Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/713205
T he wooden pallet and container industry demonstrated its growing presence in Washington, DC when nearly 40 NWPCA members descended on Capitol Hill for two days of meetings with legislative and regulatory officials and coalition partners. Five Members of Congress came to speak at the NWPCA Capitol Hill Reception held at the National Capitol Hill Club. Receiving the NWPCA Inaugural "Champion of the Wood Pallet & Wood Packaging Industry" awards were Senator Thom Tillis (NC) and Representatives Jackie Walorski (IN-2nd), Rick Nolan (MN-8th), John James "Jimmy" Duncan (TN-2nd) and the Chairman of the Republican National Congressional Committee, Representative Greg Walden (Oregon-2nd). Congressman Rick Nolan of Minnesota previously owned a pallet manufacturing facility, which his son-in-law now operates; he shared some fun stories with the group about that experience and he intimately knows and understands the industry. It's great to know we have Champions on Capitol Hill looking out for the interests of the wooden pallet and container industry. A core reason for this year's Fly-in, was NWPCA's strategic plan's focus on advocacy and raising our profile with strategic entities. NWPCA members touched on several issues as they met with US Senators, US Representatives and Congressional staff, but focused on the two most important broad areas of concerns for wooden pallet manufacturers: trade and taxes. Domestic and international trade issues are important because so many goods move on wooden pallets or with wood packaging. There are two billion pallets in circulation domestically, so you get a feel for the magnitude of our industry. Taxes are increasingly onerous on small businesses, and maneuvering the complicated tax code often takes the additional cost burden of hiring accountants and tax lawyers to navigate the regulatory red tape. Current tax law has created an uncertain environment for not only wood packaging businesses, but all American manufacturing businesses across the country. It was a great two days in Washington, DC and NWPCA's Vice President of Advocacy and External Affairs, Patrick Atagi, noted, "What an impressive member turnout, especially during the busy season for wood pallet and wood packaging manufacturing. The feedback we received from Members of Congress reinforces the importance for our industry to be engaged and active in government affairs." Atagi added that during the NWPCA Board Meeting, Larry Howell of Cottondale Wood Products commented that industry doesn't have to just sit on the sidelines and react to legislation and regulations, but it can have an active role and input when those rules that affect wood packaging are being made. On the Road McCormick Place Chicago, Illinois: For the first time, four major produce and floriculture related associations met and exhibited under the same roof at McCormick 8 PalletCentral • July-August 2016 palletcentral.com INSIDE NWPCA N W P C A A N N O U N C E M E N T S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Jim Schwab and Mike Hachtman with U.S. Senator Cornyn. Brent McClendon, Terry Rodino and John Swenby enjoying a ride on the Senate train. Photo by David Bohrer/NAM Photo by David Bohrer/NAM David Grimes presenting U.S Senator Thom Tillis with the NWPCA "Champion of the Wood Pallet & Wood Packaging Industry" award.