Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/666889
Having just returned from the most e xhilarating NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference yet is only one of the reasons why I am honored by my role as Chairman this year. I was also fortunate to attend the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Western Pallet Association in California, and the recent FEFPEB Congress held October 2015 in Cork, Ireland. These three conventions have underscored the importance of a strong NWPCA and the value in working closely with other wood packaging associations, domestically and internationally. Networking should never be underestimated when it comes to coalition building and sharing of ideas and philosophies that continue to keep this organization relevant and connected to the future of the industry. We have a number of upcoming events scheduled, including the Expo Richmond 2016 in May and a new round of NWPCA Fall Plant tours this October in California. It is my sincerest wish that all our members avail themselves of these fantastic opportunities. The rewards of fostering good relationships were perfectly demonstrated back in February with the defeat of the Oregon Initiative. Due in no small part to NWPCA, a mobilization occurred in a matter of days that won the day, and we must remain ever vigilant. We have effective leadership and staff, and a growing network that provides the structure and support we need to keep us viable and allow us to flourish. Switching gears just a bit, I'd like to briefly discuss Nature's Packaging. If you haven't had a chance to take a look at the website I strongly urge you to do so now: www.naturespackaging.org. The team who put so much time and effort into this project deserves a tremendous thank you from all of us. This is a dynamic and forward thinking marketing tool, as well as a centralized location for research articles, websites and studies pertaining to wood packaging. This platform presents the true message of our industry's efforts in areas like sustainability, ecology, recycling of our resources, forest management, and being environmentally friendly. The online presence and proper use of social media is an important component in today's advertising, and Nature's Packaging is something in which we can all be proud. I'm honored to be the new Chair, and one of my primary goals as such is to continue to build on the success of our leadership under former Chair Jim Schwab. This is a progressive organization and I strongly believe your involvement with task forces, committees and leadership will give you a significant return on your business investment. 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 Steven Mazza, Bettaway Pallet Systems Chairman-Elect Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics, LLC Past Chair Jim Schwab, Pallet Logistics of America Secretary/Treasurer Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products Director at Large Jimmy Wilson, Bay Wood Products, Inc. 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 David Grimes, Pallet Resources of NC, Inc. Frederic Haman, Tampa Pallet Company Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Terry Rodino, Recycled/New Pallets Bill Schneider, Remmey – The Pallet Company John Swenby, Paltech Group – Paltech Enterprises, Inc. Robert Trexler, Pasadena Skid & Pallet, Inc. Howe Wallace, PalletOne, Inc. International Director John Dye, Scott Pallets Associate's Representative Jeff Williams, PRS Group, Inc. International Director Emeritus Jan Fredell, Fredells Travaru AB NWPCA CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE The Value of a Growing Network 6 PalletCentral • March-April 2016 palletcentral.com 2016 SEASON SPONSORS 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 Steve Mazza, Bettaway Pallet Systems NWPCA Chairman