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Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 25 13 On The Road: NWPCA Well Represented At Key Industry Events I n early September in St. Louis, Missouri, NWPCA President & CEO Brent McClendon and Vice President of Science & Technology Brad Gething, PhD, joined incoming Board Chair LeRoi Cochran, Relogistics, at a panel session at the FMI (e Food Industry Association) Supply Chain Forum, focusing on the use of pallets in modern supply chain operations and the importance of clear communications between grocery retail, wholesale, and logistics. Other panelists included representatives from Rehrig Pacific, CHEP, Coca-Cola, Red Gold, and Weis Markets. e panel explored ways to enhance operational efficiency, minimize equipment damage, and facilitate seamless automation—essential for the wood packaging industry as it enables supply chains to remain efficient, sustainable, and prepared for the future. In September, Mark Barford, Senior Director of Business Partnerships, attended PackExpo in Las Vegas, staying up to date on the latest innovations, trends, and challenges in the packaging sector. Shortly after, he participated in the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) Convention, gaining firsthand insights into current lumber issues and industry developments. ese engagements ensure NWPCA remains informed, connected, and ready to support its members with the latest knowledge and resources. In early October, Gething led and represented the wood packaging sector at a recent ASTM meeting. ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is a standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical international standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Gething serves as the Technical Committee Chair and, in this role, helps ensure that the latest research and industry perspectives are incorporated into evolving standards that shape the wood packaging sector. Staff members continue to visit member facilities nationwide. Earlier this summer, Senior Vice President Jason Ortega embarked on a cross-country pallet adventure, covering 5,000 miles across four NWPCA member companies, three states, and involving two members of Congress. Since joining the NWPCA team, Kate Doherty, Director of Government Affairs, has traveled with Ortega to tour manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania. Both Gething and McClendon visited members in St. Louis while participating in the FMI Supply Chain Forum.

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