History

In 2017, Downey Thompson will celebrate 70 years of continuous employment at ELCO.  At the age of 15, Downey Thompson accepted a job with Elmsdale Lumber Company.  JB Wilber quickly realized that Downey was a hard worker and a quick learner.  Downey was soon promoted to Woodlands Manager and is responsible for the acquisition of the vast majority of ELCO’s current timberland holdings.  JB and Downey shared a mutual respect and lifelong friendship.  Following JB’s death, Downey worked with Robin to ensure the continued good health of ELCO.  He continues to offer that same mentorship to our next generation, Mark Wilber.

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In 2004, Robin promoted Downey to Senior Woodlands Advisor and at the same time appointed Downey’s son Stephen Thompson (our current General Manager) to Woodlands Manager of ELCO.  Stephen shares the same passion for ELCO and the forest industry as his father and the Wilber family.

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In 2012, Downey was inducted into the Nova Scotia Forestry Hall of Fame.