Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1390499
8 PalletCentral • July-August 2021 palletcentral.com INSIDENWPCA NWPCA Delivers Critical Information to Members I t's no secret that the biggest challenge our members face today is around labor and lumber shortages, and supply chain challenges. Look for an extensive feature article in this edition that shares member insights. As North American lumber markets soar to record levels, NWPCA features a senior economist to present during our September ALC in Orlando. Crystal Gauvin from Forest Economic Advisors will look at lumber consumption and projections on the industry's ability to supply that demand. A separate panel discussion features an open dialogue with sawmill industry leaders. Frank Shean, NWPCA's Past Chair, will moderate the session and provide a West Coast recycling perspective to the panel. Crystal Gauvin also joins the forum for additional views and insights on the top questions of the day. As more cyber-attacks occupy our news headlines, NWPCA's webinar series continued in June with a cybersecurity webinar. Cyber expert Carrie Kerskie shared everyday examples of unknowing exposure to your business and personal data and what to do to keep your business safe, and your personal data safe. This recording, along with past webinars, is available at palletcentral. com/webinar. ALC Registration & Program Updates A s COVID restrictions have eased, registration numbers are climbing and we anticipate a record crowd for NWPCA's Annual Leadership Conference (ALC), September 15-17, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. e exhibit hall sold out, and while our hotel room block at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (host venue) is sold out, we have secured rooms close-by and within walking distance at the Hard Rock Hotel © at Universal Orlando (shown above). e educational program is now online at palletcentral.com/ nwpcaannualconference. We have an outstanding line-up of expert speakers on labor and workforce, industrial lumber markets and panel discussion, automation discussion, along with a wellness program to help our industry leaders reset, restore and renew. NWPCA Announcements and Upcoming Events PDS: Unit Load for Sheet Goods T he PDS team has put the final touches to the latest version of the Pallet Design System™. PDS 6.3 introduces the design and analysis of unit loads of sheet goods. This version continues the series of expansions into unit load, and allows for the design and analysis of custom pallets up to 30 feet (frequently used to transport large and heavy products and equipment). Historically, extremely long pallets could not be analyzed for forklift supports. With PDS 6.3, the user can consider the stiffness of the product when designing long pallets. The products can also be checked and verified that they will not be damaged due to excessive deformations on a pallet without adequate support. PDS will automatically update the newest release for PDS Users during their log-in process in late June. Watch your email for when PDS v6.3 is live or contact staff at info@palletcentral.com or visit www.palletcentral.com/PDSSupport. NWPCA Promotion: Brad Gething, VP Science & Technology W e are pleased to announce the promotion of Brad Gething, PhD as our Vice President, Science and Technology. Over the past eight years, he has led significant projects for NWPCA and the Pallet Foundation and helped us form new and deeper relationships with outside organizations. Most recently, his detailed work on the Environmental Product Declaration and on other impactful studies has substantially increased the profile and performance of the Foundation and NWPCA. Please join us in recognizing his great work for this industry by dropping him an email at bgething@palletcentral.com.