Manufacturers also partner in workforce development, offering training and certifications that can help businesses attract and retain skilled workers. Service providers can advocate for policies that make it easier for companies to access these programs—whether through grants, tax incentives, or support for technologies like energy-efficient sawmills or automated systems.
Key States Leading the Way
Let’s look at a few key states—California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada—that have a big impact on the pallet and lumber industries. In California, factors such as the California Forest Carbon Plan and timber harvesting regulations can affect production costs. Small businesses can get involved by attending public hearings or applying for grants to adopt more sustainable practices.
In Washington, the timber industry faces challenges like shifting export regulations and workforce shortages. Service providers can help by advocating for policies with groups such as the Washington Forest Protection Association and partnering with local vocational schools to train new talent. Oregon focuses on forest health and restoration, and Arizona and Nevada are seeing rapid growth due to infrastructure projects, creating opportunities to push for streamlined building codes and better workforce training.
By understanding the initiatives in the state where you operate, you can make informed decisions to align your business with suppliers who advocate for and provide real-time solutions to help you thrive. For example, partnering with a supplier that offers
"Advocay isn't just the right thing to do—it’s also a smart business move."
biodegradable earplugs can boost your sustainability efforts and open up new opportunities for your business.
The Bottom Line: Why Your Voice Matters
Advocacy isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also a smart business move. By getting involved, you’ll build a stronger network, gain access to valuable resources, and influence regulations that align with your goals. Whether it’s attending public hearings, joining industry associations, or working with policymakers, there are plenty of ways to make your voice heard and help shape the future of the pallet industry.
If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to get involved! As the chair of the Advocacy & Insights committee, I’d love to personally invite you to join us in creating valuable resources for our association and beyond. I can honestly say that working closely with other WPA members has really helped me grow as a business professional, and I’ve learned so much from expanding those partnerships. Together, we can help make our industry even more sustainable and efficient, and keep it thriving for the long haul! WPM