October 13, 2025 • View in browser

NLBMDA Weekly is our newsletter covering everything from the latest activity in Washington to updates from our members. This is the premier source of federal legislative, regulatory, and industry news for NLBMDA members.

2025 ProDealer Industry Summit Recap: Three Days of Excitement for the LBM Industry!

Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the 2025 ProDealer Industry Summit brought together leaders from across the lumber and building materials sector for three days of networking, education, and strategic dialogue. The event kicked off with a tour of Falls City Lumber and an opening networking reception at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory sponsored by LMC, complete with bourbon tasting and behind-the-scenes access. Then Do It Best and the Misura Group hosted an LBM executive dinner at the Kentucky Derby museum. 

Thursday’s sessions focused on the future of the industry, starting with “Breakfast Bytes” on tech innovations, followed by panels on the U.S. housing outlook, political landscape, and loyalty programs. Attendees gained insights from independent dealers, next-gen emerging leaders, and perspectives from builders. The day wrapped up with a networking reception and the ProDealer Award Dinner, honoring Zuern Lumber (Allenton, WI) as the ProDealer of the Year and B&B Lumber (Wichita, KS) as the Independent Dealer of the Year. 

Friday closed the summit with a spotlight on rising talent and lessons from the convenience store industry on competing with national giants. The final keynote emphasized resilience and adaptability for independent dealers, leaving attendees with actionable strategies and renewed energy to lead in a rapidly evolving market. 

Senate Passes ROAD to Housing Act, Moves to House for Consideration 

Last week, the U.S. Senate passed S.2651, the ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). The legislation, which passed unanimously earlier this year through the Senate Banking Committee, was advanced through the Senate as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill. The ROAD to Housing Act is one of the most ambitious policy proposals intended to address the housing affordability crisis to advance through Congress in more than a decade. At its core, the legislation proposes a comprehensive solution towards addressing the housing affordability crisis targeting barriers that have inhibited homeownership and while also helping to spur the development of new home construction. 

“NLBMDA applauds the Senate passage of the ROAD to Housing Act,” said NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan Paine. “As suppliers to residential construction industry, LBM dealers serve as critical partners to addressing America’s housing affordability challenges. Solving this solution requires expanded financing options for new homebuyers and forward-thinking policies which promote the construction of new housing units, ROAD to Housing meaningfully addresses both of those areas and NLBMDA will work with its coalition partners on Capitol Hill to advocate for the legislation’s expeditious passage into law.  

Since the ROAD to Housing Act advanced through the national defense authorization bill, the legislation now moves to the House where differences between the House defense bill and the Senate bill will be resolved. The House, which has been in recess since the start of the government shutdown, has not yet determined a date on when it will consider the ROAD to Housing Act.  

NLBMDA Announces New Leadership Team; Frank Addiego of All Bay Mill & Lumber Co. as Chair

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has announced its newly elected leadership team, with Frank Addiego named Chair during the October 7 Board of Directors meeting in Louisville, KY.

Addiego, President of All Bay Mill & Lumber Co. in Northern California, brings over two decades of industry experience and a legacy of leadership rooted in family values and service. He previously led the West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association through the COVID-19 crisis, restoring its financial health and stability.

In a statement at the 2025 ProDealer Industry Summit, Addiego emphasized the importance of national unity among dealers amid political uncertainty: “Because the [federal government] needs to figure out its identity, that's why it's really important for more and more dealers to be a part of the national side.”

"Frank is a strong leader and advocate for NLBMDA and the entire lumber and building material industry. I look forward to working alongside Frank and continuing to advance the mission of the association of advancing the Federal legislative, code and regulatory interests of the industry," said NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan Paine.

In addition to Addiego, the additional new NLBMDA Officers are:



• NLBMDA Vice Chair: Carin Brock, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, US LBM Holdings, Inc., Rockwall, Texas
• NLBMDA Treasurer: Sandy Zelka, Chief Financial Officer, Curtis Lumber Company, Ballston Spa, New York
• NLBMDA Immediate Past Chair: Mark Zemrowski, Chief Operating Officer, Von Tobel Corporation, Valparaiso, Indiana

NLBMDA Honors Scott Yates with Distinguished Service Award

At this year’s ProDealer Industry Summit in Louisville, KY, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) honored Scott Yates, President of Denver Lumber Company, with its prestigious Distinguished Service Award—an honor bestowed only five times in the association’s history.

Yates, who began working at Denver Lumber in 1973 and became General Manager in 1986, has spent over five decades shaping the industry. A former NLBMDA Chair (2015–2016) and longtime leader of its Political Action Committee, Yates is known for his unwavering commitment to advocacy and his consistent presence at every NLBMDA Legislative Conference and ProDealer Industry Summit.

“Scott’s leadership is deeply rooted in his genuine care for people and the industry he’s devoted his life to,” said NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan Paine.

The award recognizes Yates’ exceptional service, leadership, and enduring impact on both the association and the broader building materials community.

D.C. Advocacy Trade Groups Descend on Louisville to Discuss Tax Bill, Government Shutdown, and What’s Next This Congress

Last week at the NLBMDA and HBSDealer ProDealer Industry Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, a panel of Washington insiders addressed several pressing policy issues shaping the LBM industry. The session, moderated by NLBMDA Government Affairs Coordinator Matthew Delaney, featured representatives from the National Association of Home Builders, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the National Small Business Association. 

Discussion focused on Congress’s recently passed tax bill and the advocacy efforts that helped secure key business-friendly provisions. With the bill now enacted, associations are turning their attention to educating members, particularly small businesses and pass-through entities, on how to use the new provisions to maximize tax savings in the upcoming filing year. The conversation also covered the ongoing government shutdown, with panelists evaluating its potential impact on the construction sector and the broader economy if it continues. The discussion underscored the importance of continued advocacy and collaboration across the business community to ensure policies support housing affordability, economic growth, and a strong LBM industry. 

Missed ProDealer this year? Check out NLBMDA’s webinar from earlier this year recapping all of the LBM focused provisions included in Congress’ tax bill. Watch it here.  

Personalized Entry-Level Driver Training Certification for NLBMDA Members

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has partnered with J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. to offer members of the association an exclusive discount on certifying trainers in entry-level driver training (ELDT).

With J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT Certification Program, trainers will gain the skills and knowledge they need to train drivers to prevent accidents, avoid violations, reduce liability, and begin a safe career at your company. After completing this program, driver trainers will be prepared to effectively deliver J.J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT curriculum online, in the classroom, on the range and on the road. It’s the industry’s most hand-on, customizable trainer certification program, providing the flexibility to train your trainers when and how it works best for you. Not only is it ideal for new drivers, it’s also ideal for existing trainers who want to build their skills for the life of your drivers — and be able to continue coaching them the entire way.

Realtor.com's September 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report

Active home listings rose 17% year-over-year in September, marking the 23rd straight month of inventory gains. However, the pace of growth has slowed since May, and national inventory remains 13.9% below pre-pandemic levels. Regional disparities are becoming more pronounced: the South and West now exceed pre-pandemic inventory, while the Northeast and Midwest continue to face significant shortages. Cities like Denver and Austin are well above their historical norms, while Hartford and Chicago trail behind. Homes are also spending more time on the market, averaging 62 days—seven days longer than last year—with Florida and Las Vegas seeing the longest delays.



Prices are holding steady nationally at a median list price of $425,000, though the West saw a 3.6% decline. Price trends vary by region, with per-square-foot costs rising in the Northeast and Midwest but falling in the South and West. Nearly 20% of listings saw price cuts in September, especially in the $350,000–$500,000 range. Luxury listings remain more stable, with fewer reductions. Local market dynamics continue to shape these patterns, highlighting the uneven nature of the current housing landscape.

Remodeling Market Sentiment Improves in Third Quarter

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its Q3 Remodeling Market Index (RMI), which rose slightly to 60—solidly in positive territory but still below levels seen from 2021 to 2024. The index reflects remodelers’ views on market conditions, with scores above 50 indicating more positive than negative sentiment. The Current Conditions Index climbed to 68, with gains across all project sizes: large projects rose to 64, moderate projects to 70, and small projects to 71.

The Future Indicators Index edged up to 52, driven by a four-point increase in remodeling backlogs, though lead generation dipped slightly to 49. NAHB Remodelers Chair Nicole Goolsby Morrison noted that optimism remains, despite challenges like high material and labor costs and economic uncertainty. Chief Economist Robert Dietz added that aging housing stock and rising household net worth should support continued growth in remodeling activity.

Elevated Tariffs on Softwood Lumber, Kitchen Cabinets, and Upholstered Furniture Take Effect Tomorrow 

On Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued official notice of previously announced tariffs on softwood lumber, kitchen cabinets, and upholstered furniture. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on October 14, imported softwood lumber from all countries will face an additional 10% tariff. Upholstered wooden furniture products will be subject to a 25% tariff, while completed kitchen cabinets and vanities will also receive a 25% tariff, with lower rates for goods originating from the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union. 

For Canadian softwood lumber, which already receives a 35% tariff under recently adjusted antidumping and countervailing duties, the new 10% tariff raises the total rate to 45%. 

These tariffs follow a Section 232 investigation initiated by the Commerce Department at the direction of the White House to examine the national security implications of importing lumber and its derivative products. Although the Commerce Department was originally tasked with reporting its findings by mid-November, the investigation was completed earlier this summer, with the new tariff rates announced earlier this month. Read our most recent communication on the elevated tariffs here.  

White House Threatens Reinstating 100% Tariff on Chinese Imports 

Amid ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations, China announced new restrictions on exports of rare-earth metals, essential for technology devices and other advanced manufactured goods. With China controlling roughly 70% of the world’s rare-earth mining, these limits could significantly impact global trade and manufacturing. 

On Friday, President Trump responded with a threat of a 100% tariff on Chinese goods bound for the U.S., set to take effect November 1, 2025. Markets reacted sharply, but Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick later told reporters that tensions had “substantially deescalated” and a full 100% tariff is unlikely. Since February 4, all Chinese imports have faced elevated duties, with the average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports at 57.6%. Despite recent rhetoric, negotiators from the U.S. and China continue to work towards a long-term trade agreement ahead of a Nov. 10 negotiation deadline. 

Shutdown Watch: Federal Government Shutdown Enters Day 13, No Resolution on Horizon 

Washington is now in the third week of a government shutdown, with no deal in sight. The House passed a continuing resolution 23 days ago to fund the government through November 21st, but the Senate has been unable to secure the 60 votes needed, rejecting the bill seven times. Meanwhile, House Republican leadership has kept the chamber in recess, preventing lawmakers from returning to session. The standoff shows no signs of ending, leaving federal operations partially closed and tens of thousands of workers furloughed.  

On Friday, the White House announced layoffs impacting more than 4,000 federal workers, including 442 at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Over the weekend, President Trump authorized the Department of Defense to use funds appropriated for other purposes to ensure the military is paid ahead of October 15th, when service members were scheduled to miss their first paycheck. NLBMDA continues to urge Congressional leaders to act quickly and in good faith to fund the government. While the shutdown’s effects on the LBM industry remain largely indirect, prolonged closures disrupt the broader economy and delay infrastructure projects nationwide. NLBMDA will continue to closely monitor negotiations and will share any new developments.  

Senate Confirms David Keeling as Assistant Secretary of Labor of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Last week, the Senate confirmed a batch of 107 Trump Administration nominees, including David Keeling, to serve as the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Prior to leading OSHA, Keeling directed transportation safety at Amazon, previously holding a role as the Vice President of Global Health and Safety at USPS. Keeling testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in June where he did not take a position on any pending rulemakings, including OSHA’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Proposed Rule.  

A comment period for OSHA’s Heat Rule has been extended until the end of this month. While no indication has been given on how the OSHA and the Administration plan to advance the Heat Rule, a thorough review of the rulemaking is expected to ensure its compliance with the Administration’s deregulatory agenda, centered on ensuring businesses are not subjected to overly burdensome reporting and compliance guidelines.  

“NLBMDA congratulates Assistant Secretary Keeling looks forward to continuing its partnership with OSHA to advance best practices and promote responsible solutions that reflect the LBM industry’s strong commitment to workplace safety,” Said NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan Paine.  

Tart Lumber Company, Inc. Promotes Virginia Lewis to President

Tart Lumber Company, Inc., a family-owned and operated leader in building materials, millwork, kitchens, and hardware, is proud to announce the promotion of Virginia Lewis to the role of President.

Lewis, a third-generation member of the Tart family, has spent the past decade working in nearly every role at Tart Lumber. Most recently serving as Vice President, she has overseen operations, sales, point of sales transition, showroom management, and vendor relationships. She graduated from Clemson University in 2015 with a degree in Business Information Technology and a minor in legal studies.

Virginia has been instrumental in advancing Tart Lumber’s technology and customer service initiatives, spearheading the company’s implantation of Bistrack in 2020, most recently a move to e-commerce in 2024. She is also the creative force behind Tart Lumber’s marketing including the annual Decking Catalogue, which has grown into a 24-page resource highlighting premier decking options for clients.

Hancock Lumber Creates Scholarship at Mitchell Institute

Maine-based Hancock Lumber’s owner is being recognized for contributions to higher education in the community. The Mitchell Institute, a scholarship organization dedicated to providing resources to Maine students, shared the news via social media:

“The Mitchell Institute is proud to welcome Kevin Hancock, managing owner and chairman of Hancock Lumber, as a new Pioneer Donor."

Through the creation of the Hancock Family & Hancock Lumber Pioneer Scholarship, Kevin Hancock and his family are expanding opportunities for students in western Maine, ensuring that graduates of Lake Region High School will have the support to pursue higher education for generations to come.

LMC Announces Promotion of Steve Evans to Director of East/West Commodity Lumber

LMC is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Evans to Director of East/West Commodity Lumber. In this role, Mr. Evans will report directly to Chris Ford, Vice President of the Lumber Division.

Steve joined LMC in 2014 as an East/West Lumber Trader, where he quickly demonstrated strong leadership capabilities and expertise in market operations. In 2019, he advanced to Department Manager of Plywood, overseeing key areas of procurement and distribution. Following a brief departure from the company, Steve returned to LMC as a New Business Analyst, contributing to strategic growth initiatives and operational development. In 2023, he transitioned back into a leadership role as Department Manager of East/West Lumber, where he successfully managed department operations and strengthened customer partnerships.

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company Named Insurance Insider Honors 2025 Employer of the Year

The Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM), the largest mutual insurer dedicated to wood-related businesses, took home the Employer of the Year award at the Insurance Insider US Honors 2025 held in New York on September 25. PLM was recognized for fostering a rich company culture centered on professional growth and community support, among other attributes.

The Insurance Insider US Honors awards celebrates outstanding achievement from the US wholesale, specialty and (re)insurance markets, with awards in 25-plus categories. Winners at the Insurance Insider US Honors are recognized for their commitment to advancing their respective markets and chosen by a panel of esteemed industry experts.

PLM is dedicated to ensuring employees feel valued by offering a variety of skill development opportunities that include continuing education, cross-functional experience and time in the field. Last year, 50 PLM employees earned new insurance designations and more than 100 employees attended industry trade shows.

Weyerhaeuser to Invest $1 Million in West Virginia Community

Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) today announced a commitment to invest $1 million in Buckhannon, West Virginia, through the company's THRIVE program. The investment will be made over the next several years with input from local elected officials, business leaders, nonprofits, employees and other community partners. Weyerhaeuser launched THRIVE in 2023 to provide targeted assistance to five of its rural operating communities; Buckhannon is the third community to be selected for the program.

"Rural operating communities like Buckhannon are so important to the success of our business and to the greater health of the forest products industry," says Devin W. Stockfish, president and chief executive officer. "We want to make sure these communities remain great places to live, work and do business for years to come, and are looking forward to growing the positive impact of our THRIVE program as we expand it in Buckhannon and the surrounding area."



Weyerhaeuser has operated an engineered wood products plant in Buckhannon, a community of about 5,300 in north-central West Virginia, for more than 25 years. The facility consistently ranks among the company's top-performing sites for safety and manufacturing reliability. Weyerhaeuser also operates an oriented strand board mill in nearby Sutton, West Virginia, and sustainably manages more than 250,000 acres of timberlands across the state.