You may be active on Instagram and Facebook, but if you’re ignoring LinkedIn, you’re missing a huge opportunity. LinkedIn is where serious business happens. In this session, Stefanie Couch will show you how to strengthen your personal brand, optimize your profile, and connect with the right people to grow your agency. Don’t overlook LinkedIn—learn how it can be a game-changer for your business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Harness the Power of Personal Branding: Build trust and authenticity in your industry through a strong LinkedIn presence.
2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Learn tips to make your profile stand out and attract valuable connections.
3. Connect, Engage, and Lead with Content: Discover strategies for growing your network and establishing yourself as an industry expert.

Introducing Foundation of Forest Products – Your On-Demand Guide to Forest Products Essentials

NAWLA is excited to launch Foundation of Forest Products, a convenient, on-demand course designed to provide essential forest products knowledge anytime, anywhere. Perfect for new employees, industry newcomers, or those looking to expand their understanding, Foundation of Forest Products features seven concise less than 20-minute modules, adapted from our flagship in-person Wood Basics Course. Each module includes key takeaways and assessments, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Expand your knowledge with Foundation of Forest Products —get started today and take the first step toward mastering the forest products industry!

Modules Overview: 

The Forest: Forestry and Harvesting: Explore the fundamentals of forestry, including forest management practices and the different types of forests that contribute to wood production. 

Wood Basics and Anatomy: Delve into the structure and composition of trees, understanding how growth patterns, water content, and strength factors influence wood characteristics. 

Lumber Manufacturing: Learn the step-by-step process of turning logs into lumber, from debarking through to packing and shipping. 

Lumber Grading: Discover the different grades of lumber and plywood, and understand how wood defects and quality control play a role in the final product. 

Engineered Wood Products (EWP): Examine the manufacturing processes and applications of engineered wood products, such as plywood, OSB, and I-joists, and how they enhance construction. 

Treated Wood: Understand the wood treatment processes that protect products from decay and insects, focusing on sustainability and long-term durability. 

Logistics and Transportation: Gain valuable insights into the logistics of shipping wood products, including the modes of transportation, packaging requirements, and innovations in the field.

Explore the industrial wood products business and various opportunities outside your traditional residential and commercial construction business.

Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the dynamic world of building components driving modern construction's evolution. These essential elements are reshaping structural integrity, efficiency, and aesthetics globally. We'll delve into popular products across diverse geographic markets, analyzing unique regional demands and preferences. Learn invaluable forecasts into the future, highlighting emerging trends and technological advancements. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, this webinar is your gateway to unlocking the future of building innovation in a competitive landscape.

Presenters: John Redfield, Operations Manager at Zip-O-Laminators; Clement Kneisler, Production Scheduler at Zip-O-Laminators; Austin Basl, Structural Engineer/Project Manager at Freres Engineered Wood

Embark on a captivating journey through the structural heart of the Portland Airport Concourse B project, with a spotlight on its remarkable roofing component crafted from locally sourced timber. This webinar offers a firsthand account from members of the Zip-O Log Mills and Freres teams of the camaraderie and collaboration that fueled the project's success, showcasing the power of teamwork in overcoming challenges and delivering excellence.

Delve into the intricacies of the project's challenges and lessons learned, from the decision to work directly with suppliers to the intricacies of using a lesser-known product. Gain insights into the risks and rewards of direct engagement, the importance of customer education on product variances, and the strategic management of fabrication bottlenecks. Through compelling anecdotes and practical takeaways, discover how this pioneering project navigated complexities to redefine airport construction paradigms.

Presenter: Paul F. Jannke, Principal, Lumber at Forest Economics Advisors LLC

2023 was a challenging year for wood products markets. Rising interest rates hampered demand while capacity ramped up in the south. Meanwhile, record wildfires plagued Canada and global markets faced continued uncertainty in the face of multiple conflicts and weak demand (in Europe and China in particular). With US interest rates appearing to have stabilized, will we see a rebound in domestic consumption in 2024? Will overseas remain weak resulting in continued high levels of imports? Will even more capacity come on line in the south, further limiting upside market potential?

Presenters: Connie Baker, Senior Director of Human Resources, Roy-O Martin Lumber; Allie Emch, Talent Acquisition Manager, Forest City Trading Group, LLC; and David Jones, Ph.D., Director of Treated Wood & Labs, Timber Products Inspection

Internships provide an opportunity for individuals to explore career options and to learn and develop new skills. For the employer, internships provide an opportunity to develop new talent, build a pipeline for future employees, and bring in new ideas and perspectives to the workplace. In order for these opportunities to be met, the employer needs to make an investment in creating a strategic internship program. Join this discussion to learn and build successful internship programs and expand the future talent pool for the industry.

Presenter: Vadim Kovalev, CEO & Founder at Koval Digital

During this session Koval Founder & CEO Vadim Kovalev will walk through tips and tricks he has implemented on LinkedIn to grow the company, as well as harnessing his personal network and persona to help close sales.

Presenter: Wendy Sellers

The world of technology has reshaped countless industries, and now it's time to explore the transformative capabilities of ChatGPT. Join us for an eye-opening webinar led by Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, as we delve into the myriad possibilities that ChatGPT offers for your organization, regardless of your role or department!

Presenters: Anthony Muck, Jason Niemi, Gordon Summer, and Nate Watson

Where is the industry headed? Listen as our expert panelists, Anthony Muck, Jason Niemi, Gordon Summer, and Nate Watson as they talk about the industry and answer questions from the audience.