Miramar Beach, FL–”Investing in the Future” was the theme of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association’s (HMA) 2022 National Conference and Expo, recently held here at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
According to HMA Executive Vice President, Linda Jovanovich, “The thought-provoking theme was developed to engage and motivate our attendees to expand their frame of reference; be flexible to change; look to others as resources for growth; and invest in alternative processes in order to progress and achieve success.”
To that end, the multi-day event included the following eight learning sessions:
•Automation and Robotics – The future of Wood Processing Technology: Simon Potvin, president, wood processing division of the BID Group;
•Driving forces behind the decision to Automate: Liz Russell, director of operations, Stella-Jones Corporation;
•Promoting American Hardwoods in a changed world: Michael Snow, executive director, American Hardwood Export Council;
•Backstage Pass: Joshua Davis, vice president, and Todd Moore, senior credit manager, Food & Agribusiness Farm Credit Mid-America;
•Hardwood Market Update and Outlook: Dan Meyer, editor, Hardwood Publishing Company Inc.;
•Real American Hardwood Coalition Update + Consumer Promotion Strategy: Michael Martin, member RAHC Board of Directors, Mark Lainas, chief innovation officer/president, and Taua Baccarin, creative director, CANVAS United;
•Advocacy and Representation: Dana Lee Cole, executive director, Hardwood Federation;
•Plan and Prosper: Conor Lokar, senior forecaster, ITR EconomicsTM.
In addition to the informative presentations, the event hosted an HMA board of directors meeting, the annual meeting of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association, a sold-out Vendor Expo and numerous networking venues open to all 225 Conference participants.
The Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) is the only national trade organization with membership limited to Hardwood sawmills and lumber concentration yards located in the U.S.
Learn more at www.hmamembers.org.
