As we wrap up 2022, I am grateful that the WCMA was able to add value to WCMA members by creating opportunities to network, participate in pertinent industry informational sessions, and meet in person and tour manufacturing facilities.
In November of 2022, over 70 WCMA and WMMA Members participated in the joint Wood Component Manufacturers Association and Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association’s Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event in Minneapolis, MN. This joint meeting with the two associations allows attendees expanded networking opportunities, the ability to meet one-on-one with suppliers, and the chance to tour manufacturing plants in the area.
A panel of industry experts discussed “The State of the Industry” and participants shared challenges they are currently facing, and how they are handling them; critical changes that we must make as an industry to face the future effectively; and a robust exchange on a variety of workforce topics. This discussion was a great opportunity for all attendees to share their best practices and gather ideas from others to implement in their own plants.
I am looking forward to 2023 and am excited about the variety of benefits WCMA has to offer. Our board cares about the members and want to continue to offer excellent programs and services to help our members be successful.
Educational and Networking Opportunities
In 2023, we are excited to announce the return of the European Plant Tour event. We are in the early planning stages for this event and are currently planning on early June. Those of you who have attended this event in the past know that it is a great opportunity to tour some of Europe’s most innovative, efficient, and productive manufacturing facilities. This is an unrivalled opportunity to discover “what’s next” in the global woodworking industry. Attendees will get an exclusive look at a variety of manufacturing facilities and gain insights on ways to make their business more successful by observing best practices with global influences.
We are also planning our signature Fall Conference & Plant Tour event in central Ohio for 2023. There are many excellent manufacturing facilities in the area that are open for tours, and we are excited to again partner with WMMA. We are planning on meeting in early September, and are excited to see the advancements that have been made since we were last there in 2013.
Real Industry Promotion
As a founding contributor to the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC), WCMA is invested in real promotion for domestic Hardwood manufacturers. The RAHC’s mission: “With widespread support, the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) unites the collective efforts and resources of the industry to advance American Hardwoods as the Naturally Authentic™ choice.”
This initiative is underway with a robust social media campaign, content integrations with home improvement programming and personalities, and collaboration with a variety of influencers.
Because of the WCMA’s financial support, WCMA members are able and encouraged to download and use the RAHC logo on all products that qualify, and help consumers start recognizing the brand and spread the word. This exciting program helps our members’ products stand out!
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!
