Many writers will be using the first anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy as an editorial topic in September. To me, it provides a time to reflect on how to build a stronger industry.

The 9-11 tragedy showed how powerful unity and cooperation can be in the face of difficult times. The pallet and sawmill industries in the United States and Canada face tough times as international standards and increased competition change the market. How should we react to the changing environment? How can we pull together as an industry to face the future?

Certainly, one of the best ways to impact the future is by becoming involved in the right trade association. This requires more than just paying dues. Being "involved" means taking a stand and filling vacant roles. People can accomplish more by pulling together, not by sitting on the side lines. State and regional forest products associations offer a platform to work together with others in related companies.

The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (703/519-6104), the largest pallet organization in the world, offers a number of options for concerned pallet people to pursue. Certainly one of the best ways to learn about pallet issues is to network with others at meetings, particularly the annual meeting in February. Much can be learned and accomplished by serving on committees and participating with others to mold industry response to issues.

The Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (905/426-7196) is another active group that tackles issues of interest to our friends north of the border. The Western Pallet Association (360/335-0208) has shown growth this year as it is reorganizing to offer a more united western front.

Many people are so busy running their own companies that they do not have much time to give but would like to give back to the industry in some way. One option is to support the Pallet Foundation. This issue of the Enterprise carries a story about how and why to support the Foundation. Participants can give to designated foundation accounts for specific purposes.

Both the Pallet Enterprise and Pallet Profile Weekly provide information to our pallet friends. From market trends to plant features to updates on the latest technology and industry news, our publications offer the information you need to stay ahead of the competition. Your continued support of our advertisers allows us to develop top-flight editorial issue after issue. Tell the advertisers how much their support of the Pallet Enterprise means to you. We encourage readers to share their thoughts with us. Call us at 804/550-0323, fax us at 804/550-2181, or e-mail us at ed@ireporting.com.

If you have an issue that needs immediate feedback, you may get it on the "Pallet Board." Visit our Web site at www.palletenterprise.com. Select the "Pallet Board" link, post the news item or question you desire, and see what kind of response you receive. Sometimes board traffic can get a little testy, but a legitimate, well presented request will often receive valuable responses.

We try to understand our readers. What do you believe? What do you want to know? How do you think our industry should respond collectively to issues confronting us? The clearer your explanations, the better we can understand. The more we understand, the more likely we are to help our readers with information and leadership they desire and deserve.

Talk to your association executives and boards. Share your ideas with us. Support your favorite project through the Pallet Foundation.

While 9-11 was a tragic day, it did force us to reflect. We can pull together for the common good. Unity and America’s can-do attitude has made our country great — made it stand out above much of the world. We can work together to build a stronger industry by educating our customers and the world about the value of our products. But it will require a conscientious effort by individuals such as you and me. Your commitment to the future will impact what happens to the future of the industry and your company.