National Hardwood Magazine - December 2021

HMA UPDATE
“INVESTING IN THE FUTURE”
Those who know me well also
know that the mention of wine gets
my attention. No surprise then, that a
Wall Street Journal article about how
automation is assisting the wine industry
overcome its labor issues, made me take
notice. And it was especially interesting
to me because of the striking parallel to
the Hardwood industry.
According to the article titled
“Vineyards Turn to Automation Amid Worker Shortage,”
those vintners courageous enough to “take the robot
plunge,” did so despite their concerns of cost, return on
investment, and product/production quality. Legitimate
concerns, certainly! Nonetheless, if they wanted to
harvest their grapes on time, they needed to take action.
Their admirable ‘leap of faith’ reminded me of
leadership expert Mark Sanborn’s words, “Success isn’t
always about meeting your goals. It’s also about meeting
your challenges.” Inspiring words, right? But how exactly
do we do that?
Well from where I sit, relying on the “same old, same
old” won’t get us ahead. But … following the example of
those courageous winemakers; expanding our frame of
reference and changing our MO – modus operandi – will.
For them - and for us - success hinges upon
embracing change, embracing technology,
and looking to alternative processes to help
accomplish today’s goals and tomorrow’s
dreams.
HMA will be discussing this, and much
more, at our 2022 National Conference
and Expo set for March 23-25, at the
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar
Beach, Florida. All Hardwood industry
stakeholders are invited to attend, and I encourage you
to join us, that is if you are up to the challenge.
•The event will feature speakers, workshops and
panel discussions geared toward “Investing in the
Future.” Receptions and other meal venues will offer
opportunities for networking, idea exchanges and
one-on-one relationship building. And an industry
Expo, comprised of the latest and greatest, will
offer products and solutions to put you on track for
success.
•The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a 2,400-
acre destination resort, located between the Gulf
of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. It offers
4-Star accommodations, ultra-modern amenities,
gourmet dining, four award winning golf courses, and
countless adventures in or on emerald green
water. It’s northwest Florida at its best. And it’s
calling your name.
All of the Conference specifics – Registration,
Agenda, Sponsorships, Expo – are available
at www.HMAmembers.org. Take a look, then
mark your calendars and get your planning
started. March will be here before we know it. n
BY LINDA JOVANOVICH,
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION,
PITTSBURGH, PA
412-244-0440
WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG
Efficiency. Quality. Speed.
Check out our YouTube Video Series:
16 DECEMBER 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE
(800) 777-6953 Kilnsales@nyle.com www.nyle.com