The Cutting Edge™ January 2005
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2004—A Year in Review
A Message from the President - The Year in Review 2004 and Focusing on the Future
By Peter Perez, perez@carterproducts.com
Happy New Year to you and your families! I hope you enjoyed a great holiday season. As we begin 2005, I want to give you this report on your Association. First, I want you to know how proud I am to be President of WMMA, an Association with a rich history of over 104 years representing and supporting U.S. manufacturers of wood machinery, cutting tools, and accessories. The progress made in 2004 was the result of the hard work of many people; all busy executives who volunteer their time to serve on the Executive Committee or Board of Directors, or to chair or co-chair Committees, or to serve as Committee Members...
Public Policy
2005 WMMA Public Policy Fly-In Update; NAM Events Celebrate Manufacturing
So far, over 40 WMMA members and 25 sister-association members have signed up to participate in the 2005 WMMA Public Policy Fly-In, in Washington, DC. Are you among them? If not, there is still time to express your interest in participating. Simply email jconey@fernley.com to confirm your attendance, and then make your travel arrangements! This is a fully-reimbursable event for WMMA members. If you serve on a WMMA committee, your presence is especially requested, as your committees will meet during the day on Tuesday, February 15th...Presidential Initiatives
By John Satagaj, email@jsatlaw.com
Last month, I wrote about the potential for legal liability reforms. The President has made enactment of legal system reforms a priority for his second term. This month I would like to cover three other priorities - tax reform, social security reform, and deficit reduction. Our past experience has taught us that when you enter the world of tax reform it is very difficult to turn out the incumbent tax system. For all its warts, the current tax system does reward certain behavior...Small Business Legislative Council Announces 2005 Priorities
By John Satagaj, email@jsatlaw.com
"Health care costs, estate tax, transportation infrastructure, product liability litigation, and manufacturing in America," said Ralph J. Nappi, the incoming Chairman of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), "are the top five priorities for our organization in 2005." Continued Nappi, "There are no surprises on our list. The only surprise is that we have not resolved the problems facing small business in these areas by now. We believe we have the best opportunity in 2005 to secure a fix for at least some of them..."
Manufacturing Strategies
Building a Culture of Improvement: Employees of a Somerset, MA Millwork Company Create Solid Foundation for Change
By Pat Wardwell, Continuous Improvement Manager, Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership
I recently attended a plant tour at the Somerset, MA site of North Atlantic Corporation (NAC), a regional manufacturer of stairs, doors, windows and other architectural products for the building trades. The tour, sponsored by the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership (GBMP), a non-profit organization committed to helping small to medium size organizations learn and apply continuous improvement thinking, showcased many of the successful process changes NAC employees have made in their work areas...
Woodworking Industry Conference 2005
WIC 2005 Registration Has Begun!
Check your mail for registration information for the Annual Conference. This year's theme is: "The Changing Tides of Running Your Business." If you have been experiencing these "changing tides," then this industry event is for you. From April 20-23, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida, you can network and learn from your industry colleagues, suppliers, distributors and fellow manufacturers. Start making your Contact Table appointments now. And register today!
Association News
Call for 2005 Baldwin Award Nominations
February 25th is the deadline to nominate your industry mentor for the 2005 Ralph B. Baldwin Award of Excellence. Check your mail for nomination forms or access the forms online at http://www.wmma.org/about/baldwin-award.cfm. This prestigious Award will be presented at the 2005 WMMA Business Session at the Woodworking Industry Conference in Destin, FL. This is your opportunity to honor the person who has set a positive example for woodworking industry leaders.
What Is On the Minds of WMMA Members - Results of a Quick Survey
In a Quick Survey this summer, WMMA asked members two questions about their business needs and perspectives, in order to help Association Leadership keep up with the changing cycles of the membership. This survey will be conducted again in advance of Board meetings. The responses allow the Leadership to target products and services that meet the collective needs of the membership. Below is a summary of the responses. If you can identify with any of these issues, and/or wish to expand on any of them, please contact WMMA headquarters at info@wmma.org...
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