Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1099303
18 PalletCentral • January-February 2019 palletcentral.com Workforce and Automation Development NWPCA has taken steps to examine the national workforce crisis and the role for automation technologies in manufacturing facilities through a newly created board taskforce. While still in the early stages, NWPCA leadership and staff continue to work on ways to improve its offerings in response to these two evolving core areas and expectations. Attendees at NWPCA events have already seen educational programming and new automation, like the robotic pallet dismantler demonstrations at Interpal. The evolving workforce includes more women, Latinos and millennials. NWPCA is creating new and expanded forums for discussions on common issues, and helping each group expand their business and personal networks. PalletCentral has published multiple features with voices from our broad and diverse membership with their stories that inspire us. Building a Better Future Our Future: NWPCA is well-positioned and well- resourced for the challenges ahead. Revenue from membership, events, products like PDS, and support from the Pallet Foundation, allow us to keep raising the bar and work for you. Our promise and our mission to "provide an environment for our members to succeed while promoting the wood pallet and wood packaging industry." Our Foundation: Through the Pallet Foundation, critical research, data collection and ongoing improvements to The Pallet Design System™ are made possible. These and other projects make a difference for the wood packaging industry and benefit your businesses. "I've always thought of the wood packaging industry as unique within the manufacturing world. There are so many family-owned businesses that are operating in second, third, fourth and even fifth generations. Your biggest competitors are often the people you're most excited to socialize and network with at NWPCA sponsored events. We generate little residual waste, as we have an entire segment of our industry dedicated to retrieving used pallets and the associated materials, ensuring re-use in sought after markets such as landscaping mulch. Our sector is the most environmentally friendly of comparable materials. It has always been my desire to see the continued relevance of our industry long past my involvement, and in my opinion, there's no better way to do that than supporting the Pallet Foundation." Steve Yelland, JFR Holdings, Legacy Benefactor of the Pallet Foundation The headlines on landfill avoidance shined a favorable spotlight on industry and the association. As just one example, Connect4Climate (influential group with nearly 150,000 followers) retweeted us and tagged Nature's Packaging regarding wood pallets and reducing carbon emissions. Your story is being told. NWPCA's credibility is bolstered because of our partnerships, our outreach, and our stories. NWPCA is working for you now, and for the years ahead, for whatever challenges arise. Our staff is proud of the work we do, and honored to work closely with all of our active volunteers and members to advance our mission and achieve our vision. PC NWPCA STORY "When I started my company, I vowed to treat my employees how I wanted to be treated when I was an employee. First and foremost, I try to listen. I treat them all with respect. All of my employees are empowered to make decisions and receive my support. I encourage them to take a broader view of their specific job in relation to the rest of the company." — DEBRA BERRY, BERRY INDUSTRIAL GROUP