Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/612297
F irst off, I would like to thank the fine people at Edwards Wood Products, Jordan Lumber and Supply, PalletOne, and Pallet Resource of NC for all their hard work in preparation for the 2015 NWPCA-AHMI Fall Plant Tours. A lot of upfront work goes into making each plant visit a success, allowing participants to learn best practices, share information, and facilitate opportunities to network with other plant operators from across the country. This conference sold out in early September, and for a 5th straight conference, we have enjoyed record attendance. We could not do this without you. While having lunch the first day at Pallet Resource of NC, I looked around and could not help but notice so many new faces in the crowd. We are really growing our active participation in the association. In 2012 we had roughly 230 attendees at the Fall Plant Tour Conference in Dallas. This year, nearly 500 attended, more than doubling the size of the event in just three years. Our members always cite networking as one of the biggest sources of value that they receive from their membership in the association. While the conferences help start the networking process, I encourage each of you to take another step to help deepen your relationships in the industry. Here are a few suggestions: 1) Follow-up with those you meet. Good relationships require effort. Send follow-up e-mails, share information you think can help a new friend, even go visit a plant in another state. Each time I've made a major investment in equipment or considered a substantial process change, I've always visited an NWPCA colleague's facilities to see how it works firsthand and the challenges associated with implementation. I keep my door open as well to those who would benefit from a similar visit to any of our facilities. 2) Get involved with an NWPCA Committee or Task Force. While working on common problems facing our industry is not only beneficial from a service perspective, you will also form solid relationships with your fellow members that extend well beyond the committee. 3) Run for the Board of Directors. We are an evolving organization with a need for fresh perspective. If you've been participating on a committee or task force, please consider taking the next step. If you have any questions on how to become more involved, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am happy to help. As always, I welcome your comments, questions and concerns. Sincerely, P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E N A T I O N A L W O O D E N P A L L E T & C O N T A I N E R A S S O C I A T I O N BOARD OFFICERS Chairman James Schwab, Pallet Logistics of America Chairman-Elect Steven Mazza, Bettaway Pallet Systems Past Chair Steven Yelland, JFR Holdings, Inc. Secretary/Treasurer Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics, LLC Director at Large Frank Shean, Valley Pallet Incorporated President/CEO Brent J. McClendon, CAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter Berry, Berry Industrial Group, Inc. Clint Binley, Pallets Incorporated Hamlet Fort, Edwards Wood Products Keith Geiges, Treen Box & Pallet Corporation Frederic Haman, Tampa Pallet Company Lloyd Harper, Conner Industries, Inc. Larry Konz, Konz Wood Products Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Terry Rodino, Recycled/New Pallets Bill Schneider, Remmey—The Pallet Company John Swenby, Paltech Group—Paltech Enterprises, Inc. Matthew Yancey, Dominion Pallet Company, Inc. International Director John Dye, Scott Pallets Associate's Representative Scott Harrington, Rotochopper, Inc. International Director Emeritus Jan Fredell, Fredells Travaru AB 2015 SEASON SPONSORS Brewer Machine & Parts, LLC tel: 800-345-6516 | brewerinc.com Kiln-Direct.com tel: 910-259-9794 | kiln-direct.com Mid Continent Nail Corporation tel: 800-867-6245 | magnumfasteners.com Pallet Machinery Group tel: 540-644-9220 | palletmachinery.com Pendu Manufacturing, Inc. tel: 717-354-4348 | pendu.com Profile Technology, Inc. tel: 800-369-4242 | profiletech.com Smart Products tel: 800-401-0099 | smartproductsinc.com Viking Engineering & Development tel: 800-328-2403 | vikingeng.com NWPCA CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Networking — Key to our Success 6 PalletCentral • November-December 2015 palletcentral.com Jim Schwab, Pallet Logistics of America NWPCA Chairman