attention. You have to be willing to put yourself out there, network, get involved, be part of a committee, all of those things. That’s where the real value is.”
Committee Updates
Committees are playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing member engagement, generating revenue, and advocating for the industry. During the Annual Meeting, committee chairs provided updates on key initiatives, highlighting significant progress and goals for the year ahead.
Member Engagement:
Strengthening Connections and Growth: The Member Engagement Committee, led by Marcus Blood, has been focused on increasing membership value and participation. "All these committees are doing our best to keep you guys motivated, to keep you guys here, to get all the value that you deserve from your membership," he emphasized. Over the past year, the committee welcomed 26 new members and worked on initiatives such as updated membership certificates, window stickers for business display, and member spotlights in WPA Magazine. Looking ahead, they are considering launching a mid-year event to provide additional networking and learning opportunities.
Revenue Streams:
Expanding Financial Stability: The Revenue Streams Committee, chaired by Scott Gutierrez, continues to diversify WPA’s income sources. "We work on projects like the annual meeting sponsorships, promotional items, and the expansion of Pallet University," he shared. The committee has been instrumental in launching new revenue-generating projects, including commemorative T-shirts and jewelry sales, as well as improvements to Western Pallet Magazine. Plans for 2025 include the development of a value-based selling course aimed at equipping members with additional business growth tools.
State Advocacy:
The State Advocacy Committee, led by Emily Clark, has been working to equip members with tools to engage with local and state governments. "We want to create a path to advocacy so members can better navigate the regulations affecting their businesses," Clark explained. The committee is developing fact sheets and plug-and-play templates for members to use in city council or Chamber of Commerce meetings. The goal is to empower businesses to take proactive steps in shaping policies that impact the pallet industry.
Resource Committee:
Evolving into Outreach & Education: Formerly known as the Resource Committee, this group has officially rebranded as the Outreach & Education Committee, reflecting its expanded mission. Committee chair Beatrice Vasquez underscored the importance of professional development and community engagement. "We’ve had record-breaking attendance at our Master Learning Groups, with up to 98 women in the pallet industry participating," she noted. Other key initiatives include growing Pallet University and refining the structure of educational webinars to ensure high-impact topics are covered.
Across all committees, there is a common theme: collaboration and continuous improvement. WPA members are encouraged to get involved, contribute their expertise, and help shape the future of the association. "If you want to have a voice in the association, please step forward," urged Blood. With strong financial footing and engaged leadership, WPA is well-positioned to grow, advocate, and support its members in 2025 and beyond.
Embracing Change and Technology
In his presentation, Steven Bartalini of PalletTrader emphasized the growing
importance of technology in strengthening industry relationships, improving business operations, and navigating an evolving marketplace.
24 WESTERN PALLET
Embracing Change and Technology