Each morning at our recent National Conference in Charleston, SC, Nate Irby, executive director of the Railway Tie Association, greeted me with a basic question: “What did you learn today?” Granted, it wasn’t even 8 a.m., and I was only awake for a couple hours on those days, but it did get me thinking and it’s a question I now ask myself daily. I encourage you to do the same, because you should never stop learning—for the benefit of yourself and your business.
Learning opportunities are a core benefit of HMA membership. Our annual National Conference and Expo provides a slate of learning sessions that are designed to provide valuable information and resources to improve your facilities, optimize your operations, and educate your workforce. And at the Expo portion, members can network and learn about the latest technology and services that are available to them from the industry’s leading suppliers and service providers.
That said, seeing is believing. And that’s why many of our members say HMA Regional Meetings are one of their favorite membership perks. Held twice a year, our Regional Meetings provide an excellent opportunity for members—from senior managers to operational managers to younger personnel—to go behind to scenes and see the latest technology at work, witness solutions to common problems, and exchange information with seasoned peers.
This month, HMA members will be hitting the road and traveling to Franklin, TN, for our Spring Regional Meeting, Wednesday–Thursday, June 12–13. It’ll be a busy two days with a lot of miles covered, but the lineup of tours will make it worth it. Featuring sawmills, concentration yards, and a secondary manufacturing facility, this Spring Regional Meeting will provide an abundance of learning and networking opportunities for attendees.
The lineup includes two HMA member companies, Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. and Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, and industry friends, Clark Hardwoods and Mayfield Lumber Company. All the details, including registration and hotel information, can be found online at HMAmembers.org.
Regional Meetings are only open to HMA members, and 2024 National Conference exhibitors and sponsors. If your company is a sawmill or concentration yard located in the U.S., and you’ve been on the fence about joining the HMA, now may be the time to consider membership and see what HMA has to offer your company. If you’re interested in learning more, visit www.HMAmembers.org or email me at ian@hardwood.org to discuss the membership criteria and benefits. I hope to hear from you!
