More than just talk

By Linda Jovanovich 
HMA Executive Vice President 

To everyone who participated in HMA’s recent South Atlantic Regional Meeting in North Carolina/Virginia - HMA and SCMA members, industry suppliers and friends - thank you! It was wonderful talking with you; exchanging ideas; brainstorming! These are indeed changing and challenging times for our industry, and we must remember that there is strength in numbers.

Special thanks to:

• Our tour hosts – Gates Milling, Inc. and Josey Lumber Company, Inc. - for welcoming the HMA into your facilities, and for working to advance the interests of the hardwood industry.
• Our ‘GOLD’ sponsors – McGriff Insurance Services, provider of the McGriff identified T-Shirts, and
  Wood-Mizer, our Tuesday evening reception co-host.
• Our Tuesday evening Presenters – Kara Matzko (Port of Virginia/Virginia International Terminals, LLC) and Cary Moon (Hardwood Federation).

Up next is …
HMA’s 2020 National Conference and Expo, March 25-27 at the JW Marriott, Nashville!
Our Conference theme is “Piloting Change.” And over the next several months, you’ll be receiving all of the specific details of the event – sponsorship opportunities, agenda, presentation and speaker highlights, Expo specifics. The immediate call-to-action, however, is to finalize your Conference Registration. I encourage you to register NOW at HMAmembers.org, and take advantage of our ‘Early Bird’ savings opportunity.

Regarding strength in Numbers
Earlier this year, industry association representatives met, via teleconference, to discuss how to organize and facilitate a collaborative promotion effort for the hardwood forest products industry. More on that effort can be found in this issue of The Link. The article is entitled, “Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition.” Don’t miss it.