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Pallet C e nt ral • S e ptem be r- O ctobe r 2 0 25 17 and environmental contributions of the wooden transport packaging industry, as well as the day-to-day realities of running small, often family-owned businesses in a highly regulated environment. NWPCA partnered with Forward Global, whose support helped coordinate and facilitate many of these meetings. NWPCA representatives had impactful discussions with Senators Katie Britt of Alabama and John Boozman of Arkansas. On the House side, members of Congress such as Marilyn Strickland (Washington), Seth Magaziner (Rhode Island), Mark Harris (North Carolina), Bruce Westerman (Arkansas), Hillary Scholten (Michigan), and Doug LaMalfa (California) welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from industry voices. e NWPCA Executive Committee also met with senior officials at the White House and the US Department of Commerce. ese high-level meetings expanded the association's advocacy reach and helped reinforce the role of the wood packaging sector as an essential part of the nation's manufacturing and logistics infrastructure. Adding a touch of spontaneity to the event, the NWPCA delegation had a hallway encounter with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who chatted with the group and even posed for a group selfie. is moment captured the spirit of the Fly-In and that, sometimes, the most essential part of building influence and profile in DC is to simply show up. Congressional Recep ons Foster Connec on Beyond the scheduled meetings, the Fly-In featured two standout events that provided participants and lawmakers with the opportunity to connect in a more relaxed setting. A well-attended congressional breakfast and a lively afternoon reception created space for informal conversations and relationship building. ese receptions were made possible because of the PalletPAC and the generous contributions of NWPCA members. Lawmakers who joined NWPCA during these events included Representatives Don Davis (North Carolina), Andrea Salinas (Oregon), Gabe Amo (Rhode Island), Eric Sorensen (Illinois), Beth Van Dyne (Texas), John McGuire (Virginia), Dan Newhouse (Washington), and Glenn "GT" ompson (Pennsylvania). eir presence was a strong sign of continued support and interest in the issues facing the industry. Industry Priori es Front And Center roughout the Fly-In, members delivered a consistent message to policymakers around the core issues affecting the wooden transport packaging industry. Tax policy reform was a top priority, particularly in support of measures that promote investment and fairness for small businesses structured as pass-through entities. Participants explained how these provisions could help fuel innovation, support workforce expansion, and ease succession planning for family-run operations. Another key focus was the need for policies and incentives to support the beneficial use of wood residuals. Members emphasized how byproducts like sawdust and offcuts could be more effectively utilized through expanded market opportunities and stronger partnerships with agencies such as the USDA. Many discussions referenced the recent Wood Innovation Grant submitted by the Pallet Foundation to explore innovative solutions for these materials—a grant that, as of this writing, has just been awarded to the Foundation. In addition, NWPCA members urged lawmakers to recognize and support the vital role of small businesses in the national economy. Participants emphasized the importance of reducing regulatory complexity, enhancing access to workforce development programs, and fostering a legislative environment that enables small manufacturers to thrive. ese discussions weren't just policy briefings. ey were personal, compelling stories from the front lines of American manufacturing. From the challenges of recruiting skilled labor to the opportunities created by sustainable forest products, members delivered messages that stuck with lawmakers and their staff. Showing Up Makes The Difference e success of this year's Fly-In underscored the power of showing up year after year to educate lawmakers, share stories, and advocate for meaningful change. e wood packaging sector has a compelling story to tell, and when it's told by those living it every day, the impact is profound. "Advocacy doesn't happen in a vacuum," added Ortega. "When our members come to Washington and share their stories, it breaks through the noise. It's personal, it's powerful, and it makes a real difference." e energy and commitment displayed by this year's delegation speaks to a growing recognition within the industry that public policy affects every aspect of business, from supply chains to forest management to employee retention. And when members show up and speak with one voice, they are truly driving change. Looking Ahead With policy wins in hand and new relationships forged, the NWPCA is already preparing for what's next. Continued engagement with Congress and federal agencies will be essential to keeping momentum strong and ensuring that the needs of the wood packaging sector remain top-of-mind with decision-makers. ank you to all the NWPCA members, partners, and advocates who made the 2025 Washington Fly-In a success. For those who couldn't attend this year, there will be more opportunities to get involved. Because when it comes to making a difference in Washington, there's no substitute for showing up—and speaking up.

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