunity to build relationships within the industry on a deeper level… We have direct conversations with decision makers across the industry. We also get to provide information to business owners to help them make informed decisions.”
Read the full story: Beyond Insurance: Why We’re Committed to Wood Products Associations
Not only do we stay current with the leaders, partners, and customers we work with, not only do we get to help shape the future of the industry, but we also ensure that the coverage we build reflects what’s happening on the ground.
The Real Value of Forest Products Trade Associations
Trade associations do much more than organize conferences. They drive the education, networking, and advocacy that the entire industry relies on.
Organizations like:
National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA)
Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (SLMA)
Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA)
Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA)
Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA)
These associations provide the collective voice on the issues that matter most to business owners: tariffs and trade, workforce safety, export markets, and innovations in equipment and processes.
For Continental Underwriters, being part of these communities means:
- Education: Staying ahead of industry trends, regulations, and technology
- Networking: Building real relationships and partnerships
- Safety: Supporting and furthering the approaches to risk management and reduction
- Advocacy: Backing the organizations representing forest products businesses at a policy level
As Andrew Belcher, Underwriting Director, Programs, says:
“Being on the ground floor with industry owners, manufacturers, representatives, friends, and professionals helps us keep our finger on the pulse within each industry. Hearing their successes, understanding their challenges, and seeing their innovation allows us to learn, adapt, and better serve the industry.”
Read the full story: Beyond Insurance: Why We’re Committed to Wood Products Associations
Sharing Our Success with the World Around Us
Our commitment to being a force for good doesn’t stop at the forest products industry—it extends to our local community as a whole. Our team members love giving back, and they also love achieving goals, so we tie the two together. Whenever we hit our quarterly targets, our team votes on a charitable organization to support with a donation.
Some of our favorites from over the years include:
- Newton County Junior Livestock Association: Supporting kids who show livestock
- Ultimate Backpack Program: Supplying essentials for K-8 RVA students
- Salvation Army Angel Tree: Annual sponsorship for local kids each Christmas
- Richmond SPCA: Volunteering for Richmond’s animal-loving community
- The Doorways: Preparing meals for patients’ families receiving care in Richmond
- Make-A-Wish RVA: Granting the wishes of local children in need
Rooted for the Long Haul
Our sponsorships, partnerships, and commitments to the health and growth of the industry may not be insurance quote line items—but they’re at the heart of who we are and what we do. It all comes back to the same thing: showing up for the people and communities we care about.
Curious what this approach could do for you and your business? Reach out anytime—we’d love to connect.
