A message from HMA's President

By Troy Brown

Those of you who know me know that I’m a straight-shooter and as up front as they come. For those who do not know me, I hope to change that over the next two years. And I look forward to assisting HMA, and its membership, overcome the obstacles hindering progress and success. We are built to last! Here’s how I know.

HMA is a brotherhood, and that bond is a proven lifeline that continually assists through tough times. Use it. Call on each other when you need a resource, a tip, a shoulder to lean on. And never hesitate to pick-up the phone and call me. I’m forever grateful for all of you who have come to my assistance. And I’m here to pay it forward.

Also, over the years, prudent management has positioned us, as an association, to survive. Without impacting Member Services, yet working “lean and mean,” HMA has been able to save and invest. If needed, there is an HMA ‘rainy-day’ reserves fund. I see this as the result of good planning, and a means of keeping HMA viable.

Going forward, we all need to be flexible to change. As a sign of the times, look for the HMA to connect with our membership through web-based resources. That may include virtual mill tours. And be sure to keep current via The Link, the HMA Mid-Month Update and HMA Communiques. We promise not to inundate you with emails, but we do need to communicate.

And lastly, there is strength in numbers and to that end, HMA is an active and thoughtful member of the Hardwood Federation, the horsepower behind the hardwood industry’s unified voice in Washington, D.C. It’s advocacy where it counts - voicing our concerns loud and clear. (Thank you for successfully engaging our nation’s politicians in the climate change conversation. At long last, our industry is being recognized as the solution, rather than the problem.)

So, until I see you, remember, whatever the obstacles – viruses, retaliatory tariffs, economic recessions – we are in this together. We will fight. We will survive! We are built to last!

Thank you!

Troy