The latest issue of National Hardwood Magazine features stories on Wyrmwood Gaming, Middle Tennessee Lumber, High Point Market, the Montreal Wood Convention and much more.
AHEC REPORT HOW CAN
AHEC REPORT HOW CAN YOUR COMPANY BENEFIT FROM AHEC MEMBERSHIP? Over the past several months, I have spoken with many of you in the Hardwood industry and have found that there is an overwhelming understanding of--and appreciation for--the increasing importance of exports to the short and long-term profitability of our industry. And, while I have found general support for AHEC’s overall mission to “grow the pie” for U.S. exporters through generic educational and promotional activities, I have also learned that there is a perception among the industry that generic promotion is the only thing that AHEC does, and there are no real direct benefits to members who pay dues as opposed to the industry at large who all benefit from generic promotion. As with any trade association, the benefits you receive from AHEC membership tend to be directly proportional to your involvement with the organization. Those members who participate in events overseas and remain in contact with the AHEC overseas staff on a regular basis will certainly get more out of their investment than an inactive member. Nevertheless, the direct benefits even for less active members are substantial, and are outlined below: •American Hardwood Environmental Profile (AHEP): Simply put, AHEPs are a consignment-specific shipping document which will provide access to information on the risk of illegality as well as sustainability of the U.S. Hardwood species contained in that consignment, together with quantitative data on the environmental impacts associated with delivering each specific consignment to an individual customer anywhere in the world. In the short term, this document is designed to satisfy “due diligence” requirements arising from illegal logging legislation such as the Lacey Act in the U.S., the EU Timber Regulation, and Japanese “Green Procurement” laws. This document is free and exclusive to AHEC members, and can be filled out on our new website platform: ahec.org. •Participation in AHEC Trade Show Pavilions: AHEC offers several opportunities per year for members to exhibit in AHEC-funded trade show pavilions at a greatly reduced cost. AHEC takes charge of the stand build, space rental, signage and even the furniture and electrical service. For 2023 AHEC will host (or has hosted) pavilions at Dubai Wood Show, Interzum Guangzhou and FMC Shanghai in China, Vietnam Wood in Ho Chi Minh City, Delhi Wood and Mumbai Wood in India, and TechnoMueble in Guadalajara, Mexico. •Conventions: AHEC holds regional conventions in Greater China/Southeast Asia, Europe, and Mexico. These events provide unique opportunities to network with a large number of potential overseas buyers and Please turn to page 64 BY MICHAEL SNOW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL, STERLING, VA 703-435-2900 WWW.AHEC.ORG (800) 777-NYLE www.nyle.com kilnsales@nyle.com 16 JUNE 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.org www.RealAmericanHardwood.org JUNE 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 17
