Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1508599
6 PalletCentral • September-October 2023 palletcentral.com 2023 SEASON SPONSORS Kiln-Direct.com 910-259-9794 | kiln-direct.com Mid Continent Steel and Wire 800-867-6245 | magnumfasteners.com Pallet Machinery Group 540-644-9220 | palletmachinery.com Pendu Manufacturing 717-354-4348 | pendu.com Profile Technology 800-369-4242 | profiletech.com PRS Group 217-291-0009 | prsgroupinc.com Rotochopper 320-548-3586 | rotochopper.com Smart Products 800-401-0099 | smartproductsinc.com Smith Sawmill Service 800-598-6344 | smithsawmillservice.com Universal Fastener Outsourcing 800-352-0028 | nailscrews.com Vecoplan 336-861-6070 | vecoplanllc.com Viking Engineering & Development 800-328-2403 | vikingeng.com Board Officers Chair Nick Wenner, Pallet Service Corp. Chair-Elect Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Past Chair Carolyn Beach-Skinner, Westside Pallet Secretary/Treasurer Hinton Howell, Cottondale Wood Products Director at Large LeRoi Cochran, 48forty Solutions President/CEO Brent McClendon, CAE Board of Directors Michelle Blizzard, Pallet Central Enterprises Henry Bowman, C&L Wood Products Dominick Davi, Greenway Products & Services Kathleen Dietrich, Commercial Lumber & Pallet Justin Hegsted, Challenger Pallet & Supply Alex Jimenez, Jimenez Pallets Justin Kamps, Kamps, Inc. Bryan Kesting, Madison County Wood Products Kate Matz Ben Remmey, Remmey – The Pallet Company Lindsey Shean-Snowden, Pallet Logistics of America Beatrice Vasquez, Oxnard Pallet Company Scott Vipond, Girard Wood Products Associate's Representative Bruce Kennedy, Mid Continent Steel and Wire International Directors Mike Vrugteveen, Niagara Pallet & Recyclers Fernando Lopez Bello, Losifra, S.A. de C.V. F or the last decade, in almost every conversation with industry colleagues around the general question of "How's it going?" the answer would undoubtedly include some challenges with finding and retaining people. One of the most impactful things I've heard regarding "people" was from Past NWPCA Chair James Ruder. He explained that when asked what he did for a living, he would tweak his response from "I'm in the pallet business" to "I'm in the people business." is comment was one of those moments where the lightbulb went off and illuminated that our success as a growing organization directly correlates to our ability to attract and retain good people. Yes, pallets move the world, but we couldn't do it without the hardworking, resilient, and talented PEOPLE. Our industry is truly one that embodies the "American Dream." As you flip through the pages of this edition, you'll come across inspiring stories of employees who started from humble beginnings and have risen to higher management or ownership roles that have changed their lives for the better. ese stories are a testament to the remarkable potential within our industry and its workforce. In a fast-paced world where the race to keep up with cutting-edge technologies and busy schedules is never-ending, it's important to take the time to spotlight the true heroes behind our operations – the hardworking individuals who tackle the heavy lifting and labor-intensive tasks that drive our shared success. e association recently collaborated on a study, "Wooden Pallet Industry Workforce Challenges," with the Manufacturing Institute's Center for Manufacturing Research. is study dives into the critical workforce challenges facing wooden pallet companies and examines the effectiveness of various solutions at the company level. Read more about this study on page 30. e association is committed to education, information sharing, and collaboration, especially when tackling the challenges of labor and the workforce. Staff is already exploring the ideas and solutions based on the recommendations from the Manufacturing Institute, coupled with ongoing opportunities to help equip our members with world-class leadership tools like EOS/Traction. At Pallet Service, we work hard to show our workforce how important they are to us and that their dedication is valued and respected by working to provide an environment that acknowledges their hard work and fosters their professional growth. We have a great workforce, and I know our employees' contributions aren't just vital; they're the life force of each of our companies, and for that, I express my gratitude every day. Sincerely, Nick Wenner, Pallet Service Corp. NWPCA Chair FROM THE CHAIR CELEBRATING THE UNSEEN HEROES: THE BACKBONE OF OUR INDUSTRY