Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1547306
8 Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 26 I 've had plenty of time to ponder the big questions while a recent injury has kept me from traveling. I'm nearing 100% and about to hit the road, but one thing has really stood out while I've been working from home: how other people step up for others. September was not an ideal month to be grounded by travel restrictions, but it showed me just how strong this team is. With little warning, our staff and volunteer board members stepped in for me at the LATAM Conference, the Fall Plant Tours, my presentation at the North Capital Forum in Mexico City, and the FEFPEB Congress in Sweden. ey did an outstanding job, showing the world the professionalism and depth of this organization. at's typical of our volunteer leaders, who always answer the call, whether that means traveling to our conference in Mexico or joining us in Brussels for important meetings on a week 's notice. at made me think about inspiration. Where we get it and how we give it. One thing is clear: inspiration doesn't come from words alone. I read a lot. It gives me peace of mind, time to think strategically, and I find many of the words and stories inspiring. But it is in the doing that we truly inspire and get inspired. Our team, our volunteers, did that throughout September. ey led, and they inspired me and others. And they did so in the face of significant change for this association and industry. One of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill, and an association colleague of mine recently reminded me of it: "If you don't grab change by the hand, it will grab you by the throat." e following didn't happen over the last ten years; it has happened over the last nine months: • Name change to Woodpack Global. • Launched the Crate Design System™. • Joined Wood Pallets for Europe, an EU CEO- and company-driven alliance designed to give businesses a direct voice in Brussels. • Amended our wood pallet standard to ensure the recycling grades are current and meet today's needs. • Lobbied California on SB54 and defended this industry. • Held domestic and international meetings attended by more than 1,500 pallet professionals. Change is happening all around us. I'm proud to see our association leading the charge and unifying the industry. And I'm especially inspired by the team of professionals and volunteers driving us forward. Sincerely, Brent J. McClendon, CAE President & CEO Woodpack Global Inspiration. Gaining and Giving. A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT