The Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA) strives to strengthen and expand the base of lumber and wood products manufacturers in the Central Pennsylvania region in order to maintain and enhance the industry’s competitive position in today’s global economy. As a Hardwood Utilization Group (HUG), KWPA works closely with the Pennsylvania Hardwood Development Council (HDC), the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association (PFPA) and its sister HUGS—Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG) and Northern Tier Hardwood Association (NTHA) to support the industry via, education, workforce development, and promotion.
Although KWPA’s efforts have far reaching impact, KWPA is a nonprofit organization with a regional footprint. It focuses efforts within the Pennsylvania counties of: Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union. KWPA’s regional efforts compliment the multitude of statewide and national partner projects that increase the visibility and promotion of the industry.
The KWPA was formed in 2006 as result of two separate state agency initiatives. The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC) had received funding from the PA Department of Labor and Industry to formalize a lumber and wood industry partnership within their region. In 2006, a core group of lumber and wood companies formalized KWPA, established the organization as a 501(c) (6) organization and started recruiting members. Almost two decades later, KWPA is still going strong.