In 2003 Group of companies Vologodskie Lesopromyshlenniki became a member of the Union of Timber Industrialists and Exporters of Russia. At the VII Congress of the Union held on April 15, 2003 A.N. Churkin was unanimously elected to the Council of the Union.
In 2004 the Finnish company Metsäliitto, one of the world’s largest forestry companies, producing pulp, plywood, paper and other products, became a shareholder of the holding company.
In December 2006 the non-profit organization Regional association of employers called Union of Timber Producers and Exporters of the Vologda region started its activity. A.N. Churkin is the Chairman of its Council.