Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1161332
palletcentral.com PalletCentral • July-August 2019 35 pallets. The way to change this and create further advocacy opportunities for the wooden pallet industry is through communication. One of the best things about working at NWPCA is that we are constantly thinking about new ways to reach different audiences through various methods. While communication is most often associated with verbal forms, modern communication includes social media, emails, blogs, texts, videos, and several other non-verbal methods. The common goal of all these forms of communication is to get your message across in a clear and efficient manner. NWPCA uses both verbal and non-verbal forms to get our message of sustainability and value across to all our audiences. Since interning at NWPCA, I see the wooden packaging industry differently than before. Now, when I think of wooden pallets, I think of sustainable forestry practices, recycling, and jobs. The key to NWPCA communications is getting more people, both the public and government officials, to first think about wooden pallets and second, to associate them with the environmental and economic benefits they bring to the world. I spent this summer helping NWPCA to communicate its message. One of the most important aspects of our messaging is explaining why wood packaging matters. NWPCA is committed to representing wood as a sustainable and highly-valued resource. Some of the non-verbal methods we have been working on include palletcentral.com and social media. I created a landing page on our website that shows the importance of wooden pallets to our national economy, and it highlights the results of our recent economic impact study. This study shows the impact that wooden pallets have on each state and on the United States overall. Social media such as Twitter and Facebook allow us to easily share information like this, as well as day-to-day updates and information on events. We also have several YouTube videos that break down the wooden pallet industry, explaining its value. Verbal communication takes place during our various events throughout the year such as our Fall Plant Tours, Annual Leadership Conference, and Congressional Fly-In. The NWPCA Congressional Fly-In was one of my most impressive summer experiences. Being able to see our members, people who completely understand the I see the wooden packaging industry differently than before. Now, when I think of wooden pallets, I think of sustainable forestry practices, recycling, and jobs.