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Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 25 11 Kate Doherty Joins NWPCA Team As Director Of Government Affairs T he NWPCA is pleased to announce Kate Doherty as its new Director of Government Affairs. In this role, Kate will lead NWPCA's federal advocacy strategy, monitor legislative and regulatory activity, provide policy guidance, oversee the association's PalletPAC, and represent the industry before Congress and the Administration. Kate brings more than five years of legislative and political experience, including positions with the Ohio House of Representatives and U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup (R- OH) as well as work as a political fundraising consultant. "I'm honored to join NWPCA and represent such a vital industry in Washington," said Doherty. "I look forward to working with our members and advancing the association's advocacy efforts to deliver meaningful results." Senior Vice President Jason Ortega noted, "Kate's experience and energy will be a tremendous asset to the Association." NWPCA President and CEO Brent McClendon added, "Her expertise and collaborative spirit strengthen our advocacy efforts and advance our industry's strategic goals." Please join us in welcoming Kate Doherty to the NWPCA team. She can be reached at kdoherty@palletcentral.com. NWPCA LATAM Conference: A Resounding Success For The Industry T he 4th Annual Wood Packaging Industry Conference and Expo – LATAM wrapped up September 3–4, 2025, in Querétaro, Mexico, bringing together more than 300 industry leaders from across Mexico, Latin America, the United States, Canada, and Europe. Twenty-seven exhibitors showcased innovations and solutions that are strengthening the competitiveness of our global supply chain. NWPCA's Senior Director of Mexico and LATAM, Paola Beltran Madrid, facilitated the event and agenda, joining leaders from NWPCA and El Capítulo México. One highlight was the participation from Diana León of Mexico's Ministry of Economy, who underscored the growing impact of our sector in her welcoming remarks. Since its founding in 2022, the Mexico & LATAM Chapter has grown to more than 90 members, establishing itself as a platform for regional integration, sustainability, and competitiveness. We thank María José Martínez Gutiérrez, Samuel Podlipsky, and Fernando López Bello for their outstanding leadership as the Chapter's board of directors. eir vision and commitment continue to position the Chapter as a strategic voice of the wood packaging industry. A special thank-you to our platinum sponsors: Freedom Sourcing, Pallet Alliance México, Storti S.p.A., and TimberBase—and to our premium sponsors: CAPE woodworking machinery, Grupo Tecma, Natural Trade Ltd., Tarimera El Rayo, and Zira—for making this milestone event possible. is year's conference reinforced what we already know: wood packaging is far more than a logistics component—it is a strategic pillar of international trade and a powerful driver of innovation and sustainability.

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