Yellow Wood was asked to provide technical assistance to the Green Forest Products Collaborative to assess the level of demand opportunity in the region’s institutions and government agencies. Yellow Wood performed a scan of the region and identified colleges, universities, private schools, municipalities, state transportation and public works agencies, and parks departments that may have an interest in purchasing local and/or certified wood products. The research resulted in a database of contacts with methodology and recommendations for marketing prioritization and product development. Since this work was completed, the Green Forest Products Collaborative has developed and launched the WoodRight brokering business and website (www.woodrightproducts.com). In its first six months, in addition to launching the website, WoodWright sold more than $200,000 worth of sustainably harvested locally produced wood and developed a course for architects or to learn about using Central Appalachian wood and how to use high character/low grade wood and get Continuing Education credits.
Innovators in Rural Community Economic Development
