February 2025
Find a Way:
2025 WPA Annual Meeting Inspires, Offers Practical Takeaways for Pallet Business Improvements
Rancho Mirage, CA - The Western Pallet Association (WPA) held its 2025 Annual Meeting January 25-27 in Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs), California. Despite the sluggish economy, attendance remained strong, with 320 registered participants enjoying opportunities to network with old and new friends, soak up the sun, play golf, and gain insights from a mix of inspiring and practical presentations.
Tyrone Konecny is the new WPA President, Justin Hegsted the Vice President, and Nic Wilson the new Treasurer. New additions to the Board include Jobhan Randhawa and Moses Macias. New Associate Board members are Julie DeRoush and Ben Rist.
Remembering Jessica Torres
The meeting began with Glenn Meeks, WPA Executive Vice President, paying tribute to the late Jessica Torres, a WPA Director, and reflecting on her contributions to the industry and community.
“As a member of the Western Pallet Association, Jessica wasted no time in becoming a part of our family,” Meeks said. “She volunteered for committees and served on our board of directors with enthusiasm and dedication. She quickly became a leader and earned the friendship and respect of so many in our association. On a personal note, Jessica was not just a colleague but a cherished friend. I will deeply miss our wonderful conversations and her unique perspective
about the industry. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.”
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
WPA Director Jorge Eroza, outgoing President, reflected on the past year, noting challenges such as rising costs and lower profit margins despite increased sales. He emphasized the value of WPA’s Master Learning Groups and Pallet University. New President Tyrone Konecny shared his journey and vision, stressing the importance of member engagement and the potential of Pallet University.
“As members together, we have found ways to adapt and move forward, to learn more and share our knowledge with each other.”
“But there's something that these challenges have shown me is that being together as an association has given us strength,” Eroza said. “As members together, we have found ways to adapt and move forward, to learn more and share our knowledge with each other.” He noted the many topics covered in WPA webinars and Master Learning Groups, such as AI, business development, and sales, as well as the ongoing development of Pallet University.
“Being a member, that's definitely one thing you can gain value from at a distance, but being here at this Annual Meeting is where it's really at,” Konecny stated. “That's the sweet spot about being a part of this association. Coming here, coming to the meetings, paying attention. You have to be willing to put yourself out there, network, get involved, be
where the real value is.”