Wood Manufacturing Council Expands Board and Efforts to Lead in Entry, Retention, and Advancement of People in Wood Manufacturing
Moncton, New Brunswick Spring Board Meeting — June 25, 2024 — The Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC) continues to unite leaders in wood manufacturing to solidify its role as the premier advocate for human resource opportunities and challenges within the industry. The WMC’s mission is to create a unified front, enhancing its ability to influence government policies and regulatory decisions, thereby providing a singular, authoritative voice for the sector for Human Resources.
By bringing together various components of the wood manufacturing sector, the WMC aims to streamline efforts to inform government policy and program development. This collective approach allows for more effective advocacy and consultation on issues pertaining to human resources in wood manufacturing. The WMC’s strategic focus encompasses diversity, education, skill development, and addressing challenges and opportunities for the sector such as immigration, export marketing, trade, and technology.
The WMC will serve as the HR arm for the sector’s trade associations and regional organizations. This structure will bolster the industry’s capacity to collaboratively solve problems, driving positive change and continuous improvement. The new board structure will include key sector representatives, fostering a fresh vision and innovative approaches as guided by future board members.
The newly appointed board members are:
- Mike Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO)
- Audra Denny, National Executive Director, Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC)
- Gilles Pelletier, Président directeur général, Association des fabricants de meubles du Québec/Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Association
“We are excited for the skills, experience, and influence that Mike, Audra, and Gilles bring to our already outstanding Board of Directors,” said Dennis Harlock, Chair of the WMC Board.
The current Board of Directors includes:
- Adam Hofmann, Consultant, 1F2N
- Amanda Gay, Marketing & Product Manager, Planit Canada
- Andrzej Bernat, Consultant OSB
- Carla Coyle, President & CEO, C2 Custom Furnishings Inc.
- Dennis Harlock (Chair), Professor, Program Coordinator/Wood Programs, Conestoga College (Retired)
- Jason Chiu, Managing Director, Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP), UBC
- Pete Fournier, President, The Triangle Group and former President of Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA)
- Roger Cloutier, Program Chair: Cabinetmaker, Glazier, Millwork and Carpentry Construction Department, School of Skilled Trades, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Sepp Gmeiner, Partner, Lignum Consulting Corp.
The Wood Manufacturing Council is a non-profit corporation that unites stakeholders in advanced wood processing. Our mandate is to plan, develop, and implement human resources strategies that support the long-term growth and competitiveness of Canada’s advanced wood products manufacturing industry and meet the developmental needs of its workforce.