By Donna Harman
AF&PA President and CEO
National Forest Products Week (NFPW) is right around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited to get the party started! Here at the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), we'll be celebrating the 58th anniversary of NFPW from October 21 - 27, and we hope you'll join us.
We represent one of the largest manufacturing sectors in America with approximately 950,000 employees at facilities in rural and urban communities. These hard-working men and women make the products that continue to meet the evolving needs of people across the country and around the world. Our industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures over $200 billion in products annually and meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually.
That's a compelling story, and AF&PA is committed to bringing it to decision makers on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures as we advocate for common-sense public policy that supports our companies' ability grow the economy and create American manufacturing jobs. NFPW offers the perfect opportunity to break it all down for you in a dynamic communications strategy that you can follow and engage with on social media using #ForestProductsWeek.
We'll be highlighting a number of topics - trade policy that supports open markets for our products, recycling best practices and sustainable manufacturing, including energy production from carbon neutral forest biomass residuals. We will also celebrate the value our employees provide to the industry and the paper and wood products they produce.
During NFPW, we'll be telling our story far and wide using social media platforms, a dedicated AF&PA website page, animated videos, blog posts and press releases. And, we won't be alone as our member companies, stakeholders and policy makers across the nation join us in reinforcing the value of our products, our industry and our employees.
What do forest products mean to you and your life? The forest products story has so many facets, and we encourage you to participate in telling it. So mark your calendars, follow us on @ForestandPaper and @PaperRecycles and take part in the conversation with #ForestProductsWeek.
Let's all make the year's NFPW the best ever!
