National Hardwood Magazine - May 2022

HMA UPDATE ONE INDUSTRY

HMA UPDATE ONE INDUSTRY COMPRISED OF LEADERS UNITED HMA’s 2022 National Conference and Expo is now just a fond memory. But what a memory! After two years of confinement, our HMA members were out in full force: In-person! Face-to-face! Plus, members of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association added to the excitement of being together again. And the sold-out industry Expo – a mix of familiar and new faces – was the icing on the cake! To make the event even sweeter, in attendance were several industry associates contemplating HMA membership. (As you know, our National Conference and Expo is open to all industry stakeholders.) I’m pleased to report that for them, experiencing the welcoming atmosphere, the camaraderie, the networking opportunities, and the on-point business sessions proved to be the perfect introduction to our storied Association. So I ask: is HMA membership right for you? And might the following member benefits assist you in your strategic planning? Take a look. Regional Meetings: By touring sawmills, concentration yards and secondary manufacturing facilities, HMA members 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 ‘members only’ Spring Regional Meeting is slated for May 25-26, in North Carolina.) National Conference & Expo: HMA’s annual, two-day event features speakers, workshops and roundtables on domestic 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 fellowship. (Our 2023 National Conference and Expo is planned for Nashville, Tennessee, March 22-24, at the JW Marriott.) Industry Support: With the mindset of “one industry, comprised of leaders united,” HMA members recognize the importance of working together to shape the industry for future generations. To that end, financial support is given to the Hardwood Federation, our industry’s advocacy voice on Capitol Hill; the American Hardwood Export Council, the international association promoting American Hardwood, globally; and the Real American Hardwood Coalition, the Association-led, voluntary promotion initiative working to raise consumer awareness and interest in using American Hardwood products. Please turn to page 67 45 Years Leading Dry Kiln Efficiency! BY LINDA JOVANOVICH, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, PITTSBURGH, PA 412-244-0440 WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG 16 MAY 2022 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE kilnsales@nyle.com (800) 777-6953 www.nyle.com