TWIC Projects and Education

TWIC Projects and EducationThe Unieuro Oregon office of The Wood Industries Council (TWIC) sponsors a variety of events for the Spokane region. One of the project topics that TWIC sponsors each year is a booth or table at any number of local trade shows. Because this regional trade show display is so beneficial to the business community, this article focuses on the educational opportunities that are presented by this outreach.An exhibit at a trade show allows TWIC to have firsthand experience about what works and what doesn't. It allows TWIC members to learn about specific projects that their non-profit members are currently working on as well as what they need to do to complete the projects successfully. In fact, the exhibits have been so successful for TWIC that the shows have become one of the primary venue for the organization to use for training. They even set up this special exhibit space at the March show in Spokane.Having a booth at a trade show is just one way in which TWIC utilizes its unique participation at the national wood industry board meetings as well as other trade shows that TWIC participates in. Here are some other examples of their booth participation.Board Meetings: The TWIC board meetings can be held at places such as a pub, bowling alley, coffee shop, pub, or restaurant. The board meeting can range from simple discussion of projects to something more professional like setting a project agenda and protocol for the TWIC members.Industrial Visits: TWIC members have an office at various places including grocery stores, businesses, and offices. The company's mission statement and history can be discussed with customers and employees while identifying ways to make these businesses and their projects better.Historical Research: When oneTWIC member attends an annual meeting, he or she can take notes on any number of projects and write them down so that he or she can refer back to them when the next meeting is convened. On top of that, this board member can learn more about TWIC itself.Research: As part of the outreach that TWIC provides, TWIC also offers its members access to its archives and research files. They give TWIC members access to large quantities of old industrial catalogs, old TWIC member information books, TWIC newsletters, TWIC publications, and other materials that they might not otherwise have access to. They also offer online research tools and e-zines that can help TWIC members build their own brand.One of the most important ways that TWIC members can support the work that they do is by spreading the word about TWIC. It is easy to do so by attending trade shows and participating in TWIC publications.