Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/877664
- 5 - The Power of Wooden Pallets— Beyond the Deck ADVOCACY There is no other association in Washington, D.C., that represents the wood packaging sector. Advocacy pays off in preventing burdensome regulations or getting Congress to pass legislation that helps small businesses and manufacturers. The NWPCA takes a strong position on issues specific to the wooden pallet and container industry at the state, federal, and international levels. We are the global thought leader on wood packaging and design. We are stronger today than we have ever been because of your active participation and contributions of time and resources. Your dues dollars are working effectively for you. Because of the defeat of Oregon Bill H.B. 4089 in 2016, which would have required state contracting agency suppliers to use corrugated pallets, a similar bill being shopped around in 2017 in Washington state went nowhere. Our reputation preceded us; our wins send a strong message that we are a powerful organization— we are powerful because of our members. PalletCentral.com and increasingly engage in this vibrant platform, whether it's through our blogs, connecting with fellow colleagues (messaging, directory, comments), accessing business resources, renewing membership or registering for events. PalletCentral.com is always open for our members and the wood packaging industry. Partnerships and collaborations with other like-minded organizations is also a key channel in an effective communication strategy for a trade organization. New content is added to the NaturesPackaging.org blog regularly and Nature's Packaging ® specific social media outreach continues to grow, allowing us to reach a large captive audience regularly. As a member of the North American Forest Partnership, NWPCA is able to further our messaging to a diverse group of companies and organizations committed to the management of sustainable and healthy forests. Technology and social media is continuing to change our world. Engagement on our social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, has shown a significant increase. Social media will remain an integral channel for advocating our members' issues on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies, and in our marketing and promotional efforts. NWPCA is an active participant in the efforts of key stakeholder organizations and their domestic and international committees. A few of these organizations include: • American Trucking Associations • American Society for Testing and Materials • International Code Council • National Conference of State Legislatures • National Council of Forestry Association Executives • National Fire Protection Association • National Plant Board • North American Forest Partnership • North American Plant Protection Organization • Produce Marketing Association • State Government Affairs Council • UnitedFresh