Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1194984
A s I begin my last chairman's message for the PalletCentral, I am amazed at how quickly 2019 has come and gone. It has been a great privilege to serve as the NWPCA Board Chair. I want to thank Brent McClendon and all the staff for their hard work and dedication during a hectic but successful year. The NWPCA is very fortunate to have such a talented and enthusiastic group of people working for the benefit of the membership. Also, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their commitment in carrying out their responsibilities to the association As I look back at the many accomplishments of NWPCA in 2019, I am reminded that it is the hard work of both the NWPCA staff and the participation of membership that makes for our success. Our NWPCA Political Action Committee has continued to grow and helped with our very successful fly-in to Washington, DC, this year. We saw direct results from our members going to the Hill and taking the time to speak with their representatives about issues that affect our industry. Another project that saw significant development is the environmental product declaration (EPD), life-cycle assessment study. The EPD will quantify the environmental impact and sustainability of the wooden pallet. Without the participation and continued support from our membership, this project would not have gotten off the ground. Our fall plant tour, which was a combined NWPCA/CWPCA effort, was very well attended and successful because members were willing to open their facilities for all of us to visit. It was a great educational experience. It is the combined effort of staff and membership that makes the NWPCA such a great organization. Looking towards 2020, I encourage you to search for some area within the association that you would like to participate. It might be a particular committee, or you may be interested in running for the Board of Directors, or perhaps you would like to host a plant tour, wherever your interests are, get involved. I know I have said this before, but the more you participate, the more you and your business will benefit from the NWPCA. I hope everyone has a great holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you at our next Annual Leadership Conference in Naples, Florida, March 4-6, 2020. Sincerely, PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL WOODEN PALLET & CONTAINER ASSOCIATION BOARD OFFICERS Chairman Jordan Piland, Atlas Pallets/ A Div. of Williamsburg Millwork Corp Chairman-Elect Frank Shean, Valley Pallet. Past Chair Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products Secretary/Treasurer Mike Hachtman, Relogistics Services Director at Large Carolyn Beach-Skinner, Westside Pallet President/CEO Brent J. McClendon, CAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter Berry, Berry Industrial Dominick Davi, Greenway Products & Services Kathleen Dietrich, Commercial Lumber & Pallet David Grimes, Pallet Resources of NC Bernie Kamps, Kamps, Inc. Bryan Kesting, Madison County Wood Products Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Joe O'Brien, Industrial Pallet Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics Howe Wallace, PalletOne Nick Wenner, Pallet Service Corp. International Director Mike Vrugteveen, Niagara Pallet & Recyclers Associate's Representative Randy Panko, Wood-Mizer International Director Emeritus Jan Fredell, Fredells Travaru AB NWPCA 6 PalletCentral • November-December 2019 palletcentral.com 2019 SEASON SPONSORS Kiln-Direct.com tel: 910-259-9794 | kiln-direct.com Mid Continent Steel and Wire 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 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Working Together Makes a Difference Jordan Piland, Atlas Pallets/A Div. of Williamsburg Millwork Corp. NWPCA Chairman