PDS Training Course Scheduled for Chicago

Back by popular demand, and more expansive than ever... A Pallet Design System^TM "Hands-On" Training Course is scheduled for July 17-19 in Chicago. This course includes an introduction to the soon-to-be-released PDS version 5.1 and LoadSync^TM.

Space is expected to be quite limited. Register today!

Space will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. PDS has always been a powerful tool for NWPCA members. The course provides your staff helpful hints and greater knowledge for how to use the software to its maximum marketing and business potential. Call 703.519.6104 for more information.

Did You Know?
NWPCA posts the Did You Know items from our E-Newsletters that contain facts about the sustainability and market strengths of wood packaging. We will continue to add to this list so keep visiting the site for information you can use to promote your products and industry.

CURRENT PALLETCENTRAL

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

VIDEO ALERTS

NWPCA 2011 Annual Report

News & Announcements

Costco Issues Pallet Specs Revisions

Costco has made some slight alterations to its pallet specifications; however, none of the changes affect pallet structure or design. The company now requires that block and purpose-built pallet approvals be renewed/re-approved annually. Login to our website, then click here for links to the specifications.

New I-9 Form Required

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the release of a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form. The new form must be used starting May 7, 2013.

Microwaves Approved for ISPM 15

The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) has approved the Dielectric Heating (DH) treatment, a microwave method, as a new phytosanitary measure to be included in the International Standard, ISPM No. 15, for export wood packaging materials. The DH treatment method was submitted to the International Plant Protection Convention in 2004 on behalf of EMitech srl, an Italian company specializing in the design and industrialization of microwave systems. The treatment is not yet available; however, formal approval has energized the efforts of EMitech to bring its product to market.

NWPCA Member Featured in Construction Publication

Battle Lumber Company in Wadley, Ga. is highlighted in a recent ConstructionEquipmentGuide.com article. In addition to producing pallets, the company's grade mill division produces more than 90 million board feet of lumber per year for domestic and international customers. Thomas Battle, vice president, said: "My grandfather is still involved in the operation so that gives us three generations active in the business today ... It's really a credit to our family leadership and company."

Chamber Offers Employee Mandate Calculator

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has posted a health care reform penalty calculator to help you determine whether you (as the employer) are required to offer heath insurance and what the penalty might be based on the number of full-time employees. Employer Mandate Calculator