International Wood Products Association Convention A Success

Furniture World Magazine

The robust wood flooring market, China's impact on trade, global transportation and logistics, and tariff classification were the headlining sessions at the record-breaking 50th convention of the International Wood Products Association (IWPA). Over 350 convention attendees representing 23 countries gathered for three packed days in Tucson, Arizona, for the 2006 World of Wood. "Whether it was the energetic keynote sessions or business networking in the halls, there was palpable excitement at this year's event," said IWPA Executive Vice President Brent McClendon. "It was truly an open exchange among diverse market forces in the industry-softwood, hardwood, importers, distributors, overseas suppliers, and those involved in logistics." Conventioneers gathered for educational and time-sensitive presentations by key economic and industry experts: -Wells Fargo Bank Vice President and Senior Economist Gary Schlossberg gave an economic forecast for the U.S. and how it is likely to impact the wood products industry. - FedEx Vice-President of International Sales Jill Brannon discussed innovative ways companies are dealing with logistical challenges in an increasingly globalized world. -Design Flooring, Inc., President Wayne Cotton discussed the bull market and upward trends in the wood flooring business, solid, engineered, exotic, and domestic. -National Import Specialist Paul Garretto from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Customs and Border Protection discussed the complexities that go into the considerations, processes, and rulings when classifying imports. The convention came to a celebratory conclusion with a dinner highlighting the past 50 years and the unveiling of a new IWPA logo. After a year of distinguished service as IWPA President, Sergio Korn of EXPORTBRAS passed the gavel to incoming president Gib McIlvain of the J. Gibson McIlvain Company. McIlvain outlined his goals for the upcoming year to respond to industry growth-continuing an active government affairs program and establishing proactive public relations to foster positive relationships among the media and public. "We couldn't ask for a more successful event in our fiftieth year," McIlvain said. "Above all else, the IWPA convention is about business and forging the strong relationships needed to respond to a rapidly changing global environment." Mark your calendars. Next year's IWPA convention will be held March 28-30 in at the Loews Coronado Bay in San Diego, CA. Established in 1956, IWPA is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 221 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: U.S. importers and consuming industries, Offshore manufacturers and the service providers that facilitate trade.