It has been a busy spring, and I have enjoyed being back on the road attending a number of industry events and seeing members in person. I can always tell when business is good by the attendance rate at these events, and it has been a great spring!
With a more active presence on social media platforms, as well as our monthly newsletter and blog, the WCMA continues to be more accessible to its members, wood industry partners, and the public. Many members find great value in the newsletters which contain a mixture of industry news, hot topics, employer resources and news about our members. I know you are all busy with the day-to-day, but I encourage you to take the time to go through the newsletter, and please, submit information that you feel other WCMA members would enjoy. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please contact wcma@wcma.com.
Collaborating with fellow trade associations is a priority for 2022. I am pleased to continue to serve on the Executive Committee for the Real American Hardwood Coalition and participate in weekly calls on how to move this industry-wide promotional campaign forward. Our goals are to increase American Hardwood sales, improve industry stability, and raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of Real American Hardwood. Our members know that reaching consumers in a meaningful way will have a positive impact on their bottom line! If you are not yet aware of this initiative, please visit the website at www.RealAmericanHardwood.org.
2022 Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event
We will also be collaborating on our 2022 Fall Conference & Plant Tour Event with Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) for the second year in a row. The event will be in Minnesota this fall and offers numerous networking opportunities and gives attendees an excellent opportunity to learn how industry professionals stay updated in areas such as woodworking machinery, equipment, tooling, supplies, software, and overall business solutions.
The event will be open to WCMA & WMMA member companies. Non-members are encouraged to attend to see what the WCMA is all about. We are sure that after participating in these excellent networking opportunities, you will be excited to join.
Conference details and registration will be announced soon, visit the WCMA website for more information. www.wcma.com.
WCMA Membership – If you are NOT a member, you are missing out!
One of the topics discussed at a recent WCMA board meeting focused on membership growth. The board acknowledged that while it is important to retain our current members, it’s equally important to grow our membership. By welcoming new members and tech partners, we can expand current programs, develop new benefits, and add more variety to our networking, wood industry promotions, and educational opportunities. I believe every WCMA member and tech partner has something to contribute to the WCMA mission. Why not invite more wood component manufacturers and suppliers to our conversation? Below are several of the key benefits of being a member with the WCMA:
•Networking/Information Exchange – One of the main reasons that members join and stay with the WCMA is because of the access that it provides to a wide range of industry experts. Your colleagues are often your best source for in-depth insight and ideas. WCMA gives you the opportunity to connect with industry professionals across the United States and into Canada.
•Virtual and Live Events – The WCMA hosts events designed with our members in mind. These events offer members a great chance to improve your knowledge of the industry and to connect with peers.
•Exclusive use of Real American Hardwood Coalition branding and marketing resources.
If you are a current WCMA member, participate in our “Member-Get-a-Member” campaign. We make it easy for you to share our information with colleagues, just visit our website and go to the “2022 Member-Get-a-Member Campaign” page under “membership.”
If you are not a member, I would love an opportunity to discuss membership with you in more detail. Please email me directly at amy@wcma.com or call 651-332-6332. You can see more about membership and activities that the WCMA is working on at our website, www.wcma.com.
Working with WCMA Members
The benefits of working with WCMA member companies are clear. Manufacturers that outsource components are more profitable than those that do not, period. All independent studies since 1970 prove it. It’s just good business to outsource.
Finding a supplier that can consistently produce quality components and be responsive to your needs is easier than ever before. Just give us a call at 651-332-6332 or visit our source guide at www.wcma.com/source_guide.html. You will be provided with a list of WCMA Member Companies that will meet your exact requirements for dimension and component products made from Hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered wood materials. It’s that easy! We look forward to hearing from you!
