The Forest Products Society is at a crossroads. The world of forest products and renewable materials has dramatically changed over the past three decades. Despite past efforts to adapt to those changes, the membership of FPS continues to decline. In 1982, FPS had close to 4,000 members and now is approaching 1,000 members.
Although the financial state of the Society is reasonably sound, the current economic conditions have changed the landscape for industry, universities, government and non-profit organizations. A declining membership challenges the future of a sustainable Society. Even if FPS chooses to restructure as a smaller organization, a new path will be needed.
To address these challenges, in early 2010, the Executive Board of the Society embarked on a Visioning and Strategic Planning Process. The process was led by the Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by the FPS President and comprised of the Executive Officers, two Regional Board members, and the Executive Vice President. The process resulted in the development of a new Vision and Mission for the Society — the first step in shaping the future of the organization.
Discussion timeline
Listening sessions were held in the summer and fall of 2010 in order to evaluate the Society’s Vision and Mission and to assess opportunities and challenges facing the organization and the members it serves. A professional facilitator led the sessions, which were attended by the Executive Board and by leaders from within and outside the Society. In addition, comments were sought through the FPS LinkedIn discussion forum and through personal dialogue.
JUNE 19, 2010 LISTENING SESSION
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Executive Summary | Results
Based on the data collected during this first session, it became clear that if FPS is to be successful in the long term the organization will need to consider significant changes in its scope, starting with an expansion of its Vision. The listening session identified several key elements that should be considered in a new Vision and Mission for the organization.
NOVEMBER 6, 2010 LISTENING SESSION
USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Executive Summary | Results
This second session focused on seeking feedback on draft Vision and Mission statements developed by the Executive Board based on the results of the June listening session. The session resulted in two alternate Vision and Mission statements, as well as several ideas for preliminary strategic directions for the Society. It was agreed that the Strategic Planning Committee would merge the two Vision and Mission proposals into a working draft.