Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

E M E R G I N G L E A D E R S N E T W O R K

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The NWFA’s Emerging Leaders Network was formed in 2017 to bring young leaders from across the entire wood flooring supply chain together for networking opportunities. The group’s first event took place at the 2017 NWFA Expo in Phoenix with more than 100 attendees younger than 40 years of age (the only requirement) representing contractors, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers within the industry. To prepare for this networking event, a council of nine members was assembled to lead planning efforts. Taking Action for the Industry’s Future By Josh Neuberger

At the 2018 NWFA Expo in Tampa, another successful networking event was held with more than 140 attendees. And, the Emerging Leaders Council had the opportunity to participate in the Hardwood Federation’s Fly-In later that year. Members of the council joined forces with the NWFA Board of Directors, the Hardwood Federation, and the Hardwood Manufacturers Association’s NextGen Leaders Council to help persuade members of Congress to pass the 2018 Farm Bill that was up for a vote. The 2019 NWFA Expo in Fort Worth brought the third and largest networking meeting to date with more than 150 members attending. We look forward to the 2020 NWFA Expo in Milwaukee and and growing this network of future industry leaders. The Emerging Leaders Network’s objectives have broadened past hosting an annual networking event at the NWFA Expo. The council now consists of 12 members that have the task of identifying threats to the industry, market changes, and expanding the hardwood industry as a whole. These objectives will be completed through community outreach

Emerging Leaders Network

Young talent who are passionate about the flooring trade and desire to keep the industry thriving.

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