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8 Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 25 Forward Looking A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT I t's a simple phrase, but what does it really mean? To me, being forward looking is about more than setting goals. It's about putting vision into action. After all, a vision without action is just an unrealized dream. I'm reminded of Wayne Gretzky's famous advice: "Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been." At NWPCA, that means anticipating where our industry is headed and taking deliberate steps to get there. We are fortunate to have a long-term Strategic Plan shaped by an engaged Board and supported by a dedicated staff. is plan isn't static. It is reviewed each year to ensure it remains relevant and challenging. Our vision is clear: "Ongoing expansion of the NWPCA as the thought, information, and advocacy leader for wooden pallets and wooden transport packaging solutions." We are wood. We are wood packaging. at is the core tenet that guides us in becoming the "go-to" resource for research and advocacy, and a unifying voice for the global wooden transport packaging industry. In 2025, we advanced this vision in significant ways: • Pallet Design System ® (PDS): We delivered two major updates. PDS versions 6.10 and 6.11 (Dec. 2025) include a host of new features and expanded functionality. Looking ahead, 2026 will bring the first Crate Design System™ and a custom Carbon Calculator. • Public Affairs & Advocacy: We expanded our Political Action Committee—PalletPAC—our Washington Fly-In, our staffing, and our direct work in Washington, DC. We invested more than $800,000 annually in government affairs, strengthening our voice in Washington, DC, while also adding representation in Europe and Mexico that delivered a win on global challenges like PPWR and EUDR. • Member Engagement: Built by you, for you. Nearly 1,400 members joined our events in 2025, setting new attendance records and creating invaluable opportunities for education, problem-solving, and partnership. • Global Position: We expanded our reach with advocacy efforts in Brussels, PDS workshops in Mexico and the UK, and greater international membership. e strategic plan objective of considering a name change for our organization has generated fantastic feedback and has been a significant area of focus for the NWPCA Board this year. More to come! rough it all, one thing has remained constant: a forward-looking mindset. I'm proud of the progress we made in 2025, driven by a clear vision, strategic action, and strong leadership. Here's to a strong, forward-looking 2026. Sincerely, Brent J. McClendon, CAE President & CEO Li le Did You Know ose of you who read this column and know me are aware that I love to read—so much so that I've floated the idea of starting a book club with several of you. What you may not know, though, is how I unwind when I really need to disconnect. If there isn't a hiking trail nearby, I turn to something a bit unexpected: LEGO and COBI sets. And not just any sets. e more complex, the better; the more pieces, the better. I'm currently working on a project that taps into pure nostalgia: the LEGO Super Mario Nintendo Entertainment System. e 1980s-style TV in the set brings back memories of high school. So, what's your secret release valve— the thing you turn to when you need to reset? I'd love to hear your story the next time we meet.

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