40 WESTERN PALLET
Reflecting on the Year
As we close out 2025, I have been thinking about the discussions and steady work that shaped our industry this year. Serving in the Advocacy and Insights Chair role put me right in the middle of it, and I saw firsthand how Western Pallet Association members continued to show up with curiosity and commitment. What stayed with me the most was how often people were willing to lean in and look for practical ways to move the industry forward. Each month brought its own focus, and together those conversations tell the story of who we are and where we are heading.
2025 in Review
In January, you met your Advocacy and Insights Committee and answered the call to get involved. With new members joining throughout the year, you proved that participation matters. Business owners and key decision makers all brought their perspective, which is exactly what fuels meaningful advocacy.
February gave us space to reflect on our An- nual Meeting and the value of community. We recognized that local relationships remain the foundation of long term success, and we built a shared base of knowledge to carry back to our hometowns.
March centered on leadership, and we broadened the definition beyond formal titles. Leaders exist at every level. They set direction on the floor and respond quickly to real situations by adapting as needed. We also explored how technology and AI can provide useful real time insights that better equip teams to make strong decisions. Members were encouraged to seek local leadership development opportunities to continue sharpening those skills.
In April, we began to feel the economic effects of tariffs and a shifting market. We emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse supply chain and nurturing strong partnerships. By examining western states and timber trends, we gained a clearer view of how global economics fit together and how these movements affect our daily operations.
May pushed us deeper into technology. Automation and robotics continued to expand their role in the pallet sector, improving efficiency and strengthening workplace safety. We also addressed how to integrate AI as a partner rather than a threat and highlighted the importance of advocating for grants, credits, and other business growth incentives at the state and local levels.
June was our full focus on advocacy. We examined cross border tariffs, air resource regulations, stormwater rules, and emissions caps. We reviewed how manufacturing policy affects everything from lumber to pallets and reaffirmed WPA’s commitment to providing resources that help members thrive within the boundaries of regulation.
July offered a moment to breathe and recognize the impact of our industry. With most goods in the world moving on a pallet and the majority made from sustainable wood, our role is significant. Members who attended a summer fly-in in Washington, DC, used their time to speak with lawmakers about the Farm Bill, tax credits, and woody biomass definitions that shape our work. We continued turning information into action.
August marked a personal turning point as travel and industry conversations centered more heavily on sustainability. We highlighted studies showing the carbon neutrality of pallets due to extended lifecycle and responsible forest management. Even simple choices like biodegradable safety supplies reinforced our commitment to environmental stewardship.
In September, we returned to the heart of the industry, our people. Our sector supports more than 160,000 jobs, and wage discussions across western states reflected how quickly labor standards are shifting. With immigration reform at the forefront of national policy, the WPA provided support through webinars and workforce strategies that included advancement paths, safe environments, and ESL programs.
October pushed us toward the finish line and set the stage for 2026. My mantra was simple: plan, participate, and lead. Members were encouraged to pursue board service, join fly-ins, engage locally, host elected officials, and stay alert to regional updates. Active involvement creates influence.
In November, a personal hunt for a new couch led me into a conversation about decision paralysis. In a world where tariffs, labor laws, and wage requirements constantly shift, waiting is not a strategy. As the industry prepares for discussions such as California’s EPR legislation, it is essential to speak up about how policy affects your business rather than react after decisions are made.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This past year was rich with opportunities to grow through engagement and advocate for our industry. Throughout 2025, I saw a community that stayed involved through conversation and shared voices and worked together to strengthen our sector. As we move into 2026, I challenge every member to make advocacy part of your business and success plan. Attend local meetings, speak up on issues that affect your operations, and bring your insights to the WPA table. The more we participate, the stronger our collective influence becomes. By staying informed, engaged, and proactive, we can shape policy, protect our workforce, and position our industry for continued growth and opportunity in the year ahead.