From the President's Desk: Why Make Time for WCMA?

Jeremy McClain, WCMA President
CEO, Osborne Wood Products

It’s a fair question—why bother with the WCMA? Most of us lead busy operations, and the idea of stepping away from the daily grind can feel like a luxury we can’t afford. I understand that completely. Time out of the office means extra hours preparing beforehand and even more catching up afterward. So when you choose to attend an event, it has to be worth it. It has to matter.

Do all WCMA events deliver equally on that promise? Honestly, probably not. And that reality can make it harder for company leaders to commit to future participation. But if you’ll allow me, I’d like to offer a few reasons why I believe it’s worth reconsidering that mindset.

First, inspiration, insight, and problem-solving often come from unexpected places. WCMA events are designed to create those opportunities. Whether through shop tours, networking conversations, or insightful presentations, these gatherings offer a chance to step outside your day-to-day and view your operations with fresh eyes. As many who attended our recent Wood Tech Connect event can attest, the days were packed with valuable experiences. I prioritize WCMA events because, more often than not, I come away with an idea or perspective that makes Osborne Wood Products stronger and more competitive.

​Second, having served on the board, I’ve seen firsthand the intention that goes into every event we plan. The central question guiding our efforts is always, “What will make this meaningful for our members?” That means choosing locations that maximize your time, minimizing travel, and securing speakers who offer practical, relevant insights. We truly value the feedback we receive and are always looking for ways to improve.

This member-first approach has led to some recent changes, including moving our annual conference earlier in the year to avoid the fall rush and introducing shorter, one-day events focused on impactful site visits that wouldn't warrant a multi-day schedule. We hope these updates—along with all the other benefits of WCMA membership—help you see even greater value in your involvement.

As we look ahead to the second half of the year, I wish you continued success in your business. I hope you discover an advantage to staying involved with WCMA events and make the decision to attend the next one. I do believe it will be a beneficial use of your time. Lastly, I encourage you to help us grow by sharing the value of WCMA with peers who would be a great fit for our community.
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Cheers,
Jeremy McClain