16 WESTERN PALLET
2022 Annual Meeting Enjoys Record Attendance
WPA Announces New Initiatives to Increase Membership Value
Rancho Mirage, California- Attendance at the WPA Annual Meeting set a new record for attendance this January, thanks to over 300 registrants. The previous high was 290, set in 2020, immediately before the COVID-19 outbreak. Attendees enjoyed ample opportunities for networking, golf and other activities, along with a strong educational program. This year marks the 48th year of operation for the WPA.
“I could not be prouder of all the new exciting initiatives and developments, set forth by our hard-working members, board of directors and committee teams,” stated Scott Gutierrez of Commercial Lumber & Pallet Company, outgoing WPA president. He thanked the Board and Kathleen Dietrich for encouraging him to take a leadership role.
“Through your support, hard work, kindness and friendship, we have so many accomplishments to be proud of,” he said, also recognizing Dave Sweitzer and Kristine Durr of WPA for keeping the board and executive “on track”. “We could not do what we do, without you."
Ralph Rupert, the incoming President, took a few moments to recognize the previous WPA presidents who have taken the helm since he first started attending the WPA Annual Meeting in 2016. He joked that his first goal as President “is not to mess up the great string of former presidents”.
He noted that the association has been following the “Long Range Plan” that was instituted under Annie Montey and highlighted some of the good work the various committees were doing. His second goal, he said, was to fully support the plan and its implementation. With the increase in committees and the work they are doing, he remarked on the great job Dave and Kristine are doing as “part-time” staff. His third goal, he said, is to investigate moving forward toward a full-time staff within the next few years. “Not to replace them but to have them as full-time and possibly increasing staffing,” he remarked.
With Rupert as President, Steve Mazza of S&B Pallet moves to Vice President and George Eroza becomes Treasurer. New (Cont'd on Page 18)
Board members include Vanessa Vasquez and Jessica Torres. New Associate Board members include Bruce Kennedy and Nic Wilson. All are 3-year terms.
The WPA currently has four committees, including Revenue Stream, Resources, Member Engagement and State Advocacy. “There are plenty of good things going on,” Rupert said. “We need more people to participate.”
Regarding member engagement, Ralph Rupert commented that aside from increasing membership, the committee is working to get members more involved. “We want them to come to the Annual Meeting, which is a great meeting, but there’s a lot more that we are starting to offer, and that will increase the diversity of opportunities.
“I hope we can continue that momentum,” echoed Beatrice Vasquez, chair of the Resources Committee, “ because it does take volunteer time. And the more people you have the more you can accomplish.
Western Pallet Political Action Committee Launched, Southern California Legislators Offer Industry Support
Now, more than at any time in our industry's history, it is crucial to take a more proactive role in shaping our collective future. With this in mind, the WPA has launched a Western Pallet Political Action Committee (PAC). Annie Montey, Past President and Chair of WPA’s State Advocacy Committee, introduced the PAC to WPA members at the Annual Meeting.
Montey stressed the importance of protecting the industry’s political interests. In California, she noted progressive laws are typically passed there first, and they often become federal laws down the road.
“If you're not on the menu, then you're for dinner,” she quipped.. “So we just feel that it's really important to make state legislators and locally elected officials aware of the issues and problems that we face as pallet company owners, operators, and employees.”
If legislation does come up that might impact the industry, the group hopes to be able to respond quickly to limit any harm and perhaps take advantage of potential opportunities. Monitoring legislation introduced in the western states will be another important goal of the Western Pallet PAC. “Actively supporting or fighting bills introduced is definitely something that’s on our radar. And as our committee gets more resources, we're hoping to be much more active in the state legislature in Sacramento.