Protecting Lumber Yards and Small Business: NLBMDA

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The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association works closely with its members to ensure government regulations do not interfere with the work or prosperity of lumber yards.

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) was founded in 1917 to represent and advocate for companies that operate single or multiple lumber yards, as well as component plants serving home builders, subcontractors, general contractors, and consumers in the new construction, repair, and remodeling of residential and light commercial structures.

There are two categories of membership at NLBMDA: dealer members that sell lumber, and Manufacturers and Services Council (MSC) members that provide products and services to the building material industry.

The organization structure of NLBMDA allows its 13 state and regional associations to maintain autonomy and make choices for their unique circumstances while still providing access to the latest news and analysis of federal legislation and regulations. Thanks to its committed and engaged member companies, NLBMDA has continued to grow and advocate for the industry.

Goals and Role of the NLBMDA

1) To promote the industry and educate legislators and public policy personnel

2) To assist legislative, regulatory, standard setting, and other government or private bodies in the development of laws, regulations, and policies affecting lumber and building material dealers, their customers, and suppliers

NLBMDA focuses on protecting its member companies from burdensome regulations, encouraging the passage of specific pieces of business-friendly legislation, and cultivating relationships with lawmakers to represent member companies more effectively.

Industry Developments

The most recent Softwood Lumber Agreement between the U.S. and Canada expired on October 12, 2015. Negotiations for renewing the agreement has historically been acrimonious, and it is likely to be the case again this time.

U.S. softwood lumber industry alleges that their Canadian counterparts are illegally subsidized, and therefore Canadian softwood lumber imported into the U.S. should have duties placed on it to address the harm caused to U.S. producers.

Duties against Canadian imports are anticipated to begin this spring. NLBMDA supports both sides coming together to reach a new agreement and avoid a prolonged trade dispute.

Current Legislation

There are a number of key legislative and regulatory issues NLBMDA will focus on in 2017, including tax reform and regulatory reform. Comprehensive tax reform should level the playing field for small businesses and does not unfairly disadvantage S-corporations and family-owned businesses. The organization also supports the full and permanent repeal of the estate tax.

However, there are several tax policies NLBMDA opposes. They include increases in personal income tax rates that serve as tax hikes on small business that are S-corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships. The association also opposes efforts to repeal the mortgage interest deduction, which would negatively impact the entirety of the housing market, both in terms of home value as well as reducing overall sales.

Regulatory reform is needed so that rules are fair for everyone. The federal government frequently places new burdens on small businesses that make it harder to operate and have unintended consequences.

NLBMDA encourages Congress and the White House to exercise its authority in cutting regulatory red tape and reform the rulemaking process so it’s more transparent and takes into consideration the views of all stakeholders.

Benefits of Membership

Membership within NLBMDA, through its state and regional association, carries many unique benefits that provide companies with a wide range of opportunities to influence the industry and their lawmakers to protect and grow their businesses.

• NLBMDA is the voice of the industry on Capitol Hill

NLBMDA is the only organization representing the building material industry in Washington D.C. with a full team of government relations professionals representing the interests of the industry before legislators, regulators, and code officials. In this challenging regulatory environment, effective representation is key to promoting, protecting, and advancing the industry’s priorities. The association also provides assistance to remain in full compliance with current government regulations.

• NLBMDA takes political action

The mission of the Lumber Dealers Political Action Committee (LuDPAC) is to engage lumber and building material dealers in the political process and promote the building material industry’s legislative agenda by electing industry-friendly, pro-business candidates to federal office. LuDPAC allows like-minded members to come together to elect candidates who will be their voice on Capitol Hill.

• NLBMDA keeps its members up-to-date

NLBMDA sends regular news briefings to its members through its E-Updates, Green Updates, and Workplace Safety Updates. NLBMDA ensures that its members stay abreast of the critical issues impacting the LBM industry.

• NLBMDA offers exclusive networking opportunities

Dealer members enjoy exclusive member-only networking opportunities at NLBMDA business meetings and conferences, including its annual Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference and the ProDealer Industry Summit.

• NLBMDA provides industry-specific safety programs

NLBMDA provides programs such as Forklift and You, Delivery & Fleet Safety, and OSHA Compliance Materials to provide safety to businesses and their employees.

• NLBMDA provides educational programs

NLBMDA offers a series of webinars each year dedicated to educating LBM dealers on various OSHA regulations, training requirements, and other federal regulations.

For further information about NLBMDA or to become a member please contact 202.367.2366 or visit www.dealer.org.