Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1453353
20 PalletCentral • January-February 2022 palletcentral.com Congressman Rob Wittman (VA) (top) used much of limited time to recognize the wooden pallet business and our essential role in commerce during a forum on the supply chain. Congressman "GT" ompson (PA) (bottom) is active on critical agriculture issues, including invasive species, and champions our industry. e NWPCA Political Action Committee (PalletPAC) continues to impact the Hill, operating bipartisanly. Members of Congress that PalletPAC supports are walking the halls of Congress and carrying our message in public forums. • PalletPAC raised $40,000 in this election cycle. • PalletPAC contributed $34,000 to 10 U.S. Senators and Representatives Priming Our Industry in Sustainability We are seeing significant growth in questions regarding sustainable supply chains. In 2021, Brent McClendon, President & CEO, presented packaging trends and sustainability before several groups. He spoke during the Association for Supply Chain Management Conference, the Color Pigments Association, TIMCON (a wood packaging federation in the UK), FEFPEB (which is a voice for wood packaging manufacturers throughout Europe), and at the NAM's Council of Manufacturing Associations' (CMA) summer conference, where Brent facilitated a discussion on how associations lead in their sector on sustainability. e release of the Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Wooden Pallets earlier this year helps prime our members for those questions coming their way. e topics on supply chain and sustainability are top priorities for Congress in 2022. NWPCA dedicated two webinars on the EPD to promote the attributes of wood and a benchmark for environmental performance and show how wood wins the sustainability case. e NWPCA Industry Marketing Task Group will help us identify specific areas to assist members in having those important conversations with their customers. Sustainability and business take center stage during the upcoming Annual Leadership Conference (ALC) in California, March 9-11, 2022. Keynote speaker Joel Makower, Greenbiz, will give insight into sustainable business practices and where wood packaging fits. Growing Our Foundation e Pallet Foundation saw its largest fundraising cycle ever this year. e Pallet Foundation raised over $300,000 from donations to the auction at our ALC, continues to receive fantastic support from the Western Pallet Association auction, received a significant contribution from TIMCON in the UK, and saw dramatic increases in direct contributions. For October, the Pallet Fun Run virtual race saw a 20% increase in participation spanning across the globe, raising over $6,600 with teams matching miles with dollars. NWPCA Holds Leadership Positions in the Following: • Industrial Truck Safety Development Foundation – Board of Directors • NAM, Council of Manufacturing Associations – Board of Directors • American Lumber Standards Committee – Executive Committee and Board of Directors • U.S. Industry Trade Advisory Committee – ITAC 5, Security-cleared Advisor • Softwood Export Council – Executive Committee • Virginia Tech, College Natural Resources & Environment – Dean's Advisory Council • North American Plant Protection Organization – Expert Working Group • International Plant Protection Convention – Expert Working Group • ASTM – Subcommittee Chairperson • Entomological Society of America – Member of Steering Committee