Bliffert manager elected chairman of Wisconsin Retail Lumber Association Board
Bliffert Lumber & Hardware has reported that manager Chris Hegeman has accepted a two-year term as chairman of the board of the Wisconsin Retail Lumber Association (WRLA), part of the Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA).
“If you want long term success in our industry you have to be willing to contribute to the good of that industry; we are committed to doing that,” said Eli Bliffert, vice president. “Having one of our senior leadership team serve as chairman of the WRLA does that. The WRLA is a great industry organization. We are all very proud of Chris for his appointment.”
Hegeman replaces Jake Buswell, operations manager of All American Do It Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.
The company said he will also hold a two-year term as chairman of the board of the Wisconsin Lumber Dealers Education Foundation (WLDEF). Hegeman has been on the WRLA board since 2018.
“I’m very proud to be a part of these great organizations. The WRLA does fantastic work in helping to continue the knowledge base of seasoned lumber dealers, as well as give new people in the industry a chance to learn and grow in this exciting profession,” said Hegeman.
“On the WLDEF side, I’m thrilled to help lead an organization that has given more than $220,000 in education assistance, grants, and scholarships over the years. These are great initiatives for our industry, and I’m excited to help,” said Hegeman.
Established in 1890, the Northwestern Lumber Association is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the lumber and building material industries in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Upper Michigan and Wisconsin.
Milwaukee-based Bliffert Lumber & Hardware, now in its fifth-generation family ownership, has served contractors and homeowners in Southeastern Wisconsin for over 115 years.
“Since our incorporation in 1904, we have helped the community grow by supplying building materials to hospitals, stadiums, new homes and other projects,” said the firm.
