Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario
  • EVENTS
  • MEMBERS ONLY AREA
    • Login
  • MEMBERS DIRECTORY
  • ABOUT WMCO
    • WMCO – News
    • Our Cluster
    • Our History
    • Our Vision & Mission
  • JOIN NOW
  • WMCO RESOURCES
    • WMCO Funding Projects
    • Job Board
    • Hot Topics
    • RFQ
    • Export Resources
Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario
  • EVENTS
  • MEMBERS ONLY AREA
    • Login
  • MEMBERS DIRECTORY
  • ABOUT WMCO
    • WMCO – News
    • Our Cluster
    • Our History
    • Our Vision & Mission
  • JOIN NOW
  • WMCO RESOURCES
    • WMCO Funding Projects
    • Job Board
    • Hot Topics
    • RFQ
    • Export Resources
Oct 05

First networking meeting a success!

  • October 5, 2011
  • WMCO
  • News, Uncategorized

The first Bluewater Wood Alliance networking meeting in Hanover, Ont., was attended by 32 industry participants.

The first Bluewater Wood Alliance networking meeting in Hanover, Ont., was attended by 32 industry participants. There was a good mix of manufacturing and supplier people there, making for some interesting conversations and a healthy exchange of business cards and experiences.

Aside from the chance to network with other industry folks, they gathered on June 22nd to hear a presentation on attaining FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) chain-of-custody certification, given by Christine Korol of the Rainforest Alliance. With increasing pressure to keep chain-of-custody records for wood products – largely coming out of the European market, architects seeking LEED points and government purchasing authorities – it is time to look at the nuts and bolts of becoming certified.

Ms. Korol’s presentation set out the parameters and gave those present a good idea of what they were looking at from a time, effort and approximate cost standpoint.

Sandwiching the FSC talk, Adam Hofmann, president of both the Bluewater Alliance and Bogdon & Gross Furniture, and managers, Sepp Gmeiner and Blair Tullis, gave presentations on what the Bluewater Wood Alliance is all about. Adam discussed the Grey-Bruce study that led to the formation of the Bluewater Wood Alliance, as well as the start of successful collaboration efforts between 5 companies that started in year 2009.

Christine Korol describes Chain of Custody from the forest to the retailer.

Blair then outlined what has been accomplished to date, including the incorporation of the not-for-profit Bluewater Wood Alliance, the establishment of the name and branding, as well as the creation of the website. He also pointed out the importance of municipal, county, provincial and federal funding to the initial success of the Bluewater Wood Alliance and its ability to hit the ground running with programs.
Finally, Sepp discussed the ongoing projects in purchasing cooperation (fasteners, glass shelves and electricity), experience exchange workshops (optimizing research and development grants), skills development/ training and networking. As a member-driven organization, the Alliance looks to its members for guidance on what programs to provide. Thankfully, that guidance has come early, with the founding members already working on a number of projects to benefit all members.

Sepp Gmeiner describes services available to the members.

At the end, Blair went over the benefits of membership:
• Regular visits to member companies to poll needs and keep members up-to-date on programs
• Networking meetings four times per year
• Cooperation with local high schools, colleges and universities to promote relevant training for industry and careers in wood.
• Cooperation with governments on all levels to understand programs and how they can benefit the member companies
• www.bluewaterwoodalliance.com website and the members-only section for information-sharing.

A number of the participants indicated an interest in joining the Alliance, boding well for the future growth of the Bluewater Wood Alliance.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • E-Mail

Related Posts

  • It’s all about getting together.December 22, 2011
  • IT’S ALL ABOUT GETTING TOGETHER.December 22, 2011
  • Bluewater Wood Alliance featured at Ontario West Municipal Conference in London.December 8, 2011
  • BLUEWATER WOOD ALLIANCE FEATURED AT ONTARIO WEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE IN LONDON.December 8, 2011

Comments are closed.

Member Login

Forgot password?

-

Do you have suggestions for topics and events?

Tell us what’s on your mind! Click here to send us your thoughts!

Don’t Miss Out on WMCO Events & News!
Click here to join our mailing list!

Click here to join WMCO.

Recent Posts

  • WMCO’s Cayuga Displays Plant Tour – Showcasing Innovation and Industry Leadership
  • A Full House and a Full Plate at Our March 26th Networking Event
  • WMCO’s Toyota Manufacturing Cambridge Plant Tour Focus Group of 2025!
  • How to Professionally Navigate Client Concerns After Sending a Quote
  • Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Projects: Key Considerations

Social

Facebook
LinkedIn

Do you have suggestions for topics and events?

Tell us what’s on your mind! Click here to send us your thoughts!

Don’t Miss Out on WMCO Events & News!
Click here to join our mailing list!

Login

Forgot password?

-

Facebook
LinkedIn

© Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario 2024
Wood Manufacturers are recognizing how eliminating waste is key to staying competitive and adaptable to change in our evolving industry!

BWA Plant Tour Focus Group @ Woody's Manufacturing Ltd.

Bluewater Wood Alliance Benefit Plan

 

Hear what members are saying about Bluewater Wood Alliance.

Hear what members are saying about Bluewater Wood Alliance.

Great, you're interested in contributing to the BWA Blogs!

Login to the BWA site.

In the member drop down menu select post a blog to get started.

When you’re finished

Video Summary of the BWA Sandler Training Sales Training Events

BWA Career Hub – Making Connections

 

BWA Career Hub – Making Connections

 

Wood Manufacturers are recognizing how eliminating waste is key to staying competitive and adaptable to change in our evolving industry!

BWA Plant Tour Focus Group @ Woody's Manufacturing Ltd.

Video Summary of the BWA Sales Training Events

Great, you're interested in contributing to the BWA Blogs!

Login to the BWA site.

In the member drop down menu select post a blog to get started.

When you’re finished