State Sen. Beth Mizell and State Rep. Malinda White recently presented the Bogalusa Mill with a concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives commending the mill on its 100th anniversary.

“Whereas, it is with great pride that the citizens and the Legislature of the State of Louisiana acknowledge the one hundredth anniversary of the International Paper facility, now Bogalusa Containerboard mill, on one hundred years of successful operations…” the resolution reads. “…Therefore be it resolved that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby acknowledge and congratulate the International Paper facility Bogalusa Containerboard Mill on its one hundredth anniversary and for one hundred years of successful operations in Louisiana.”

The resolution was passed by both branches during the 2018 regular legislative session in Baton Rouge and is signed by John Alario Jr., President of the Senate, and Taylor Barras, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Bogalusa Mill opened in January 1918 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Great Southern Lumber Company, the largest sawmill in the world at the time. It was the first kraft and pulp paper mill in Louisiana and one of the first in the U.S. South. The mill is the largest private employer in Washington Parish and plays a key role in the economic health of the area.

“We are deeply honored by this commendation and are grateful to the Louisiana State government for this recognition,” said Bernie Chascin, mill manager. “We look forward to another 100 years of papermaking in Bogalusa.”