WESTMINSTER, Mass. – Registration is now open for the Wood Products Manufacturers Association (WPMA) annual meeting. The event will be held Sept. 27-28 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The event will feature a number of speakers who will share timely information with members during the business meeting. Some of the speakers also make music their business, including singer/songwriters Josh Thompson and Brice Long, who will inform and entertain members about making music and possessing the “right instruments” to do business in 2024.

Long has enjoyed a successful 25+ year music career. As a songwriter he has had over 100 of his songs cut with artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr, Randy Houser, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan, Cody Johnson, Chris Young, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Casey James, Easton Corbin, Randy Travis, John Michael Montgomery, Porter Wagoner and many more.  Thompson has enjoyed many successes as a well-respected country music artist and as one of Nashville’s most sought-after hitmakers. He has co-written a string of #1 singles on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, including “I’ll Name the Dogs” for superstar Blake Shelton,  as well as the Jason Aldean’s smash “Any Ol’ Barstool” and his two-week chart-topper “Drowns the Whiskey,” featuring Miranda Lambert. Most recently, Thompson is a co-writer on both Jon Pardi’s current single “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” and Tyler Farr’s current single “Only Truck in Town.” Thompson also has songs on the album releases from country music stars Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line, and Morgan Wallen.

"Jam Session" topics include: How to develop strong #2’s, designed to provide business owners with the tools and strategies they need to identify, develop, and empower their number twos; and Emerging Markets – Understanding the emerging employee and supply procurement.

The  annual meeting will conclude with the close of the annual Mystery Night Event.  A number of directors from the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America will be in attendance.

Event details and registration can be found at wpma.org. Hotel reservations should be made at Hotel Noelle by calling the hotel directly at 844.368.2428 and mentioning WPMA or visiting the wpma.org/events on the WPMA's website. 

The WPMA's mission is to provide members with the tools to help their business succeed. The association acts as a clearing house for solving problems of mutual concern and assists members in controlling costs. It also promotes healthy, profitable business environments and educational opportunities that assist members in developing skills for more competitive business operations.