where he taught attendees how to harness three breakthrough skills that would show a 50% increase in productivity and revenue. He delved into each skill and explained how it would help attendees how to manage different generations, challenging employees and colleagues, and more. Over 300 attendees gathered to watch AHEC Executive Director, Mike Snow’s education seminar on “Tariffs, Trade Wars, and the Future of US Hardwood Exporters.” During the seminar, sponsored by ACES Division of Kuehne+Nagel, Inc., Mike Snow provided a detailed update on US hardwood exports to the world, with a particular emphasis on the trade war with China and increasing trade tensions with Canada, Mexico, and the EU. After Snow finished speaking, he led a panel discussion with AHEC directors from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East/India, Japan, and China/ Southeast Asia concerning trends in their respective regions. The Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation, Dana Cole, hosted the final education seminar. In the session, “Hardwood Promotion Collaboration: A Search for Answers,” Dana introduced a new Hardwood Promotion Collaboration that is seeking new ways to reach consumers. There was also a panel discussion on the topic with NHLA CEO Lorna Christie, Tom Inman with AHMI, and Linda Jovanovich with HMA. Allegheny Wood Products sponsored this final education seminar. W W W. N H L A .C O M
New this year to the Exhibit Hall was the NHLA Learning Lounge, sponsored by Continental Underwriters. The Learning Lounge featured a panel of experts discussing a variety of topics, including the optimization of dry kilns, insurance, logistics of the forest products industry, improving yield and profits through automation and optimization, business software, and a discussion about real-time opportunities when faced with adversity. The Convention ended in style with a Grand Finale Party, sponsored by Robinson Lumber, Hardwoods Specialty Products and Swaner Hardwood Co., Inc., at the National World War II Museum. Guests celebrated three days of making new connections and strengthening existing relationships by enjoying an exceptional performance from the Victory Bells, followed by door prizes and dancing underneath six WWII aircraft suspended from the ceiling. As always, The NHLA Convention was a great time to catch up with fellow members, network with clients and potential clients, and learn from peers, speakers, and presenters.
The 2020 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase will be September 23 - 25 at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S |
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