MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Peer Leadership & Networking
CPA is highly member-driven. Members actively participate on the association’s three standing committees: Environmental & Public Affairs, Marketing and Production-Technical. These committees, comprised of industry peers, manage association programs and insure that issues important to industry are effectively addressed.
The association sponsors members-only annual meetings each spring and fall. These events feature speakers and educational workshops on substantive industry issues, exhibit and sponsorship opportunities to build awareness of members’ products and services, and business meetings to develop policies and programs. The annual meetings offer a unique opportunity to network with CPA members, distributors, suppliers, end-users and other colleagues.
Industry Performance Reports
The association collects, analyzes and reports industry performance data on shipments, plant capacity, safety performance, downstream market demand, and international trade. Members can access many of these reports through the members-only section of the association’s website.
Industry Snapshot
Safety Report
Particleboard and MDF Commentary (RISI)
Wood Markets Newsletter (R.E. Taylor Associates)
North American Capacity Report
North American Decorative Overlay Shipments Report
TFL Panel Shipments Report
Staff
With its principal office near Washington, D.C., and a second office in Ottawa, members benefit from the work of the association’s 11 full-time professionals who support association committees and programs.
Website
The association’s comprehensive website includes statistical reports, industry presentations, up-coming events, on-line registration for meetings, and a variety of CPA publications. All members are featured on the site alphabetically and by product category, and each member has a prominent link to their respective websites.
Publications
Over 40 publications are offered through the association. They include fact sheets, technical bulletins covering a wide range of topics and specification kits informing key audiences about the attributes of composite panel products. All are available to members at no charge or for a nominal fee. The association also publishes a weekly member e-newsletter titled @the edge® providing up-to-date industry-related and association news. (Subscribe to @the edge®)
Selected Publications:
- Annual Buyers Guide
- Particleboard from Start to Finish
- MDF from Start to Finish
Promotion
A core association objective is to promote the use and preference of composite panels, including downstream products and applications. The association has an aggressive trade and consumer media program with proven results, and members are regularly offered opportunities to sponsor and/or participate in projects that spotlight their products throughout North America.
Education
In addition to educational programs offered at the annual meetings, the association conducts informative seminars educating attendees on technological advancements and new trends within the composite panel industry.
Advocacy
Serving as the composite panel industry’s chief advocate and steward, the association targets its activities on workplace and safety issues, and product regulations. The association also intervenes on US and Canadian environmental, business and legislative matters on behalf of the industry.
Industry Performance Standards
The association sponsors the key product standards for the industry and addresses technical issues bearing on product performance.
Product Standards:
- ANSI A208.1, Particleboard
- ANSI A208.2, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for Interior Applications
- ANSI A135.4, Basic Hardboard
- ANSI A135.5, Prefinished Basic Paneling
- ANSI A135.6, Hardboard Siding
Laboratory and Certification Services
The association manages and operates an independent, internationally recognized and accredited testing laboratory (NVLAP) to support industry certification programs and conduct product testing. These activities include verification that physical and mechanical properties and emission values meet specified standards.
Join CPA
CPA and its members are committed to product advancement and industry competitiveness. Join CPA today to gain access to a wide-range of benefits, including: networking, industry reports, advocacy and product promotion.
