Former president John Tong was awarded a Timber Trade Federation (TTF) Lifetime Achievement Award at the organisation’s annual dinner last week.
Mr Tong, who recently retired as senior vice-president of Finnforest’s European upgrading and distribution operations, received the accolade from current TTF president Kevin Hayes.
“It is in the gift of every TTF president to present a lifetime achievement award to someone who has excelled in their contribution to our industry,” said Mr Hayes.
Mr Tong, he added, had done this in a professional career going back to1970, which included spells at some of the best-known names in the business, from Montague L Meyer and Mallinson Denny, to Hunter Timber, Malden and finally Finnforest.
He also made an “exceptional contribution” as TTF president. Together with his predecessor in the role, Geoff Rhodes, he helped The Federation through one of its most difficult periods financially and structurally, “laying the foundations for the thriving organisation we have today”.
“For that the TTF will be forever grateful,” said Mr Hayes.
Accepting the Award, Mr Tong said it was vital for the industry to “have a strong vibrant federation”, particularly to give it a strong voice to government.
On his own career, he said he could have achieved “nothing without the support of my peer group”.
“You’ve made my career enjoyable,” he said. “Thanks very much for what you’ve done for me.”
The TTF dinner at the Park Lane Hotel in London attracted a near capacity audience of 350. More in next week’s TTJ.
