Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/921113
BUSINESS 34 Packing in Tax Credits: How the R&D Tax Credit is Impacting Wood Packaging Professionals With continued advancements in packaging and container design, manufacturing distribution and processes, innovating wood packaging professionals using technology can potentially package federal tax savings too. The R&D tax credit is not limited to scientists and medical researchers. Manufacturing companies that use technology such as the Pallet Design System™, log grading or sorting software, or other pallet design technology, may also qualify for these tax credits. By Jill Neuvirth BUSINESS BLOG 38 Telling the Stories of North America's Forests How we talk about ourselves and our work – how we tell our story – has a tremendous impact on how people connect with our work, our products and the broader forest and forest products community. It matters; the forest sector and our forests will thrive with great public awareness of our role as responsible stewards. Blog By the North American Forest Partnership 12 Insights on Labor & Workforce The current labor market is tight for manufacturers in general, and even tighter for the wooden pallet sector. This article compiles insights from numerous industry thought leaders on what they foresee for labor and the workforce now, and in 5 to 10 years. Responses gathered across the globe reflect the growing need for manufacturers to stay competitive in the labor market, while others look for solutions around advancements in automation and technology. V O L . 1 7 | N O . 6 Departments Chairman's Letter ................................................................6 Inside NWPCA ......................................................................8 Advertisers ........................................................................40 The Pallet Foundation ......................................................41 MARKETS 24 Supply and Demand Trends for Industrial Hardwoods In 2016 and early 2017, hardwood sawmills experienced declining demand and prices in pallets, railroad tie, and other industrial sectors – markets essential to sustaining mill profitabilty and ongoing operations. The situation has changed markedly in the last six months, and this article provides an overview of these markets with an eye toward prospects for 2018. By Hardwood Market Report SAFETY 30 OSHA Safety & Health Records: Shield or Sword? Safety and health professionals understand the significance of documentation. If training is not documented, then in OSHA's view, it never occurred. There are myriad recordkeeping requirements that employers must fulfill, and resources to help, as explained by one safety expert and attorney. By Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP Published six times annually by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, 1421 Prince Street, Suite 340, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-519-6104; info@palletcentral.com. Subscriptions to PalletCentral are complimentary, however you need to subscribe: PalletCentral.com>>Subscribe. Changes and Renewals: Current subscribers may sign-in at PalletCentral.com>>Edit Bio (look for "Additional Information" to manage your subscription and edit your mailing address. Or fax changes to: 703-519-4720.The NWPCA does not sell our mailing list; data collected from PalletCentral subscribers is solely used for tracking our readership. Stay Connected FEATURES Pallet Central 4 PalletCentral • November-December 2017 palletcentral.com I N S I D E Cover Image: iStockphoto.com/PhonlamaiPhoto. Composition by Caryn Smith.