Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/713205
Advocacy on behalf of our members is one of NWPCA's core goals and objectives. We are an organization whose membership is primarily comprised of family businesses and as such we do not individually have ready access to lobbyists, OSHA experts, or legal representation to fight against codes and regulations that could cripple our businesses. The NWPCA makes it possible for us to consolidate our resources and have a say in the direction our industry is headed. Two of the biggest challenges facing our industry today are increasing government regulations and threats from alternative materials. These are things we can more effectively face as a group rather than as individuals. NWPCA is actively working to address these issues through direct action and with expanded collaboration with other organizations. Nature's Packaging with WPA and CWPCA, and a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are just two recent examples. We are also expanding our outreach and direct action in DC with elected officials and regulatory agencies. NWPCA's Congressional Fly-in Legislative Summit is the most recent example. Four members of the House of Representatives, and one Senator, came by our Congressional Reception. This event is a new and important part of our strategy to raise this industry's profile and effectiveness on our key issues. We continue to see increased attendance at our events, and I would like to thank all of our members who attended the Fly-In for their participation. Our industry's outreach to Congress isn't done in 2016. I encourage you to invite your Member of Congress to your plant. An election year is a terrific opportunity to have your voice heard and I'm pleased to hear that several plant visits are in the works. Meeting with these legislators gives you the opportunity to educate, up close and personal, on policies that directly affect our businesses as well as the nation's economic growth. NWPCA's VP of Advocacy & External Affairs, Patrick Atagi, can walk you through the steps in hosting an event – it's easy, and impactful. As we keep an eye toward the NWPCA strategic goals of PDS, Web and Advocacy, we continue to look for ways to re-energize our members. The feeling that you are making a difference boosts optimism which leads people to work even harder to effect change. We know you have a vested interest in where our industry is headed, and we have heard from members wanting to serve on the board. One of the best places to start is by getting involved in a committee. This has the added benefit of exposing you to new members while strengthening already existing relationships within the NWPCA. You can sign up online for the committee(s) of your choice at PalletCentral.com (under the "About" tab). Your enthusiasm and new ideas are welcome and necessary to the growth of the NWPCA, and I hope some of you are already thinking about next steps in your active participation. 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 Industr y Outreach Boosts Business 6 PalletCentral • July-August 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