I recently took a call from a ‘new’ HMA member who said he wanted to talk with me about his experience at our Spring Regional Meeting in Lexington. Trying to place a face with a name, I held my breath for a moment, wondering how this call was going to go, and all the while thinking, he’s new to the HMA; this was his first Regional Meeting; was I able to spend much quality time with him in Lexington? Yada, yada, yada. Thankfully, my jitters were soon put to rest.
He was calling to thank the HMA, and me, for presenting him with such a wonderful opportunity to see, to experience and to learn. He said that for him, each tour location provided a significant ‘take-away.’ He told me that during the 36-hour event, he made HMA and vendor connections that have already proven to be beneficial to his work. And he’s already marked his calendar for the September Regional, anticipating the same ‘return’ on his time investment.
This was music to my ears. And his willingness to invest the time and money to attend, reinforces what I continue to believe is true, that for those who choose to participate, the value of HMA’s Regional Meetings is real.
Thank you for making the most of this opportunity, ‘new’ HMA member! And I look forward to spending more time with you in September, at HMA’s Fall Regional Meeting. What are the details of this ‘members only’ event?
The Meeting is set for September 18-20 in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, and I’m pleased that confirmed tours, to-date, include Bradford Forest Products, Emporium Hardwoods, and RAM Forest Products. All meeting details are available at HMAmembers.org. And of course, you can always reach out to info@hardwood.org, should you have any questions.
For those of you considering HMA membership, visit HMAmembers.org for a closer look at our storied Association, then contact me, ljovanovich@hardwood.org, to discuss membership criteria, member benefits, etc. We would love to introduce you to all those participating in our Fall Regional.
Now, as the lazy, hazy days of summer are winding to a close, I encourage you to enjoy; chill; and make the most of every opportunity at home, at work, and at play. And I hope to cross paths with you, soon.
