Hardwood Floors April May 2018

GET WITH THE UNDER 40 CROWD FINAL COAT

By Michael Martin President & CEO, NWFA

the hardwood products industry to learn and work together to educate our congressional and senate leaders. Further, the two groups will gather together for a private meeting to discuss leadership issues faced by both individuals and companies as the transition from baby-boomer leadership continues. is transition allows for the generations coming behind to take on new roles in individual companies and the industries they serve in a very short time frame. e time is now to get involved – whether you want to network with your peer group at the NWFA Expo or take your generation’s message to our leaders inWashington, the opportunities to participate have never been greater. Our association needs you now to make sure we create an association you get value from in the future.

At last year’s NWFAWood Flooring Expo, for the rst time, we brought together a cross-section of young professionals from across the wood ooring supply chain to network and talk about the future of our industry. Since then, the group has had several conference calls and began making plans for what they’d like to accomplish as the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council in 2018. e group is chaired by Allie Finkell, American OEM, and Jesse Joyce, Middle Tennessee Lumber serves as Board Liaison. If you’re under 40, you can take part in the following activities at the 2018 Expo: • Emerging Leaders Networking Reception, April 12, 6:30-7:30 pm • NWFA Strategic Planning Roundtables, April 13, 7:15-9:15 am • Expo Sales & Marketing Track, April 12 & 13 (speakers provided by Emerging Leaders) In addition, the Emerging Leaders group will work with the three NWFA Boards of Directors in a strategic planning meeting about NWFA’s future. A er Expo, September 11-13, the Emerging Leaders will hold its rst stand-alone meeting inWashington, D.C. in conjunction with the Hardwood Federation’s annual Fly-In. e Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) will be bringing its NextGen Leaders Council to the Fly-In as well, providing for a unique opportunity for the upcoming leaders from across

The purpose of the Emerging Leaders: To create a peer network of NWFA members under 40 tasked with growing its participation level and engagement with the wood flooring industry and the association. The Emerging Leaders exist to connect different business segments, welcome new career development, and recruitment. The group represents the interests of the younger generation as it relates to setting association agendas, Expo topics, consumer outreach, peers to the industry, and foster friendship,

and Board of Directors succession planning.

152 hardwood floors www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com