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I N S I D E V O L . 1 5 | N O . 3 MARKETS 38 Where Do U.S. Forest Products Stand Globally? How has the global market share of U.S. forest products changed? And how might it change in the future? Those were two questions posed by David Wear, research economist of the U.S. Forest Service, who spoke at NWPCA's recent conference, and based much of his remarks on the newly released report in which he co-authored. PALLET DESIGN SYSTEM™ 42 PDS Design Help is Just a Click Away While the PDS User's Guide is primarily used to get someone "unstuck" in pallet design, the benefits extend even further. Increasingly, PDS users are taking advantage of this comprehensive resource to learn more about pallet manufacturing topics and materials, making themselves a more valuable asset to their company and their customers. DEPARTMENTS President's Message ........................................6 Inside NWPCA ..................................................8 Capitol Hill Corner ..........................................10 Nature's Packaging: Upcycled Pallets ..............40 Advertisers ....................................................44 12 The Print Industry is Here to Stay The print industry generates some $640 billion in annual revenue worldwide. Moving paper from the mill to retailer, or from commercial printer to USPS mail, requires goods to be transported almost entirely on wooden pallets. By Leah Wheeler ECONOMY 18 A Few Small Bumps in the Road The U.S. economy looked very strong headed into the last few months of 2014. GDP growth and industrial production were increasing at a 5 percent pace, until it slowed in the fourth quarter. Despite a few bumps in the road, prospects for the pallet industry remain strong. By Lynn Michaelis SAFETY 24 Medical & Recreational Marijuana: Has your Substance Abuse Program Gone Up in Smoke? The legal use of marijuana has placed workplace substance abuse prevention programs, drug testing policies, and safety/human resource management in a quandary. What should you do now? By Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP MANUFACTURING 30 ICC Outdoor Pallet Storage Fire Code: An Update In 2013, the NWPCA learned a 'simple' proposal was submitted to the fire code section of the International Code Council (ICC) that would cover the outdoor storage of pallets. When the proposal was voted down, industry made a commitment to become more engaged and to develop a code of its own. By Dr. Brad Gething HUMAN RESOURCES 34 Industry Thought Leaders: Building a Better Workplace Environment Research shows how greater levels of employee engagement can increase retention, encourage positive behavior and feedback, and therefore build a better workplace environment. This article shares examples from fellow pallet manufacturing and human resource experts. Published six times annually by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, 1421 Prince Street, Suite 340, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-519-6104; info@palletcentral.com. Subscriptions to PalletCentral are complimentary, however you need to subscribe: PalletCentral.com>>Subscribe. Changes and Renewals: Current subscribers may sign-in at PalletCentral.com>>Edit Bio (look for "Additional Information" to manage your subscription and edit your mailing address. Or fax changes to: 703-519-4720.The NWPCA does not sell our mailing list; data collected from PalletCentral subscribers is solely used for tracking our readership. Connect with NWPCA FEATURES Pallet Central 4 PalletCentral • May-June 2015 palletcentral.com On the cover: Modern offset printing machine image from 123rf.com.