Peer Leadership & Networking – CPA is highly member-driven. Members actively participate on the association’s five standing committees: Production, Technical, Marketing, Environmental and Public Affairs, and Member Services. These committees, comprised of industry peers, manage association programs and ensure 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 producer 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 these reports through the "members only" section of CPA’s website.
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Monthly Reports
- Quarterly Reports
- Particleboard and MDF Commentary (RISI)
- Mid-Year Decorative Overlay Shipments Report
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Annual Reports
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Shipments Report & Downstream Market Survey
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North American Capacity Report
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North American Decorative Overlay Shipments Report
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Report on Shipments of Panels Laminated with Thermally Fused Melamine
Staff – With its principal office near Washington, D.C., and a second office in Ottawa, Ontario, members benefit from the work of the association’s full-time professionals who support association committees and programs.
Website – CPA’s comprehensive website (www.pdmdf.com) includes statistical reports, industry presentations, upcoming 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 website.
Publications – More than 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.
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Selected Publications
- Composite Panel Annual Buyers and Specifiers Guide
- Decorative Surfaces Annual Buyers and Specifiers Guide
- Particleboard from Start to Finish
- MDF from Start to Finish
Promotion – Our public relations department has developed many programs designed to promote the use and acceptance of our products and the downstream products and applications made with them. These multi-faceted programs include both trade and consumer media, newspaper coverage and television media, and members are regularly offered opportunities to sponsor and/or participate in projects that spotlight their products throughout North America.
Second Wave Magazine - Published semi-annually and distributed to over 40,000 North American architects, designers, specifiers and builders, this award-winning magazine highlights the limitless design and application possibilities our products offer. In addition to being highlighted in Second Wave’s in-depth features, members have the opportunity to sponsor a part of the "Next Wave" section to profile their products and services.
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.
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Product Standards
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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
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ANSI A135.6, Hardboard Siding
Laboratory and Certification Services – The association manages and operates an independent, internationally recognized and accredited testing laboratory (ANSI and 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.
Special Benefits for New Members
CPA offers additional benefits to first year members that help introduce you to the entire membership:
