Pallets and Politics – The Power of People
Finding a Way: Advocacy and Unity in the Pallet Industry
with Emily Clark
Emily Clark - Contributing Writer
It’s fitting that this issue of Western Pallet Magazine is being released on Valentine’s Day, as I truly believe we felt the love of the industry in Palm Springs. What an exceptional weekend we shared just a few short weeks ago. The word that has stayed with me personally is “community.” Walking into the opening evening reception, hearing the greetings, laughter, and joy of reconnecting with friends and colleagues at the beginning of a new year was both inspiring and uplifting.
The sense of community is what makes this industry so unique and resilient. Throughout the weekend, many conversations centered on the origins of the WPA—how a group of like-minded individuals came together to learn, grow, and explore ways to advance their businesses. This grassroots foundation, built on a shared goal of mutual success, lies at the core of our collective achievement. It is this spirit of cooperation and camaraderie that drives our industry forward.
This year, we took that sense of community to a deeper level by holding in-person committee meetings. Our committees and board came together on Friday, meeting face-to-face to discuss the future of the association and how we can continue to evolve our service to the industry. The State Advocacy Committee welcomed new members eager to engage and share their experiences. We had robust discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and how our advocacy efforts can make a meaningful difference in shaping public policy that supports our businesses.
One key takeaway from our discussions was the importance of local connections. Each of us operates within a unique cultural microcosm, with our businesses deeply embedded in the communities where we live and work. Building strong relationships with city councils, county officials, chamber of commerce members, mayors, and other local policymakers is essential. These relationships directly influence zoning, labor availability, infrastructure, and business success. When we engage with local officials, we not only advocate for our businesses but also help foster an environment where sustainable growth can thrive.
In our committee meetings, we also focused on actionable strategies to better support our members in their own communities. We hosted a roundtable discussion where members shared their experiences with advocacy and the positive impact it has had on their operations. It was clear that whether our businesses are large or small, each of us can take steps to become more engaged with our local communities. The power of advocacy is undeniable, and when we collaborate and share best practices, we can amplify our collective impact.
Our keynote speaker, Merril Hoge, reinforced the importance of resilience and determination with his principle of “Find A Way.” His message encourages us to apply this mindset not just in our personal lives but also in our professional endeavors. As we reflect on the discussions and connections made during our gathering, we must ask ourselves: How can we “Find A Way” to further engage with our communities? How can we advocate more effectively for our businesses and employees?
How can we promote the incredible, renewable resource that is the pallet and lumber industry and ensure its continued success in a rapidly changing world?
The answer is clear: We Find A Way.
As we move forward into the new year, let’s continue to nurture the sense of community that has always been at the heart of our industry. Together, we have the power to drive change, create lasting relationships, and build a stronger, more resilient industry for generations to come.
14 WESTERN PALLET
February 2025