Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/801657
NWPCA is excited about 2017, and we're not alone. The Associated Press reported that Donald Trump's election as president "has made many small business owners more upbeat about 2017." The AP ties the increased optimism to expectations of higher revenues, lower taxes, and a roll-back of regulations. In another survey by Wells Fargo, 46 percent said: "The operating environment for their companies would improve in 2017; that compares to 30 percent two years ago after the last congressional elections." In addition, the survey noted that more than half the owners said that actions taken by Trump and Congress next year will make their companies better off. From the Affordable Care Act to the Department of Labor's overtime rules, Republicans are examining ways to undo many of the costly regulations and other orders enacted by the Obama Administration. A recent National Association of Manufacturers study calculated the cost of the latest labor regulations to the economy to be $85 billion, with up to 155,000 jobs lost over the next 10 years. In anticipation of the opportunities to advance your interests with the new administration and Congress, NWPCA has aggressively expanded our footprint in DC. In addition to the external lobbying firm we work closely with, NWPCA just engaged the services of two more law firms to assure we are well represented on issues ranging from food safety and sanitation, to international trade and business issues. We also work closely with National Journal, a premier research and insights company serving more than 1,000 government and business leaders in the nation's capital. Their insights and connections will help NWPCA save time, increase efficiency and deliver success for our members. NWPCA's work with consultants on fire codes and safety concerns of our members achieved great success in 2016 and will be further expanded in 2017. A Safety Alliance with OSHA, a series of webinars, fire code compliance resources and regional meetings are all on the docket for 2017, as is a repeat of our successful DC Legislative Fly-In. Our new collaboration with National Journal complements the coalition-building and outreach we are doing with the National Association of Manufacturers, United Fresh Produce Association, State Government Affairs Council, National Council of State Legislatures, and numerous state and regional forest products trade associations. I am pleased to report that we have kicked off 2017 with great momentum in DC, and within our association. Our membership is growing, and we are thrilled with the record number of early registrants for our annual conference. I hope you can join us in Tucson, Arizona this March as we'll be hosting an international forum of pallet federations at our conference and detailing our aggressive plans for this industry in 2017. You and your team are also welcome in our committees, at our regional meetings as part of our "Year of Safety" initiative, or joining us in DC at our legislative fly-in. There is a lot of excitement from the business community and in your trade association. We have a lot to do this year, and with your active support we know it will be a fun and fruitful 2017! 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 • January-February 2017 palletcentral.com 2017 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 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Upbeat and Ready for 2017 Brent J. McClendon, CAE NWPCA President/CEO