Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/763062
I don't want to sound like a broken record but NWPCA members are simply a cut above the rest. Our 2016 Fall Plant Tours, graciously hosted by Valley Pallet, were an overwhelming success. The tours sold out again in record time. It was a real pleasure seeing so many familiar faces but I was also quite excited to see so many new people too. This is a vital organization and the influx of new people attending the tours is proof that we are growing in numbers and continuing to advocate for the prosperity of all our members. I would also like to take a moment to mention and thank our co-sponsors: Automated Machine Systems, HUB Industrial Supply, PRS Group, Rotochopper, Inc., Smart Products, Valley Pallet and Viking Engineering & Development. Each one of you is responsible for helping make the tours a huge success. The Fall Plant Tours are a great opportunity to network with other members but it's also an important time to learn of new opportunities and new challenges facing NWPCA. It's well known that our industry drives innovation and that we are always pushing for better solutions with a global vision. I think that's why the Cary Institute Report came as a bit of surprise to many of us. The Cary Report is recommending a move away from wood packaging in international shipping as well as by retailers. This is quite bold considering that The Cary Institute has acknowledged that the cost of switching to non-wood packing material and the environmental impact of doing so have not even been studied. The NWPCA believes this to be a misguided recommendation and as such, significant time has been invested to safeguard the NWPCA member's interests. We are working with numerous organizations and strategic officials on an outreach basis and feel confident that our input is being given the consideration it deserves. The holidays are upon us and another year is coming to a close. There has been so much activity within our organization and our industry in 2016. We are in a growing stage and I, for one, am really excited by what awaits us in 2017. I will be attending the California WPA conference in January and I'm hoping to see some of you there. Keep in mind, you should never miss an opportunity to network and educate yourself. I wish you all a safe and happy holidays. 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 6 PalletCentral • November-December 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 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Growing Oppor tunities & New Challenges Steve Mazza, Bettaway Pallet Systems NWPCA Chairman