NLBMDA sets the tone in Washington

Washington, D.C. -- It's that time of year again. With the blooming of the cherry blossoms along the Potomac comes the NLBMDA's annual Spring Meeting in the nation's capitol: an opportunity for dealers to get all hands on deck to further the ongoing lobbying efforts of the lumber industry.

The themes that underscore the 2016 National Policy Agenda are not entirely new: the road back from the housing downturn has been anything but downhill, and labor shortages continue to perplex all facets of the industry.

This year, the NLBMDA is focusing its efforts on the ongoing issues of health care reform (specifically, changing the definition of a full-time employee, as well as repealing the health insurance tax); reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses; pushing back against the labor overtime rule; taking on patent trolls; and closing the sales tax loophole on internet retailers.

After an afternoon of panel discussions and administrative housecleaning on Monday, members gathered at the Renaissance Hotel in Dupont Circle for a welcome reception and silent auction.

Benefitting the NLBMDA and WDMA Legislative Action Funds, the auction featured a number of highly coveted items, such as a Betsy Ross vintage wood flag, an Apple Watch, a portable Bluetooth speaker, an autographed photo of Larry Bird, and a box of cigars.