Pallets and Politics – The Power of People
December: A Time for Reflection and Action
with Emily Clark
16 WESTERN PALLET
Emily Clark - Contributing Writer
Having just navigated our way through December — the "most wonderful time of the year" — it's easy to get swept up in the holiday hustle and bustle. Yet, this is also an important time to reflect on the past year and plan for the future.
You’ve been reading this column for a few months now, and I think it’s the perfect time to introduce you to the committee behind it. The Western Pallet Association has four committees: Member Engagement, Revenue Streams, Resource, and State Advocacy.
Our mission in the State Advocacy Committee is to create a clear path for advocacy among Western State Members in the Wood Pallet Industry. We do this by monitoring policy and legislation to serve as a source of research and education on state issues related to our industry.
I serve as the chair of the State Advocacy Committee, Together with five dedicated members, our goal is to serve our industry by:
- Understanding your advocacy needs and concerns
- Identifying and inviting passionate members to join our committee
- Turning research into action through guides and resources
2024 has been a pivotal year for our committee as we continue to move forward post-COVID, navigating some challenging economic times and a closely watched election cycle. This was one of the main reasons I joined the committee — as Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
The Western Pallet Association is made up of a diverse range of businesses — from small, family-owned startups to multi-generational legacies, as well as women-led and empowered communities. Each of you brings unique perspectives on policies, laws, and regulations that those in political office need to hear.
So, here’s your call to action for 2025 — and trust me, we need your input and involvement! There are many ways you can serve your family, your business, and your community through our committee:
1. Help us understand your needs by filling out this survey.
2. Attend a committee meeting to learn more — we meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 AM PST.
3. Join the committee — we are eager to grow our membership, knowledge, and resources.
Your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference
WPM
.WPM