October 29, 2019
NLBMDA Chair Message I By Robert P. Sanford
Dear NLBMDA Members,
 
Earlier this month, LBM professionals including pro-dealers and suppliers, gathered in Colorado Springs for NLBMDA's ProDealer Industry Summit. It was an exciting meeting filled with engaging discussion, networking opportunities, fundraising events and large decisions. We were lucky to return to the beautiful Broadmoor Resort, which provided the perfect backdrop for this year's gathering.
 
I am happy to share the highlights of this year's ProDealer Industry Summit. Please take a moment to review the exciting event below; but most importantly, I encourage all conference attendees and members alike to continue to engage in the innovative discussions that took place during the conference. We hope this event serves as a catalyst for change and growth in our industry each and every year. Without the passion and novel ideas of NLBMDA members, this conference and association would not be what it is today.
NLBMDA’s ProDealer Industry Summit kicked off on Tuesday, October 7. NLBMDA members attended committee meetings including the Legislative Advocacy Committee, Regulatory Codes & Standards Committee, LuDPAC Board of Trustees, Investment Oversight Committee, Manufacturers & Services Council as well as the Board of Directors. I would like to thank all of the dedicated NLBMDA members that attended these meetings and provided their insight on the LBM industry and the direction of the association.

That evening, conference attendees gathered for the NLBMDA ProDealer Award Dinner. I was able to share a summary of the association’s initiatives and successes this past year. Most notably, I announced that NLBMDA’s Board of Directors are extending NLBMDA’s contract with its current management company, SmithBucklin. I also had the great pleasure of recognizing three industry veterans for their contributions to NLBMDA and the industry at large: Clarence Wilkerson of Weyerhaeuser; Scott Engquist of Engquist Lumber Company; and Max Guetz of Alpine Lumber. These three award recipients have dedicated years of service to advancing the mission and goals of NLBMDA and the LBM industry at-large. During the dinner Mead Lumber was also announced as ProDealer of the Year and BLDRS Supply as the Independent ProDealer of the Year. These two businesses were recognized for their high-performance with commitment to best practices and values in the industry.

On Wednesday, conference attendees started their day bright and early with networking opportunities at breakfast in the Exhibit Hall. Pro-dealers and suppliers were able to connect throughout the event on new innovative products and services to offer LBM customers. The rest of the day was packed with exciting keynotes and panel discussions. Linda Alvarado, Colorado Rockies Co-Owner and President of Alvarado Construction gave an inspiring presentation on how to pursue your passions and grow your business. The conference also hosted a great line-up of industry experts. The Farnsworth Group shared LBM market trend insights, Wheelhouse 20/20 provided innovative business marketing strategies, and NLBMDA’s Director of Government Affairs updated attendees on the industry’s legislative and regulatory priorities. The conference welcomed two panel sessions that discussed recruiting and retaining top talent as well as how to deal with industry disruptions such as Amazon and Katerra.

This year’s ProDealer had many exciting social and networking events including a surprise visit from Colorado Senator, Cory Gardner! He made a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Lodge during the Networking Social Event. Senator Gardner thanked ProDealers for their integral work in strengthening and being the backbone of the nation’s economy. NLBMDA Member and Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Max Guetz and his band, “The Hardwood Ramblers”, also treated guests with great music at the lodge.

The conference wrapped up on Thursday where John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting provided attendees with a forecast on single-family homes and remodeling. Attendees were eager with questions and left the conference prepared and equipped to tackle business conditions in 2020.

Additionally, The Lumber Dealers Political Action Committee (LuDPAC) held two fundraising events during the summit: the LuDPAC Recognition Reception and Silent Auction. Thanks to the generous support of attendees, the LuDPAC raised over $10,000 from fundraising efforts. Myself and NLBMDA would like to especially thank its reception attendees as well as its auction donors and bidders. The impact of LuDPAC and the voice of NLBMDA are made stronger through the support of its members. These monetary donations will help promote the building material industry’s legislative agenda by electing industry-friendly, pro-business candidates to federal office.

To review and share photos from the conference, please click here !

NLBMDA and its conference partner, HBSDealer, thank all those who attended the conference to advance the innovation and strength of the LBM Industry. I look forward to seeing you for next year’s ProDealer Industry Summit from October 7 – 9, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas!

Sincerely,

Robert P. Sanford
NLBMDA Chair
Sanford and Hawley, Inc. I President
(860) 674-7620 | rpsanford2@twc.com