Greetings!
I hope your summer is off to a great start! It’s definitely my favorite season because the weather is warmer and usually a bit more predictable. At least more predictable than our recycling markets at the moment. And if not more predictable then certainly more uplifting. This time last year we were all wondering and hypothesizing whether China would actually follow through on their proposed restrictions. We were a little optimistic and maybe a lot in denial. It’s been an unprecedented shift and one that we will be navigating for some time to come.
It seems like just yesterday that we were all convened at Semiahmoo for the annual conference, discussing China’s import policies, the future of recycling, and engaged in a plethora of networking opportunities. With the WSRA conference still fresh in my mind, it’s hard to believe June is also behind us. Speaking of June, it not only marks the official start to summer, but also the close of another fiscal year for the WSRA. The organization finished the year in a solid financial position and is poised to do great work in the coming year. Over the past year, the WSRA hosted many successful events, the majority of them selling out! We learned about Ports and Brokers, Innovations in Composite Recycling, and The Compost Cycle. We held a free policy forum related to China’s National Sword (Blue Skies 2018). We toured Nucor Steel, Recycle B.C., Alcoa, and the Washington State Surplus operation. And of course the annual conference was a big success too. It was the first time in that location and provided some unique opportunities such as touring Recycle B.C. Major kudos to our 2018 conference planning committee (Alli, Margot, and Abby), and those who assisted in planning, organizing and volunteering. The enthusiasm around WSRA events is outstanding.
As the association transitions from one fiscal year to the next, it also means a new Board, with incumbents and newly elected members. For those who are not familiar, the WSRA membership elects the Board of Directors and the Board elects its Executive Committee officers. I am both honored and excited to serve with such an outstanding and hardworking team. With that said, congratulations to the 2018-2019 Board of Directors!
Your WSRA Board include representatives from both the private and public sectors. Ron Jones (President), Alli Kingfisher (Vice President), Zeinab Sow (Secretary), Pete Dubois (Treasurer), Jenna McInnis (Asst. Secretary/Treasurer), Abby Hart, Michelle Metzler, Nick Perry, Patrick Malloy, Steve Wulf, Tanya Gray, and Quinn Apuzzo.
I also want to give recognition to “you”, the valued members of WSRA. You are truly what make WSRA a fantastic organization.
Currently, the Board is holding their annual retreat, where we will spend a little time getting to know each other better, and developing the annual work plan, which will be based on the recently completed strategic plan. The completed plan will be available later this Summer.
On behalf of the past and current Board, I have to give a big thank you to Anne Piacentino who wrapped up her first year as the Executive Director of WSRA. Anne’s knowledge, passion, and commitment helps keep the organization running smoothly.
In closing, I want to remind everyone that the WSRA has a lot of events in the hopper or already scheduled so keep your eye on the weekly digest for announcements.
Sincerely,
Ron Jones
WSRA President