NLBMDA had a banner year in 2005. The association took its concerns with the Canadian softwood lumber dispute to Commerce secretary Carlos Gutierrez, marking the first time he had heard from lumber consumers. A bill to permanently repeal the death tax was on Congress'agenda and NLBMDA took dealers'personal pleas to Capitol Hill to support its passage (we expect to see a vote this year). The association also began to expand its safety programs, by developing the “Delivery and Fleet Safety” training program.
NLBMDA also launched the Direct Dealer program last year, giving dealers the means to support their national association “directly” for the first time. This couldn't have happened at a better time, with so many issues affecting dealers and our industry now at the forefront. With Direct Dealer support, NLBMDA is building the resources to keep accomplishing great things.
For 2006, NLBMDA will be making unprecedented efforts on Capitol Hill to introduce legislation that will help protect dealers from meritless product lawsuits, which are becoming more prevalent in the lumber and building material industry. The support of Direct Dealers is critical to these efforts.
With a full agenda of exciting programs, seminars, and meetings planned for 2006, your support is more crucial than ever to ensure NLBMDA's success. Visit our Web site, www.dealer.org, to sign on and see your company's name added to this growing list of Direct Dealers!
