palletcentral

Pallet C e nt ral • S e ptem be r- O ctobe r 2 0 26 1 1 throughout the program. Importantly, it doesn't provide a path to citizenship or access to federal benefits, but it aims to reduce the national debt by an estimated $50 billion through program fees. e second bill, the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494), introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), would create a new H-2C visa for year-round, nonagricultural roles, an area that current visa programs do not cover. is visa would be valid for 36 months and could be renewed for up to nine years, with a cap of 65,000 spots, ensuring protections for workers and a 25% set-aside for small businesses. During meetings, members emphasized that while our companies are heavily investing in automation, training, and new technologies, we still need skilled workers to operate this equipment effectively. We were grateful to the congressional offices and staff for listening attentively and asking thoughtful questions. ey truly seemed to understand the challenges we face. Together, these two bills provide Congress with practical solutions to help address the workforce shortage in manufacturing. While workforce policy was the main focus in nearly every meeting, members also shared personal stories about the issues specific to their own businesses and regions. Some talked about the uncertainty caused by changing tariffs, while others discussed the challenges of managing wood waste affordably. is blend of personal and industry-wide concerns is what makes the Fly-In so valuable. We're not just advocates; we're individuals sharing our unique experiences that culminate in a collective voice to fight for all of us in the industry. Part of what makes the Fly-In so effective is consistency. When we return year after year, we build stronger relationships with lawmakers and many staff members recognize us by name. is kind of trust doesn't develop overnight; it takes time and consistent visits. Each Fly-In helps to amplify our industry's voice, making it more influential and respected in Washington than the previous year. Woodpack Members don't come to Washington to ask for special treatment. ey come to share what it takes to keep plants running, shifts filled, and pallets moving through the supply chain. For this industry, the workforce shortage is a real, everyday issue, not just a policy discussion. e response from lawmakers this year felt encouraging and hopeful. Woodpack Global's strong presence in Washington relies on all of us showing up and making our voices heard. ank you to everyone who attended this year's Fly-In, shared your stories, and helped lawmakers understand why our industry matters. is year's group represented us with professionalism, clarity, and purpose. Our commitment doesn't stop when the Fly-In ends. e strength of our industry's voice grows each year because of the dedicated members who genuinely care about our future. Let's keep this momentum going! Kate Doherty serves as Director of Government Affairs at Woodpack Global and manages the association's Political Action Commiee, PalletPAC. She can be reached at kate@woodpackglobal.org or 703.519.6104.

• Cover