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MARKETS 36 Your Tax Strategies for 2016 With the enactment of Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 last December, it's now possible to plan for business activities with certainty about the tax ramifications that result. In budgeting for actions this year, manufacturing companies should factor in these deductions and tax credits, which effectively reduce your outlays by saving you taxes for the year. By Barbara Weltman NATURE'S PACKAGING™ 40 Choose the Sustainable Way The release of NaturesPackaging.org is a celebration of a North American initiative to develop and deliver sound, fact-based materials to businesses, the public and public officials. 14 Industry Thought Leaders Share What's on their Mind, What's on their Desk The wooden packaging industry is a dynamic, evolving, and ever-changing network of businesses and business models. For this article, we hope readers enjoy these off-the-cuff conversations with several top-level business leaders and their insights on the pallet business. V O L . 1 6 | N O . 2 DEPARTMENTS Chairman's Message ........................................6 Inside NWPCA ..................................................8 Capitol Hill Corner ..........................................12 The Pallet Foundation ....................................42 Advertisers ....................................................44 BUSINESS BLOG 18 Check your Blind Spots! As a leader in your firm, you are responsible for making sure the company is reasonably prepared for unforeseen events. By looking at the risk areas, you can help ensure your company's prosperous future. Business Blog by Gary Patterson SAFETY 22 Hazard Communication and Mitigation: Critical Elements of Safety Management The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued notification in February 2016 that the pallet manufacturing industry would be subject to a "Local Emphasis Program" in the state of Wisconsin. By Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP BUSINESS 28 Cyber-Security Outlook 2016: Pallet Industry Still Chasing the Ever-Nimble Hacker Pallet manufacturers hearing endless reports of hacker break-ins last year should brace for even more sophisticated capers in 2016, according to a string of reports released by top cyber- security firms. Guest Editorial by Joe Dysart MARKETS 32 2016 Hardwood Update: Lumber Industry Structure and Market Preferences in the U.S. Over the past ten years, U.S. hardwood lumber consumption averaged 8.4 billion board feet, or 16.9% of total U.S. lumber use. This article focuses on the structure and drivers of the hardwood lumber manufacturing sector, and addresses the role of consumer preference as a driver of variability in projecting demand. By Dr. Brooks Mendell and Jack Lutz 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 • January-February 2016 palletcentral.com Cover background image: iStock.com/lolostock I N S I D E Matthew Coughlin Photography