18 WESTERN PALLET
Board members include Vanessa Vasquez-Doto 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
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.
Montey stressed the importance of building relationships with their locally elected officials. California State Senator Melissa Melendez's chief of staff Glenn Miller, San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia, and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren attended the Annual Meeting to meet WPA members and learn about this industry.
Annual Meeting, Cont'd from Page 17