Leading The Hardwood Industry’s Resurgence
A few weeks ago, HMA members, promotion sponsors, and 2025 National Conference and Expo exhibitors convened in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for HMA’s Fall Regional Meeting. As always, our facility tours provided an eye-opening experience and attendees were able to see a mix of operations in action, network with industry colleagues, and hear an update on the state of the hardwood industry in the Hoosier State.
HMA members regard our Regional Meetings as one of their most beneficial membership perks. While spending time away from the office is becoming increasingly difficult these days, I truly appreciate the 60+ attendees who were able to make it to Fort Wayne, as well as seeing several new faces at their first HMA Regional Meeting.
I’ll take a brief moment to recognize our Indiana hosts: Pike Lumber Company Inc., in Akron; Cole Hardwood and Indiana Dimension Inc., in Logansport; Wible Lumber Inc., in South Milford; and Graber Lumber & Mulch and Campbell Road Sawmill in Spencerville. On behalf of all attendees, thank you for opening your doors to HMA members. And thank you to our sponsors: Pike Lumber Company Inc.; Baillie Group; and New River Hardwoods Inc. Your above-and-beyond support ensured an excellent experience during our stay in Fort Wayne.
As 2025 starts winding to a close and we set our sights on a new year with new opportunities, I encourage you to mark your calendars for HMA’s 2026 National Conference and Expo, which will take place Wednesday–Friday, March 25–27, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville.
Our theme is Resurgence, and fresh off of talking about the hardwood industry’s Evolution this past year, we’re preparing a diverse slate of speakers and learning sessions revolving around the hardwood industry “rising again into prominence” (as defined by Merriam-Webster). I hope you’ll plan on spending a few days of winter with us in sunny Florida to discuss the Resurgence of our industry—and how, together, we will make it happen.
And remember, HMA’s National Conference and Expo is open to all industry stakeholders. If you’re considering joining our unique association, give me a call at 412-244-0440 or send an email to ian@hardwood.org and let’s talk about what HMA can offer to you and your company.
A few weeks ago, HMA members, promotion sponsors, and 2025 National Conference and Expo exhibitors convened in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for HMA’s Fall Regional Meeting. As always, our facility tours provided an eye-opening experience and attendees were able to see a mix of operations in action, network with industry colleagues, and hear an update on the state of the hardwood industry in the Hoosier State.
HMA members regard our Regional Meetings as one of their most beneficial membership perks. While spending time away from the office is becoming increasingly difficult these days, I truly appreciate the 60+ attendees who were able to make it to Fort Wayne, as well as seeing several new faces at their first HMA Regional Meeting.
I’ll take a brief moment to recognize our Indiana hosts: Pike Lumber Company Inc., in Akron; Cole Hardwood and Indiana Dimension Inc., in Logansport; Wible Lumber Inc., in South Milford; and Graber Lumber & Mulch and Campbell Road Sawmill in Spencerville. On behalf of all attendees, thank you for opening your doors to HMA members. And thank you to our sponsors: Pike Lumber Company Inc.; Baillie Group; and New River Hardwoods Inc. Your above-and-beyond support ensured an excellent experience during our stay in Fort Wayne.
As 2025 starts winding to a close and we set our sights on a new year with new opportunities, I encourage you to mark your calendars for HMA’s 2026 National Conference and Expo, which will take place Wednesday–Friday, March 25–27, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville.
Our theme is Resurgence, and fresh off of talking about the hardwood industry’s Evolution this past year, we’re preparing a diverse slate of speakers and learning sessions revolving around the hardwood industry “rising again into prominence” (as defined by Merriam-Webster). I hope you’ll plan on spending a few days of winter with us in sunny Florida to discuss the Resurgence of our industry—and how, together, we will make it happen.

And remember, HMA’s National Conference and Expo is open to all industry stakeholders. If you’re considering joining our unique association, give me a call at 412-244-0440 or send an email to ian@hardwood.org and let’s talk about what HMA can offer to you and your company.