Category: Columns

As 2024 winds to a close, the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) would like to take the time to recognize and thank all of the industry stakeholders who have contributed to HMA’s American Hardwoods™ education and promotion campaign. Your generous support goes a long way in reaching consumers and design/build pros through the American Hardwood Information Center (AHIC) at
HardwoodInfo.com.

Over the past several months, I have spoken with many of you in the hardwood industry and have found one topic that keeps coming up: finding new markets. Either domestically through the Real American Hardwood promotion program or internationally through AHEC activities, there is a critical need to create new hardwood consumers all around the globe.  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 also want to stress the real direct benefits to dues-paying members as opposed to the industry at large who all benefit from generic promotion.

Looking ahead to 2025, what excites you? For many, it’s the hope that things won’t get worse, but there are always opportunities. Where will your

In October, more than 50 members of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA), non-members, and industry suppliers gathered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the Association’s Fall Regional Meeting. Over three days, attendees shared knowledge, saw new technology and equipment in action, and caught up with industry colleagues—new and old.

In breaking news, the European Commission (EC) announced on October 2, 2024 that in response to pressures from international partners, the full implementation of the

The value of education can’t be overstated. That includes the value of trades as much as it does the value of university. I have a

As the holidays approach, memories of past seasons often come to mind. Remember flipping through the big Sears Roebuck Wish Book or JCPenney catalog—or more

The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (SCMA) members and promotion sponsors recently gathered for the association’s Mid-Year Meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta,

This September, the American Hardwood Export Council launched an ambitious project challenging some of the most innovative designers in China to create something celebrating the

When leading an association, the highest duty is moving the industry to a place they don’t know they need to go. It’s far easier to

Back in 2019, leaders in the hardwood industry decided it was time to stop talking about the threat of look-alike wood products and to actively

When leading an association, the highest duty is moving the industry to a place they don’t know they need to go. It’s far easier to continue

I have always been drawn to genealogy and family history, and the older I get, the more I question the relevance of age. This year,

We’re neck deep into the new school year, making this the perfect time to look at what’s being accomplished across the industry to address the

It seems like we only just wrapped up summer, but the dynamic of a Presidential election has made it feel like the end of the

Last year was the warmest on record, and 2024 is on pace to surpass it as global cities feel the heat. Due to the “urban

In just a couple weeks, HMA members will be gathering in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for our 2024 Fall Regional Meeting. This members-only event will take

From June 10-12th, I attended the NeoCon Design Show in Chicago. Alongside Chief Inspector Dana Spessert, Chief Operating Officer Renee Hornsby, and Chief Development Officer

The WCMA is gearing up for our 2024 Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event to be held Sept. 23-25, 2024. The number one benefit of

Next month, HMA members will be hitting the road for our Fall Regional Meeting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday–Thursday, October 15–17. It’s been a while

Delving deep into the world of wood, featuring unexpected and timely topics from across forestry, architecture and design, the award-winning podcast “Words on Wood” has