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LBM Advantage gets ‘together’ in Florida

3/6/2018
While the Six Million Dollar Man was known for being “better, faster, stronger,” LBM Advantage was busy being “Better. Stronger. Together.” at its recent meeting and trade show.

Held at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., the meeting celebrated the cooperative’s expanded membership following the 2017 merger and acquisition with IBSA.

With record member and vendor attendance, LBM Advantage also generated its highest amount of trade show sales, kicking off what is forecast to be a banner year, the cooperative said. Members in attendance were able to take advantage of show specials and co-op exclusives while having fun at the show.

With a “Game On: What’s Your Next Move?” theme, members had several opportunities to learn and plan for the future of their individual businesses by networking with peers and participating in seminars that provided an assortment of ideas and information.  Members benefitted from a special owners series of seminars focusing on business succession and the mergers and acquisitions market. Members also had the opportunity to make on-site appointments with the presenters for individual consultation. Other seminars presented by industry professionals covered topics on product innovations, the roofing industry, and logistics.

Continuing with LBM Advantage’s show theme, keynote speaker Dr. Robert Dietz, chief economist from the National Association of Home Builders, addressed attendees on economic and housing expectations for 2018 while providing dealers with pivotal information.

Underscoring its mission to create a competitive advantage for its members, LBM Advantage’s National Buying Power initiative provides even more ways for members to grow their companies and benefit from the cooperative. The newest item presented was a travel incentives program designed to give members another avenue for enhancing business relationships.

At their annual meeting, LBM Advantage shareholders examined details of the performance of their cooperative. Because of their strong participation and support of the cooperative throughout the year, they have achieved a return exceeding budgeted forecast.

Shareholders also voted on candidates for the 2018 Board of Directors.

Richard Herrington of Ed Herrington Inc., Hillsdale, N.Y., and Chris O’Neill of Kellogg Supply Co., Manteo, N.C., were appointed to the board on Feb. 7 and were formally elected as directors during the meeting. Shareholders also re-elected directors Sam Collins of S.W. Collins Co., Caribou, Maine; David Moore of Wiley Bros. Inc., Schaghticoke, N.Y.; and Bill Newman of Oxford Lumber, Oxford, Ala., for an additional term.

“The show was absolutely great this year. The addition of even more retailers made the vendors very happy,” said Vince Valentino, president of Cleveland Lumber Co. in Cleveland, Ohio.

“Advantage members are experiencing the value of being part of the fastest growing building material cooperative,” said Steve Sallah, president and CEO of LBM Advantage. “Advantage staff works aggressively every day to earn their business, and provide each dealer the resources to profitably grow their company and remain independent in their market.”

LBM Advantage is a member-owned forest products and building materials cooperative. The co-op operates locations in New Windsor, N.Y.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Smithfield, N.C.; and Monroe, La.
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