National Hardwood Magazine - September 2019

WCMA ASSOCIATION INFO

WCMA ASSOCIATION INFO WCMA/MMPA 2019 Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event For the first time, the Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA) is joining forces with the Moulding Millwork Producers Association (MMPA) to hold a joint Fall Tech Ed & Plant Tour Event. The event will be held in New Orleans, LA, from Sunday, September 22 through Wednesday, September 25. I know as owners and managers of manufacturing facilities, it is sometimes hard to take the time for your own growth and professional development, but let me assure you, this event is a must attend! Held in New Orleans, the event gives attendees the opportunity to meet with colleagues, tour four unique and successful plants, and attend a full day of educational sessions, including an opportunity to meet one-on-one with suppliers during Productivity Information Exchange (PIE) sessions. We will be touring Acadian Millwork, Gator Millwork, Riverside Lumber and Barnett Millwork. At each plant, attendees will see first-hand how companies are managing various aspects of wood processing, including optimization and scanning, materials handling, gluing, lean manufacturing, tooling, and machining. One of the most valuable parts of these tours is seeing different methods of manufacturing and observing what other companies are doing success- fully. In addition, we will have two receptions and a poker-crawl event which will provide attendees with plenty of opportunities to network, one of the biggest benefits of attending. The event will be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza in the French Quarter. This newly renovated hotel provides luxury accommodations amid the beating heart of the legendary French Quarter. Just outside, you’ll enjoy a whirlwind of enchanting festivals, theater, music, cultural exhibits, and culinary delights. Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to visit this iconic area and enjoy the famous New Orleans cuisine. John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” The WCMA Education & Programs Committee agrees and has created a full day of learning opportunities. Tuesday there will be several educational sessions, including panel sessions from each association’s leadership on the state of their respective industries. Also on Tuesday, attendees will have an opportunity to schedule Productivity Information Exchange (PIE) sessions with suppliers. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to find the solutions you need as a manufacturer. Please turn to page 73 BY AMY K. SNELL, CAE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOOD COMPONENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOC., LINDSTROM, MN 651-332-6332 WWW.WCMA.COM 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

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