More than just talk

By Linda Jovanovich
HMA Executive Vice President

In her book entitled, “How to be Resilient,” Anna Barnes writes, “Your support network is the solid ground from which you can propel yourself upwards.” I agree. Few can successfully go it alone. We need each other. For strength! For support!

And that’s my topic today, ‘support,’ your support and how important your assistance has been – and is – to the HMA, not only during the current challenging times, but always!

As I see it, support comes in various ways: financial, emotional, public, personal. And it’s a ‘complement’ of sorts that is both received and given - kind of like a two-way street. For sure, HMA has been on the receiving end. I would like to thank:

• The HMA membership! Through thick and thin, you continue to recognize the importance of working together and sharing information, for the benefit of all. Thank you for your loyalty, commitment and perseverance!
• Our industry suppliers for helping HMA maintain financial stability through the pandemic. How so, exactly? Well, 90 percent of you, rather than have your 2020 National Conference and Expo Registrations, Booth Fees and Sponsorships refunded, asked HMA to apply those funds toward your participation in our 2021 event. (Awesome!)
• The Hardwood Federation and all industry associations who have advocated for government assistance, financial aid, tax relief, etc. (A huge help to the industry, including trade associations!)
• My association counterparts and all industry colleagues. Your encouragement, moral support and friendship have gotten me through many frantic days and countless sleepless nights. (My family thanks you, too!)

In like manner, on the giving end, HMA is proud of the support our Association provides our “support network” - the American Hardwood Export Council, the Hardwood Federation, the National Association of Manufacturers, as well as the Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition. We are in this together, for the long haul.

There is a Spanish saying that rings true for me. “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Our “friends” are of that supporting network that is working to establish solid ground so we all can propel ourselves upward. And I thank you!