National Hardwood Magazine - August 2018

HMA UPDATE THE “DOG

HMA UPDATE THE “DOG DAYS OF SUMMER” AND BEYOND It’s been a hot and steamy summer for us here in Western Pennsylvania. And if the upcoming predictions from our local weathermen are even 50 percent accurate, this stretch of high temps and moist air will be with us through the “dog days of summer,” and beyond. HMA is far from lethargic, however. We’ve got a lot going on. And that goes for a host of others in the Hardwood community. WORKING TO CLOSE THE SKILLS GAP Things are heating up in Wisconsin. Later this month, the Hardwood Manufacturers Certificate Program kicks into gear at the Northcentral Technical College in Antigo. If you need a memory refresher - this unique, 16 week/14 credit program, open to all Hardwood industry stakeholders, was designed to help fill the labor gap(s) haunting the Hardwood industry. Over the past several months, the Hardwood community has been encouraged to enroll their “promising” employees into the program. And for those who did so, you are well aware that from August 27 - December 18, your employees will be otherwise occupied. But no worries! Upon Program completion, your shining star certificate holders will be able to identify Hardwood species; scale, grade and value Hardwood logs; breakdown logs and edge/trim lumber; investigate slicer and rotary veneer manufacturing; examine the physical and mechanical properties of wood; operate a conventional dry kiln, and apply basic Hardwood lumber inspection grading rules. To the students of the inaugural class, I extend best wishes! And to the industry stakeholders that made this collaborative effort a reality, I thank you. SEPTEMBER IN WASHINGTON, DC The Hardwood Federation (HF) will soon be conducting its most important event of the year, the annual Fall Fly-In, set for September 11-13. HF Executive Director, Dana Cole, tells us that during their meetings with key members of Congress, they will be focusing on our industry’s vitality and potential, and highlighting the future. As Dana said in a recent HMA newsletter column, “Hardwood companies depend on talented, young people to carry on their legacy. Our youth will be at the forefront of bringing new technology to the industry and discovering new, cutting edge applications for Hardwood in every aspect of modern life. I strongly believe that a federal government that understands their role, their passion, will be much more likely to work with us to achieve our goals.” Seeing the Fly-In as an opportunity to bring our two groups together, the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) will Please turn to page 49 BY LINDA JOVANOVICH, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, PITTSBURGH, PA 412-244-0440 WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG 16 AUGUST 2018 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

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