12 WESTERN PALLET
pertinent direction and information as we were all trying to navigate through these difficult times with COVID,” remarked Beatrice Vasquez, WPA outgoing president. “We all served as essential businesses together in unchartered territory! Association memberships have demonstrated how we can all help each other especially in times of need.”
Vasquez commented on the progress made regarding three goals she had set for herself as president. The first goal pertained to establishing a long-range planning process for WPA. “The WPA Long Range Plan which is off to a terrific start,” she stated, encouraging members to check out the new WPA website.
Members can take advantage of new features including webinars and Master Learning Group Sessions. “Together we helped create the first-ever Master Learning Groups,” she stated, including Women in the Pallet Industry and Hispanic Leaders in the Pallet Industry. Both sessions were well attended. The next Master Group Session is scheduled for May 22. The topic is Pallet Recycling. Other Master Group Sessions will focus on the CEO role (July 22), Human Resources (August 12) and Insurance 101 (October 21). To register, check out the WPA website.
Other goals for Vasquez included help improve awareness and collaborate with NAPA, the North American Pallet Association, located mainly in Southern California, as well as improving overall awareness of the WPA by the North American pallet industry.
Guiterrez praised Vasquez for her work as the 2020 WPA president. “She has worked effectively and efficiently in moving our association forward,” he said. He noted her success in implementing the WPA strategic plan, defining committees, and encouraging more diverse membership with more Hispanic-owned and operated pallet business throughout Southern California. “Your commitment and Your outreach to Napa and our entire pallet community have been well received and appreciated,” he said.
Guitierrez stated that his goals as incoming president include continued work on implementing the WPA’s strategic plan, as well as advocating on behalf of WPA committees, including Member Engagement, State Advocacy, Revenue Streams, and Resource. His second goal is to continue strong engagement with the CWPCA, NWPCA, Natures Packaging and NAPA partners.
Cont'd on Page 16
Cont'd from Page 11