Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/973524
T he Pallet Foundation began in 1996 by a group of 26 very dedicated individuals who each pledged $10,000 to setup this organization. This group recognized the need to have funds available to take on very specific projects in three core areas: education, research and marketing. In 2006, fundraising efforts were brought to a whole new level with the inception of the Pallet Foundation auction. A big thanks to Bill MacCauley, John Rock, Inc., whose role as auctioneer at our annual conferences, continues today. The Western Pallet Association's auction in January, 2018, raised $77,000, combined with NWPCA's 2018 auction, which raised nearly $140,000, brings a combined total of more than $215,000 towards ongoing and future projects. We keep our industry healthy and strong with an aggressive work plan. Over the years, the Pallet Foundation has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding some amazing projects. Each of these projects make a difference for the industry and benefits all of our businesses. The work plan for 2018 includes: Ongoing industry marketing via Natures Packaging® to promote the value of the wooden packaging Industry; Funding an Environment Products Declarations (EPDs) study. Once complete, this industry will have a verifiable, certifiable nutrition label for our products; Ongoing improvements to the Pallet Design System™ (PDS); New wood species design values are being studied, as well as enhanced functionality for forklift handling of notched stringers; Funding an "Economic Impact Study" which would identify the employment and economic value the wooden pallet and container industry contributes to the U.S. economy. Learn more about the Pallet Foundation projects, trustees, and how to contribute, at PalletCentral.com. 16 PalletCentral • March-April 2018 palletcentral.com The Pallet Foundation, Building a Better Future By Bob Wenner The Pallet Foundation Trustees