Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/877664
- 8 - responded with facts, copies of the independent study by the Oregon Department of Corrections, and a list of local members for potential recycling opportunities. Solicitations like these could up-tick as CTP continues its contact with legislators, state offi cials and other universities, such as Oregon and Alabama. In response, the communications and advocacy teams will increase their communication and educational outreach efforts in this area. PDS & USDA BIOPREFERRED CERTIFICATION The U.S. Department of Agriculture certifi ed users of NWPCA's Pallet Design System™ as USDA BioPreferred ® . "Achieving group certifi cation is a fi rst for the USDA," said Kate Lewis, Deputy Program Manager of the USDA BioPreferred program. "We've been able to verify the Pallet Design System™ meets the strict requirements of the USDA program." Now over 430 PDS users automatically qualify for the program and may begin voluntarily labeling their pallets. Manufacturers that license PDS are listed in the USDA BioPreferred Catalog to help federal purchasers identify Biobased products, where federal law directs all federal agencies and their contractors to purchase Biobased products identifi ed by the USDA BioPreferred program. "We've been able to verify the Pallet Design System™ meets the strict requirements of the USDA program, and allows PDS-users into the program." — Kate Lewis, Deputy Program Manager USDA BioPreferred Program COALITIONS The North American Forest Partnership (NAFP) represents an unprecedented effort to strengthen the forest sector's standing with the public. As part of NAFP, we are using the emerging power of social media to create a conversation about our forests, manufacturer's reliance on forests, our people and our reputation. NWPCA was an early member and is an active participant in NAFP. Engage with us and others who share our love of the sector and learn more on social media about this important initiative. Congressman "GT" Thompson received the "NWPCA Champion of the Wood Pallet and Wood Packaging Industry" award for maintaining a close relationship with industry and advocating for important industry priorities such as the USDA BioPreferred program and fi nding workers for rural America. Earlier this year NWPCA member company, Penn Pallet, held a Congressional mill tour in St. Mary, Pennsylvania with Representative Thompson. Congressman Thompson is on the House Agriculture Committee and serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.