Taking Advantage Of HMA Membership
As you’re reading this, more than 50 HMA members, American Hardwoods promotion sponsors, 2026 National Conference exhibitors, and members of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association are making their way back to their day-to-day responsibilities following HMA’s Fall Regional Meeting in the Johnson City, TN, and Roanoke, VA, areas.
HMA members regard our Regional Meetings as one of their most beneficial membership perks. While we’re in a stage where spending time away from the office is more difficult than ever, I hope you all were able to learn something new to take back home and make improvements at your own facilities.
It was three days well spent touring facilities in Tennessee and Virginia, and even better company, information exchange, and networking with industry peers.
I’d like to extend a hearty thank you to our tour hosts—the Koppers, Inc., tie treatment plant in Roanoke, VA; the New River Hardwoods, Inc., sawmills and millwork facility in Mountain City and Roan Mountain, TN; and the Stella-Jones Corporation tie production plant in Goshen, VA—for your hospitality and opening your doors for another successful HMA Regional Meeting. Your operations were impressive and our attendees were able to see new equipment in action and a variety of facilities that we don’t always get to see in person. Thank you!
On behalf of HMA, I’d also like to recognize our meeting sponsors (at the time of writing this column): Baillie Group and Kittrell Appraisals. We truly appreciate your extra support, and—of course—helping to offset our meeting expenses. Every attendee was sporting your brands and that’s some serious return on your sponsorship buck!
I also would like to shout out Virginia Tech’s Dr. Brian Bond for giving a presentation during our Thursday reception and dinner in Roanoke. Dr. Bond is no stranger to the hardwood industry. And he has a long list of titles and daily responsibilities, but I’m grateful for him taking the time to speak about the latest developments on hardwood cross-laminated timber, thermally treated hardwoods, and Virginia Tech’s programs and research.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The end of 2026 is getting closer and it’s time to start making plans for 2027. With that in mind, I encourage you to save the date for HMA’s 2027 National Conference and Expo, which will take place Monday–Wednesday, March 22–24, at The DeSoto in Savannah, GA. As the hardwood industry looks forward to a productive, successful, and prosperous year, your attendance, thoughts, and insights are welcome.
HMA staff is busy preparing an excellent slate of informative business sessions that you won’t want to miss, and as you’ve come to expect from HMA’s signature event, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet with the industry’s leading suppliers, network with colleagues and other industry leaders, and explore all that the historic and charming city has to offer. More information will soon be hitting your inbox and mailbox, so please keep a look out for details.
And remember, HMA’s National Conference and Expo is open to all industry stakeholders. If you’re considering joining our unique association and experiencing benefits of membership, 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.
