2021 is finally here and the NHLA Management team and staff are already hard at work executing the Operational Plans we developed last fall. So, there is no better time to update everyone on what’s “New in the New Year” at NHLA.
I am pleased to report that members are showing interest in sending students to our newly introduced 8-week Inspector Training School class and are busy booking their exhibit space for our next IN PERSON convention in Palm Beach in October. Inspection work is also gradually increasing, and membership retention is higher than previous years. Most importantly, the industry seems to be entering into recovery mode.
We are also focused on expanding our educational value portfolio to supplement the operational focus of the programs introduced in 2020. First on the agenda will be new ed sessions focused on business management issues, including sales. And of course, our in-house NHLA Short Courses taught by our highly skilled National Inspectors will continue. Expect new surveys from NHLA to ensure we are developing customized educational solutions tailored to your business needs.
Success or failure in our industry often depends on how well sawmill operations are managed. In 2019 NHLA introduced its Yield Analysis/Quality Control programs to help members identify the operational issues that can cost sawmills well over $400,000 annually. NHLA recently introduced a new pricing model for the program to reflect the size of each mill reviewed.
What I have provided in this article is just a small sampling of the activity taking place at NHLA designed to help our members prosper. I am blessed to work with a management team with the skills and commitment to do just that.
John Hester, who is the Director of Member and Business Development, is another NHLA veteran. He is responsible for providing our members the opportunity to increase their visibility with existing and potential customers at our Convention and other events. He is the man to contact if you are interested in advertising and sponsorships as well. Equally important is his work with our National Inspectors to recruit new members. He can be contacted at j.hester@nhla.com.
As Director of NHLA’s Marketing Communications Team, Renee Hornsby is responsible for developing and implementing all of NHLA’s communications strategies. She also manages all facets of the NHLA Convention experience for our members. Renee’s work is always evolving, making her work even more complicated. She has a big job, but somehow, she always, always, pulls it off seamlessly. Renee can be contacted at r.hornsby@nhla.com.
Desiree Freeman is Director of Finance and Human Resources at NHLA. Her previous business experience with for-profit companies brings a unique and effective perspective to her work. All who know her agree she is a creative and effective financial strategist, and plays a critical role working with the Board Finance Committee in managing NHLA finances. Her work as Human Resources Director has also been critical to retaining key staff.
Chief Inspector Dana Spessert serves as the head of Inspection Services and the Inspector Training School. For the past several years, Dana, working with NHLA’s Inspector Training School and Inspection Services Committee, has focused on developing new, or enhancing existing innovative solutions to members’ quality control challenges and educational needs. Dana also serves as a global ambassador for NHLA having traveled to numerous countries with AHEC to discuss the NHLA Rules. Dana can be reached at d.spessert@nhla.com.
