NAWLA TRADERS MARKET –
NAWLA TRADERS MARKET – Continued from page 1 Officially kicking off on Wednesday, Nov. 8, NAWLA members were able to take part in in-person committee meetings and member-exclusive 10-Group meetups throughout the day. Once wrapped, all conference attendees were invited to an opening reception in which they could toast to the start of the event and network with one another. On the second day of the conference, attendees were able to take part in a new birds of a feather networking event. Set up as informal discussions designed to promote community growth and safe spaces for industry professionals of all levels and backgrounds, participants were able to converse on common topics such as leadership and mentoring, people management, recruiting and onboarding the next generation, customer relationships, industry promotion, sustainability and more. Following the first networking opportunity of the day, attendees were then able to hear from Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, on the current and future outlook of the lumber construction economy and how this outlook may impact their businesses. During the keynote luncheon, former National Football League (NFL) journalist and sports media trailblazer Ashley Fox shared stories from her time as an on-air NFL analyst at ESPN and tips for extracting peak performance through motivation. Attendees also learned how to not only lead by example but also how to inspire through incentives, delegate to empower, communicate to engender trust and prioritize the minutiae. After a morning and early afternoon of learning, attendees were then able to explore the tradeshow floor and connect with 222 exhibitors, as well as take part in a meet-and-greet with two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin before rounding out the day with a networking reception. The third and final day of the conference was dedicated to networking with exhibitors on the tradeshow floor, in which attendees were able to have brunch with representatives from various companies as well as one another before heading home. This day was also the day NAWLA welcomed Columbus-area high school students to the convention center to learn about careers in the lumber industry and experience the tradeshow floor firsthand. In total, NAWLA welcomed over 1,300 national and international industry professionals to Columbus for another great event. “This year’s Traders Market event was a great success for NAWLA,” says Judy Haney, NAWLA Traders Market Committee chair. “NAWLA was able to provide an inclusive space for professionals across all areas of the industry — wholesale, manufacturing and service — to connect with one another, build lasting relationships and partnerships, and learn about the latest best practices for their businesses.” Be sure to mark your calendars to join NAWLA next fall for the 2024 Traders Market, taking place Nov. 13-15, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. Attendees, as well as prospective exhibitors and sponsors, are encouraged to watch the NAWLA website (nawla.org/events/tradersmarket) for details about next year’s exhibitions, education sessions and networking opportunities. n LMC - Continued from page 1 The event commenced with a dedicated educational and networking track tailored to LMC Component Alliance member, followed by an inaugural Component Alliance 'night on the town' event. The second day was marked by presentations from key suppliers, sharing their forecasts for the market in 2024. Following this, the LMC Futures team delved deep into the new futures contracts, illuminating the array of program benefits available to LMC dealers. On the grand finale, LMC President & CEO, Paul Ryan, took center stage, delivering a comprehensive LMC update. He introduced the visionary breakfast speaker, Tim Costello, Principal Technologist at "Built for the Future" and founder of BHI, the homebuilding industry's cutting-edge technology consortium. Costello shared a thought-provoking outlook on the future, setting the stage for LMC dealers to embrace transformative opportunities. “The Expo gives me a chance to connect with fellow dealers, have important conversations with LMC traders, and follow up with long-standing friends to see how business is doing. It’s a must to attend,” said Daryl Lundberg of Northwoods Lumber Co. Organizers at the event noted that as they closed the 2023 LMC Expo, one thing is clear: the LMC community is well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. LMC thanked its Dealers and suppliers for making the Expo a success. LMC is the leading Forest Products and Building Materials Buying Group in the USA owned by independent lumber and building material dealers. There are over 1,800 LMC dealer locations in the United States and the Bahamas. "Building Business Together" is LMC’s philosophy, rooted in a history of working together and standing the test of time since 1935. LMC dealers are united in their purchasing, creating a strong foundation that supports the growth of unique supplier relationships and purchasing opportunities. To learn more about LMC, visit www.lmc.net or follow LMC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. n NRLA LBM – Continued from page 1 opportunities for vendors, exhibitors and guests. The annual event included multiple industry speakers including: Alan Timothy, CEO and Founder of Bubo, AI; Bradley Hartman, former quarterback and current sales trainer's guide to Quit Playing Defense and Start Driving New Sales in any Market Environment; David Logan, senior economist and director of tax and trade policy analysis at the National Association of Home Builders; and a panel of experts addressed succession strategies for 2024 and beyond. The NRLA was established in New York in 1894 by a small group of pioneering lumbermen who recognized the value of cooperation. Today, the NRLA is a 1,160-member association representing independent lumber and building material suppliers and associated businesses in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, District of Columbia, and the six New England states. NRLA is an industry leader in education, legislative and regulatory reform, and member programs and services. NRLA is affiliated with the American Building Materials Alliance, which helps advocate on federal issues specific to the building material industry. Learn more at www.nrla.org. n Bert and Bud Vaagen founded Vaagen Brothers lumber in the early 1950’s. Today, the company continues as a closely held corporation owned by members of the Vaagen family. This continuity of management, vision, and leadership has helped guide the company for more than half a century. Creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and cooperation that’s fueled Vaagen’s advancement, evolution and growth over the years. Vaagen Bros. Lumber 565 W. 5TH Ave Colville, Wa 99114 Sales - 509-684-5072 www.vaagenbros.com WHO'S WHO GREWAL Continued from page 2 boards. Partap's facility is equipped with modern machinery, featuring two highspeed planers, a moulder, and a package saw line. Their timbers are available in multiple lengths and in all sizes from 6’x6” to 12’x12”, as well as custom sizes upon request. Gurinder has been a valued member of Partap Forest Products Ltd. for close to 10 years. His first job was on the green chain pulling lumber. He has been in his current sales role for around a year and a half. During his free time, he enjoys off-roading, target shooting, car racing, golf, basketball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, paintballing, woodworking, investing, barbecuing, and boating. Partap Forest Products is a member of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, BC Wood Association, Pacific Hem-Fir and Independent Wood Processors Association. For more information visit www.partap.ca, or contact Grewal at Gurinder@ partap.ca or 777-874-6820.n Do you know how your lumber is made? Scan the QR Code below to see our fascinating step by step process Page 50 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • January/February 2024 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • January/February 2024 Page 51
