National Hardwood Magazine - July 2019

HMA UPDATE IS HMA

HMA UPDATE IS HMA MEMBERSHIP RIGHT FOR YOU? Earlier this summer, while attending the Commencement ceremony of a young, family friend, I found myself seated beside the “twenty-something” brother of one of the graduates. As we waited for the program to begin, we chatted. He casually asked my line of work; and for the next five or so minutes we discussed trade associations. Of course, I delivered my 30-second+ elevator speech about the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA); gave him the short version of the current challenges facing our industry; told him that HMA is in the business of building a stronger industry. He asked how we do that. And that was my opportunity to discuss some of the “different learning tools” we provide, i.e. HMA Member Services. Networking at its best First off I told him that our Association provides members a significant connection to a unique forest products industry brain trust. I called it a collective wisdom that our members share openly, and with great enthusiasm. For many of them, this extraordinary peer-to-peer networking and information exchange is the greatest member service. HMA Signature Events Regional Meetings - By touring sawmills, concentration yards and secondary manufacturing facilities, HMA mem- bers get to see the latest technology at work; witness working solutions to common problems; exchange information with seasoned counterparts; then participate in discussions on industry issues, forest resource topics, or Hardwood market updates. These educational events are conducted in the spring and fall of each year, and are designed to deliver maximum value in minimal time. (The fall, ‘members only’ South Atlantic Regional Meeting is slated for September 24- 25, in North Carolina.) National Conference & Expo – HMA’s annual, two-day event features speakers, workshops and roundtables on national and global economics, manufacturing and market trends, innovation, and issues of strategic significance to the Hardwood industry. Industry suppliers present and display the newest technology throughout the Conference & Expo. Receptions and meal venues provide opportunities for member-to-member socializing, networking, information and idea exchanges, and plenty of the best kind of comradery. (The 2020 National Conference and Expo is planned for Nashville, Tennessee, March 25-27, at the J.W. Marriott.) Other Member Services … • Special Reports-Surveys-Industry Updates • Resource Purchasing Power programs Please turn to page 70 BY LINDA JOVANOVICH, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, PITTSBURGH, PA 412-244-0440 WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG 12 JULY 2019 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

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