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Deceember 2025
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.
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 manage- ment. Even simple choices like biod gradable 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. Waiting is not a strategy. As we prepare 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
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.
WPM