IWPA’s Convention Greets Timber Products with a touch of Southern hospitality
Timber Products was back at the 69th International Wood Products Association (IWPA) convention on March 27th, this time in the historic city of New Orleans, LA. The team had the opportunity to meet new and familiar faces to catch up on the latest information about the logistics of wood products in the country.
This year’s attendees from TP were Adam Chavez, Compliance Specialist, David Reed, Technical Director, Chris Knowles, Director of International Sales, Rowdy Male, Field Application Specialist and Shane Kelly, Medford Veneer Room Superintendent. Each with their own individual strengths, they all brought valuable insight into the convention by speaking with different members and learning from them as well.
Just like past events, the convention did not disappoint in bringing professional industry leaders to speak in front of the crowd. Among some of those speakers were wood industry expert, Laura Basili from Brazilian Lumber, Customs and International Trade Attorney, Jeffrey S. Grimson from Mowry & Grimson and International Trade Law Expert, Lizbeth Levinson from Fox Rothschild.
According to compliance specialist, Adam Chavez, one of the more enlightening speeches given was by Rupert Oliver, the Environmental Policy Director of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), on the impending EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He shared what AHEC has been doing to advocate and develop tools for US exporters. “Their development of a geolocation tool to assist with the requirements in EUDR was much more developed than I was expecting,” said Chavez. “I also appreciated their advocacy for county-based requirements for the US, instead of specific harvesting plots, as this makes more sense for how the US manages and governs its forests.”
The International Wood Products Association is one of the largest international wood products associations in North America, responsible for hosting several events throughout the year which focuses on promoting international wood products trade with the United States.
Timber Products’ team was also very appreciative of the hospitality provided by Clarke Veneers and Plywood during a special Cajun dinner by a local chef. It was a true highlight of the event and we are thankful for the opportunity to share such a memorable evening with industry friends and partners.
The convention was highly informative and beneficial to the company’s goals and direction. The IWPA’s 69th Convention showed once again great support from its members by reuniting in the port city of New Orleans and the team is optimistic about the future of this association despite the forecasted import conditions ahead. You can bet we will be back wherever the convention takes us next year to add more fond and unique memories like the ones we got from this great Southern port.