Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1243182
16 PalletCentral • March-April 2020 palletcentral.com Quick Action Yields Results NWPCA identifies and responds to remedy members' essentials needed to do business. E arly on, NWPCA's member advocates and staff were analyzing where the industry needed protection and assistance. Very quickly they acknowledged that their first task was ensuring that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) – a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – specifically noted Pallet Manufacturers and Recyclers as part of the nation's "essential" supply chain. "Kudos to the association and staff," says Mike Hachtman, President and CEO, Relogistics Services, LLC and NWPCA's chair of the Governmental Affairs committee. "You would think pallet companies would be on that CISA list, but it was not explicitly stated. Within 48 hours, NWPCA had our industry added to critical infrastructure list. Furthermore, the states started to list their own essential businesses and the association made sure we were on those lists. As a small association, we don't carry the same clout that bigger players have, so this is a significant achievement." "Initially we engaged with the White House to assure that wood pallet manufacturers and the workforce are considered an essential part of our infrastructure," states Brent McClendon, NWPCA President and CEO. "The essential nature of our industry may seem obvious, as pallets are moving the life supporting goods our nation critically needs, but it was a chaotic time and we needed the full effort of NWPCA and our partners to achieve that designation." While other businesses are shut down, the pallet industry is fortunate to be able to continue to operate. "I think it's important to remember that the wooden pallet industry is so important to all supply chains and it is even more relevant at a time like this," says Carolyn Beach, Vice President of West- side Pallet, Inc. "We should all feel very grateful that we are in this type of business where we can keep operating." While NWPCA works to care for its members, they are encouraging their members to look out for their employees and customers. "Proactively taking steps to assure a healthy workforce, continuously looking to improve operations, and over communi- cating with workers and customers best assures a company can navigate these chaotic times," advises McClendon. "I'm impressed with all the pro-active safety initiatives our members are taking, and they are also giving generously to their commu- nities to support our health care workers and food distributors." "You've got to take care of those employees. Just listen to them. Give them gift cards, meals – these are things we've been doing to make sure that our employees know we appreciate them," says Hachtman. Your employees understand the current crisis. NWPCA suggests that you provide regular ongoing robust communication from the beginning. "Keep an open dialogue in what is happening and stay engaged with your employees," says Hachtman. "Then do the same with your customers. Have regular communication with both. Stay nimble and respond well." He suggests to use the information that is distributed by the NWPCA to convey what is happening that effects our industry, relative to what employees do. When it comes to your customers, ask them "what does your new normal look like? What do you expect going forward?" Checking in on their needs can help you know how to serve them best, and also shows them you care. As for the Association member businesses, the concern is that this immediate COVID-19 crisis will cast a long shadow over the future. The role of NWPCA is to keep a watchful eye on what impacts the industry as a result of the shift in society and the marketplace. This is where NWPCA plays a role, watching out for these issues that could adversely impact the industry. "It is the unified action and combined resources which maximize the impact of associations in a national crisis" says McClendon. "This is not the time to 'pass the hat' for support or volunteers. Strong associations with a committed membership and group of volunteers like NWPCA are well-po- sitioned to invest heavily during these times to support not just our wood packaging sector, but support the nation's response to the pandemic. Together, we accomplish so much more than what just one individual company can do working inde- pendently, and it is one reason why our membership is expanding even during these challenging times." While NWPCA works to care for its members, they are encouraging their members to look out for their employees and customers.