Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/921113
A s I sit here and type my last message for PalletCentral, I can't help but think of what a great experience this past year has been. I would like to personally thank our NWPCA staff for the work they do every day. Their enthusiasm, attention to detail, and the overall professionalism is second to none. Having the opportunity to work closely with them this year has been a privilege. We are truly fortunate to have such an exceptional team.. Now that I have started down the path of thanking people, I would also like to thank all of the hosts for our Fall Plant Tours in Houston last month. It is no small endeavor to open your doors to yet another sold out event. So to everyone at Pasadena Skid & Pallet, Unipal International, Katoen Natie, and Wooden Pallets, thank you. Your hard work and willingness to open your doors have allowed us all to have a great experience. As for the business of the association, our advocacy program continues to expand and promote the positive message of wood packaging. We have been cultivating connections with related organizations, expanding our work with government agencies, and continuing our own outreach efforts to highlight the positive message of wood. In addition, our staff continues to be vigilant in directly addressing attacks on our industry. Our voice is being heard. The Pallet Design System ™ continues to be the world standard in pallet design software. We have delivered its latest release, v.5.3, while work on the language project continues on schedule. One last item I would like to discuss is involvement. Everyone in the Association places value in different areas. Whether you are a member to keep up to date on cutting edge changes, advocacy, networking, or educational opportunities, I guarantee you will get more out of your Association with increased participation. It could be as simple as attending a meeting, joining a committee or task force, or running for the board. Our membership is full of brilliant entrepreneurs. The more you work with and learn from your peers, the more you can bring back to your business. My return on investment from membership is very high. It was an honor to serve this past year as your Chair! The next Annual Leadership Conference takes place March 7-9, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I look forward to seeing you all there, and in other meetings to come. 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 Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics, LLC Chairman-Elect Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products Past Chair Steve Mazza, Bettaway Pallet Systems Secretary/Treasurer Jordan Piland, Atlas Pallets/ A Div. of Williamsburg Millwork Corp. President/CEO Brent J. McClendon, CAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carolyn Beach-Skinner, Westside Pallet, Inc. Peter Berry, Berry Industrial Group, Inc. Clint Binley, Pallets Incorporated Hamlet Fort, Edwards Wood Products David Grimes, Pallet Resources of NC, Inc. Mike Hachtman, reLogistics Services, LLC Bernie Kamps, Kamps, Inc. Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Frank Shean, Valley Pallet, Inc. Robert Trexler, Pasadena Skid & Pallet, Inc. Howe Wallace, PalletOne, Inc. Jimmy Wilson, Bay Wood Products, 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 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 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE A Note of Appreciation Sincerely, Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics, LLC NWPCA Chairman