Pallets and Politics – The Power of People, with Emily Clark
Pallets and People: How Great Leadership Builds a Stronger Industry
Emily Clark - Contributing Writer
The wooden pallet and lumber industry doesn’t always get the spotlight, but let’s be real—it’s one of those sectors that keeps the world moving. Whether it's pallets enabling products to be efficiently moved or lumber being used in the next big construction project (e.g. rebuilding of the devastated California coastline), this industry is the unsung hero behind so many everyday things. But like any business, leadership and management play a huge role in making sure it all runs smoothly, adapts to change, and keeps growing.
Leadership: Setting the Stage for Success
Leadership is more than just keeping the gears turning. It’s about having a clear vision, making smart decisions, and steering the ship through unpredictable waters. With all the challenges this industry faces—whether it’s fluctuating lumber prices, supply chain issues, or changing regulations—strong leadership is what keeps everything together.
Engaging with local governments, the Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations can help leaders stay on top of trends, access resources, and create opportunities for growth.
Great leaders in this space also know the value of building strong relationships, not just within their teams but with the wider community. Engaging with local governments, the Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations can help leaders stay on top of trends, access resources, and create opportunities for growth. It’s not just about business—it’s about being part of a bigger picture. When a company actively collaborates with the local community, they often create an environment where both the business and the area can thrive together.
The relationship between business leadership and local community leadership is symbiotic. Your city, county, and state thrive on strong well-run businesses. Meanwhile your business relies on local government operating in an efficient and business positive way. Community culture starts with you!
Management: The People Who Make It Happen
While leadership is about setting the direction, management is all about making things happen and ensuring that operations run as smoothly as possible. From handling production timelines to making sure supplies are ordered on time, they’re the ones keeping the whole thing moving.
A huge part of management in this industry is
being adaptable. Things can change quickly—whether it's raw materials becoming scarce, weather delays, or unexpected shifts in market demand. Effective managers are the
make adjustments when needed.
Collaboration: Local Governments and Community Resources
One of the things I’ve noticed in this industry is how much both leaders and managers benefit from connecting with local organizations. Whether it’s working with the Chamber of Commerce to share best practices or partnering with local government agencies for community projects, collaboration is key. Local governments often offer resources like grants, tax incentives, or workforce training programs that can help businesses grow and thrive.
For example in my community, we have a Leadership course that partners Chamber of Commerce members with local businesses to tour, learn, and absorb what they do. This fosters communication between all parties for mutual success.
Being involved in the community also gives companies a chance to advocate for themselves. You never know when a local project might need pallets or lumber, and being engaged with the right people can give your business a competitive edge. Plus, these relationships help businesses stay on top of any new regulations or changes in the law that might affect how they operate.
Conclusion: Leadership, Management, and Community Connections
The great thing about collaborating with local government and community organizations is that it’s a win-win. You’re not just helping your business—you’re helping to improve the local economy, create jobs, and contribute to local infrastructure. A company that’s well-connected with its community has more opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact. By collaborating with these organizations, businesses can grow, adapt to changes, and even shape the local economy for the better. Leadership is about more than just running a company—it’s about being part of something bigger and making an impact, both within your business and in your community.
In our committee meetings, we also focused on actionable strategies to better support our members in their own communities. We hosted a roundtable discussion where members shared their experiences with advocacy and the positive impact it has had on their operations. It was clear that whether our businesses are large or small, each of us can take steps to become more engaged with our local communities. The power of advocacy is undeniable, and when we collaborate and share best practices, we can amplify our collective impact.
Our keynote speaker, Merril Hoge, reinforced the importance of resilience and determination with his principle of “Find A Way.” His message encourages us to apply this mindset not just in our personal lives but also in our professional endeavors. As we reflect on the discussions and connections made during our gathering, we must ask ourselves: How can we “Find A Way” to further engage with our communities? How can we advocate more effectively for our businesses and employees?
How can we promote the incredible, renewable resource that is the pallet and lumber industry and ensure its continued success in a rapidly changing world?
The answer is clear: We Find A Way.
As we move forward into the new year, let’s continue to nurture the sense of community that has always been at the heart of our industry. Together, we have the power to drive change, create lasting relationships, and build a stronger, more resilient industry for generations to come.
14 WESTERN PALLET
March 2025