Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1009631
I recently left an NWPCA Board Meeting where globalization and NWPCA's role took center-stage. The growth of wood packaging directives that emerge in one country, state or region, and then shift to another, demands that we build global relationships, and work collaboratively and strategically in innovative ways. ISPM15 is naturally an international issue, but increasingly, we're seeing worldwide discussion on recycling, food sanitation, and transportation, all of which demand NWPCA's engagement. It is also in each of our company's best interest to have an expanded global perspective. For example, we know how challenging lumber sourcing is right now. What is happening globally that is driving this scenario? How long will it last? And, are there global sourcing options we might consider? Timed perfectly to address these questions is Interpal 2018, occurring in Minneapolis this September. By the time you read this, over 400 of your peers from around the world, from more than 15 countries, will have made their plans to attend this once-every-four-year event, and we are proud to co-host Interpal 2018 with CWPCA. We'll also have the traditional fall plant tours, featuring six member companies who graciously agreed to open their facilities for a day. There is a full day of presentations and peer-to-peer discussions on lumber sourcing, ISPM15 and international trade, and environmental marketing opportunities. A keynote presentation on value-selling in a tough market is perfectly timed. A full exhibit hall and an extra day of committee meetings round out an incredible opportunity for wood packaging professionals to build your global network and gain access to the latest in automation opportunities for our businesses. NWPCA will also chair the Global Wood Packaging Forum meeting at Interpal. The forum brings together chief elected officers and chief staff officers from wood packaging associations around the world; invitations have gone out to Europe, Asia, Australia, South Africa and South America, and we are excited to lead these unifying discussions. I'm personally very excited about the partnerships, the strategy, and the delivery of good and services that are achieving a better tomorrow, for all of us, every day. On behalf of your Board of Directors, I look forward to welcoming you to Interpal this September, and welcome your input at any time, on your thoughts on "going global" and what NWPCA can do for you. Sincerely, P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E N A T I O N A L W O O D E N P A L L E T & C O N T A I N E R A S S O C I A T I O N BOARD OFFICERS Chairman Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products Chairman-Elect Jordan Piland, Atlas Pallets/ A Div. of Williamsburg Millwork Corp. Past Chair Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics Secretary/Treasurer Frank Shean, Valley Pallet Director at Large Mike Hachtman, Relogistics Services. President/CEO Brent J. McClendon, CAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carolyn Beach-Skinner, Westside Pallet Peter Berry, Berry Industrial Kathleen Dietrich, Commercial Lumber & Pallet David Grimes, Pallet Resources of NC Bernie Kamps, Kamps, Inc. Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Joe O'Brien, Industrial Pallet Rob Trexler, Pasadena Skid & Pallet Howe Wallace, PalletOne, Bartow, FL Nick Wenner, Pallet Service Corp. Jimmy Wilson, Bay Wood Products International Director Mike Vrugteveen, Niagara Pallet & Recyclers Associate's Representative Jeff Williams, PRS Group, Inc. International Director Emeritus Jan Fredell, Fredells Travaru AB NWPCA 6 PalletCentral • July-August 2018 palletcentral.com 2018 SEASON SPONSORS Kiln-Direct.com tel: 910-259-9794 | kiln-direct.com Mid Continent Nail Corporation tel: 800-867-6245 | mcswusa.com Pallet Machinery Group tel: 540-644-9220 | palletmachinery.com Pendu Manufacturing, Inc. tel: 717-354-4348 | pendu.com Profile Technology, Inc. tel: 800-369-4242 | profiletech.com Rotochopper, Inc. tel: 320-548-3586 | rotochopper.com Smart Products tel: 800-401-0099 | smartproductsinc.com Smith Sawmill Service tel: 800-598-6344 | smithsawmillservice.com Universal Fastener Outsourcing tel: 800-352-0028 | 911-nails.com Viking Engineering & Development tel: 800-328-2403 | vikingeng.com CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Interpal and Going Global Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products NWPCA Chairman