HMA Is Hitting The Road This Fall
September, already? In just a few short weeks, we’ll be saying so long to summer and welcoming the cool, fall air and Mother Nature’s colorful display—and I can’t wait. Of course, that also means that HMA’s Fall Regional Meeting is just around the corner! And I’m looking forward to spending time with HMA members, American Hardwoods promotion sponsors, and 2026 National Conference exhibitors, as we go on a tour of the central region, Wednesday–Friday, September 30–October 2.
Things kick off on Wednesday in Johnson City, TN, with HMA’s Fall Board of Directors Meeting. The Board will be joined by past presidents and NextGen Leaders Council members to discuss important business matters, our evolving association, and the state of the hardwood industry. Earlier in the day, we’ll also welcome members of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association for their Mid-Year Meeting. And then on Thursday morning, our adventure will begin.
At the time of writing this column, confirmed tour sites include New River Hardwoods’ newly updated sawmill in Roan Mountain, TN; followed by tour stops at the company’s sawmill and millwork facilities up the road in Mountain City. That evening, attendees will enjoy an HMA-style reception and dinner in the “Star City of the South,” Roanoke, VA. Then after a hearty breakfast Friday morning, we’ll be back on the highway to tour Stella-Jones’ production facility in Goshen, VA. Be sure to visit HMAmembers.org for our full schedule, descriptions of each tour site, registration details, hotel reservation information, and sponsorship opportunities.
HMA Regional Meetings are one of our association’s most valuable membership perks—just ask any of our members.
While other sawmills, concentration yards, and secondary manufacturing facilities may be competition any other time of the year, HMA Regional Meetings bring folks together for a couple days of camaraderie, information exchange, and networking for the betterment of each other’s businesses and operations. These meetings offer excellent opportunities to see new equipment, technologies, and ways of doing business. They also provide an eye-opening learning experience for the next generation of the hardwood industry’s workforce, who may not get out of the office too often.
If you haven’t already registered, there’s plenty of time to take care of business. And if you’re not already an HMA member and would like to attend, feel free to give me a call at 412-244-0440 or send an email to ian@hardwood.org. I’d be happy to discuss membership criteria, other member benefits, our education and promotion initiatives, industry collaborations, and everything happening at the HMA. I hope to hear from you soon!
Before closing out this month’s column, I have one more item for your to-do list.
Mark your calendar for HMA’s 2027 National Conference and Expo, which will take place Monday–Wednesday, March 22–24, at The DeSoto in historic and charming Savannah, GA. Keep a look out in your inbox and mailbox for more details in the months ahead.
