Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/973524
I have to share with you a recent conference I attended along with 600 other exuberant business professionals. This conference had a U.S. Congresswoman, Jackie Walorski, who is a member of the influential U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, along with a best- selling author and highly respected Captain of the Navy, Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, address those in attendance. This conference provided informative, educational sessions and excellent networking opportunities. It was an incredible week in a beautiful setting. And no, this was not a YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) Conference or some other swanky professional organization conference. It was the Annual Leadership Conference (ALC) hosted by your association, the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association. The ALC had another year of record attendance from across the globe along with incredible educational seminars and roundtable discussions. It was a great week. I like to say this is the new NWPCA. I mean "new" because this transformation into a more professional, robust organization began just six years ago under our current President and CEO Brent McClendon, along with the incredible staff and our committed volunteer leaders. As one member stated, this used to be an association of pallet manufacturers. Now it is an association of businessmen and businesswomen. The best future is the one no one can envision. Moreover, I genuinely feel like we are just getting started. The NWPCA is more connected and relevant not only domestically but internationally. Brent and other staff members are being asked to represent the wood pallet industry all across the world. Whether at the National Association of Manufacturers, the Forklift Association, the USDA or at FEFPEB – the European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers, the NWPCA is the global thought and information leader for wood pallets and packaging. That is why I feel so fortunate and honored to be the current Chairman of the NWPCA. I recognize the tremendous responsibilities that come with this position. I was humbled as I sat in the Past Chairman Luncheon with so many industry titans. I listened to all the various stories, quickly realizing I have some big shoes to fill. However, I also realized I have a great group of mentors to assist with my duties. Shane Thompson, the Past Chair and whom I greatly commend for his service, started off 2018 in a full sprint. The NWPCA released a new version of PDS, saw the formation of PalletPAC, and the release of NWPCA's Fire Code Manual, just to name a few accomplishments. However, we still have a big year ahead. The Congressional Fly-In with NAM is June 19th and 20th in DC. If you have never attended a Congressional Fly-In, I highly recommend it. It is an eye-opening experience into how our government operates. We are also hosting Interpal 2018, September 18-20 in Minneapolis. Interpal occurs every four years and brings together all the significant pallet associations from all over the world. During Interpal 2018 we will also have our usual fall plant tours. I am truly honored and humbled to be your Chairman. It is going to be an exciting year. 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 Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products Chairman-Elect Jordan Piland, Atlas Pallets/ A Div. of Williamsburg Millwork Corp. Past Chair Shane Thompson, WestWind Logistics Secretary/Treasurer Frank Shean, Valley Pallet Director at Large Mike Hachtman, Relogistics Services. President/CEO Brent J. McClendon, CAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carolyn Beach-Skinner, Westside Pallet Peter Berry, Berry Industrial Kathleen Dietrich, Commercial Lumber & Pallet David Grimes, Pallet Resources of NC Bernie Kamps, Kamps, Inc. Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallets & Services Joe O'Brien, Industrial Pallet Rob Trexler, Pasadena Skid & Pallet Howe Wallace, PalletOne, Bartow, FL Nick Wenner, Pallet Service Corp. Jimmy Wilson, Bay Wood Products International Director Mike Vrugteveen, Niagara Pallet & Recyclers Associate's Representative Jeff Williams, PRS Group, Inc. International Director Emeritus Jan Fredell, Fredells Travaru AB NWPCA 6 PalletCentral • March-April 2018 palletcentral.com 2018 SEASON SPONSORS Kiln-Direct.com tel: 910-259-9794 | kiln-direct.com Mid Continent Nail Corporation tel: 800-867-6245 | mcswusa.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 Rotochopper, Inc. tel: 320-548-3586 | rotochopper.com Smart Products tel: 800-401-0099 | smartproductsinc.com Smith Sawmill Service tel: 800-598-6344 | smithsawmillservice.com Universal Fastener Outsourcing tel: 800-352-0028 | 911-nails.com Viking Engineering & Development tel: 800-328-2403 | vikingeng.com CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Embrace the New Larry Howell, Cottondale Wood Products NWPCA Chairman