Well 2020 did not turn out quite as we had hoped! Our plans for a European Plant Tour Event, Regional One-Day Event, and of course our signature Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event all changed. The European Plant Tour Event and Regional One-Day Event have been postponed, but we were successful in hosting a virtual Fall Conference and Plant Tour event in November.
Changing to a virtual event for the Fall Conference had its challenges, but by the time we went live I was proud of our offering to members. The plant tour hosts were excellent, and we had three dynamic speakers on topical issues. Tours included Unalam in Unadilla, NY, Baillie Lumber’s Smyrna, NY plant, and Inova in Altamont, NY. Each tour gave a behind the scenes look at the hosts manufacturing facility, an interview with the tour hosts, and participants had a chance to have their questions answered live.
Our speakers included Jeff Finney, with Ultimate Cabinet Components, who spoke on Practical Lean. Jeff shared with attendees the pillars of lean, how to get started and keep it going, and gave great examples of Lean Manufacturing in his plant. We also had an update from the Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition on their efforts to promote American Hardwood to consumers over substitute materials. Our final speaker was Taylor St. Germain, with ITR Economics, who gave an economic update, including, economic forecasts, economic indicators of utmost importance to watch, and time-sensitive events of public concern.
The event was recorded for those that were unable to participate live. If you are interested in viewing the Virtual Fall Conference, please contact the WCMA office.
I am now looking forward to 2021, and cannot wait until we can all get together in person again. The WCMA Board of Directors is meeting this month to work on our strategic plan for the upcoming two years, and we will have exciting things to announce after those sessions. Our board cares about the members and wants to continue to offer excellent programs and services to help our members be successful.
WCMA Membership – If you are NOT a member, you are missing out!
If you are a manufacturer of wood components or dimension stock, membership in the Wood Component Manufacturers Association is now more important than ever. The association remains committed to becoming a progressive, nationally recognized association whose focus is on meeting the needs of its members. 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. The WCMA gives you the opportunity to connect with industry professionals across the United States and Canada. For a list of additional member benefits, go to www.wcma.com/member_benefits.html.
I would love an opportunity to discuss membership in more detail with you. Please call me at 651-332-6332 or email me directly at amy@wcma.com. You can also see more about membership and all the activities that the WCMA is working on at our website, www.wcma.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
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! WCMA Looking Forward to 2021!
