Wow, what a great event in Tucson, AZ a couple weeks ago. Thank you to the NWPCA for putting on another fantastic event and bringing together so many members of the pallet community. The Viking team was omnipresent at the Annual Leadership Conference and was very happy to enjoy the warm weather as Minneapolis in March is still below the freezing mark! Some of us played in the Pallet Foundation Golf Tournament while others chose to participate in the Round Robin Tennis Tournament. The event wasn't all just sun and fun though. In addition to the nice weather and beautiful scenery, the event was very educational.
This year, the NWPCA provided 9 educational sessions for members of the pallet industry highlighted by an excellent overview of creative marketing and brand building by Ken Schmidt, the former Director of Communications for Harley-Davidson. His charisma and energy were incredible and the talk was very insightful. Additionally, the NWPCA's 6 committee meetings always bring together a focused group of industry professionals and this year was no different. All of the speakers provided valuable insights for both pallet producers and equipment manufacturers and are key to getting the most out of the ALC.
It's always nice to catch up with old friends but the Viking team is equally grateful for the opportunity to develop new relationships. It was exciting to learn about the new equipment and technology on the market and to continue to see the pallet industry embrace innovation. Viking's booth continued this theme and displayed a glimpse of our new parts store and customer portal as well as multiple videos recapping our current equipment offerings. Additionally, our nails division was present to speak with anyone who has questions about the genuine bulk and collated fasteners that Viking has to offer.
The NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference is a great way to refresh business and personal relationships all while getting out of the office for a bit. Nowhere was this more visible than with the pallet industry auction. After all was said and done, the pallet community raised $168,000 to benefit the Pallet Foundation. It was great to see friends, old and new, opening up their wallets to support the industry and to continue to make the NWPCA the premier Association for the wood container and pallet makers.
The ALC left the Viking team upbeat and focused on making 2017 the best year yet for our customers. With our dedicated phone support, focus on embracing new technologies, and the rock solid reputation as the leading producer of automated wood fastening equipment, Viking Engineering & Development is looking forward to helping take your business to the NEXT LEVEL in 2017. Thanks again to the NWPCA and everyone that came out and visited us. If you didn't get a chance to meet the team we look forward to seeing you at the 2018 ALC in Fort Lauderdale, FL!
-Team Viking
- Viking ALC Booth 2017
- Western Themed Reception
- Fire grilled steaks!
- Reception at Coyote Corral
- Grilled Fruit and Veggies
- Fancy Rope Skills!
