WESTMINSTER, Mass. – The election of a new board, a host of insightful speakers and a variety of networking events were among the highlights of the recent Wood Products Manufacturers Association annual meeting. Representatives from more than 35 companies attended the two-day event, held Sept. 27-28 in Nashville.

WPMA announces officers and directors
During the meeting, the wood components association announced its 2024 officers. They are: Scott Ferland, Maine Woods Co. WPMA president; George Melnyk Jr., Premier Millwork & Lumber Co., vice president, Terry Gross, Brown Wood Inc., treasurer,; and John Lentine, Boyce Highlands Inc., assistant treasurer. Michelle Arsenault is the executive director and clerk of the association. Immediate past president is Sandra Ann Bean of JM Champeau.

New to the board of directors are Dan Robitaille, Rex Lumber Co., and Eric Frey, Cindoco Wood Products, with terms ending December 2024. Other directors for the association are: Tom Slater, Keiver-Willard Lumber Corp. (term ending December 2024), Bob Chase Jr., Quabbin Timber, and Mike Scjhulke, Tigerton Lumber Co.  (December 2025), Lisa Cook, S&W Cabinets and Mike McNulty, Cambio Plywood (December 2026), and T.J. Stratton, McClung Lumber Co., and Doug Cummings, Cummings Veneer (term ending December 2027).

The association also recognized Peter Puttmann of Atlas Dowel & Wood Products on his retirement, and for his longstanding service to WPMA – off and on for more than 17 years.

Networking and best practices
Attendees gained insight from a number of speakers on a variety of topics, including: "How to Develop Strong #2’s," presented by Kevin West, Invisible Insights; "Understanding the Emerging Marketplaces and Products," presented by Simon Varney, Wells Wood Turning & Finishing & Silva Culture; and "Automation: Do you have the right instruments?," presented by Brandon Alberts and Paul Wilmes of Mereen Johnson and Jack Ragan of MachineryMax, Inc. Capping off Wednesday's sessions was the entertaining presentation "Making Music in Your Business in 2024" by well-known singer/songwriters Josh Thompson and Brice Long, which delved into making music as well as "possessing the 'right instruments' to do business in 2024."

Thursday kicked off with business advice on "Estate & Business Succession Planning," presented by attorney Natalie Gilbert Thomas. Afterward, excursions to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Theatre, along with the annual Mystery Night event, provided plenty of fun and networking opportunities.

Headquartered in Massachusetts and with members throughout the United States and Canada, the WPMA provides information resources and services for the wood components industry. The association also acts as a clearinghouse for solving problems of mutual concern and assists members in controlling costs and developing skills for more competitive business operations. For information about WPMA and its events, visit wpma.org.