NLBMDA focuses on ‘essential’ question
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association continued to advocate for the continued operation of hardware and building supply dealers during the coronavirus outbreak. Its latest message comes amid a rising chorus of voices calling for hardware and LBM industry dealers to gain recognition as essential businesses.
“We want to be clear that NLBMDA’s primary focus at this time is protecting the LBM industry and member businesses from closure,” wrote NLBMDA CEO Jonathan Paine, in a legislative update that included highlights of a coronavirus-package passed late Wednesday by the Senate. The D.C.-based NLBMDA is beginning a direct lobbying effort and grassroots advocacy strategies to help keep lumberyards operating free from closure mandates, he said.
The next couple of days will see more communications on this effort, Paine added.
Prior to its latest update, the NLBMDA explained is position in a press release on Tuesday: “As the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, NLBMDA remains open and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of employers and employees in the lumber and building material industry,” said Paine. “NLBMDA has been closely monitoring Congress and their response to the pandemic. NLBMDA has already taken steps on behalf of the LBM industry to ensure a proper balance between protecting workers and the viability of businesses. In addition, NLBMDA calls on public officials to acknowledge that building material dealers operate ‘essential’ businesses to the community and as such, should be protected against any mandatory closures.”
The NLBMDA’s focus joins that of other leadership bodies around the country calling for hardware and building supply dealers to be recognized as “essential.”
• In an open letter from the North American Retail Hardware Association, eight hardware, co-op and distribution industry CEOs signed a letter stating “The products carried by independent home improvement retailers range from cleaning supplies and tools to batteries and storage containers—all of which can be essential to maintaining a safe and secure living environment.” (Read more here.)
• Also, earlier this week, the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association issued a statement under the headline: “Government must deem the LBM industry as Essential.” (See statement here.)
• Tractor Supply Co. expressed its commitment to remaining open in a letter to customers. “We are in unprecedented times, and our customers’ ability to take care of their families, property and animals remains essential,” said Hal Lawton, Tractor Supply president and CEO. “We know that our customers count on us to help take care of their family, land, animals and pets.” (Read more here.)
“We want to be clear that NLBMDA’s primary focus at this time is protecting the LBM industry and member businesses from closure,” wrote NLBMDA CEO Jonathan Paine, in a legislative update that included highlights of a coronavirus-package passed late Wednesday by the Senate. The D.C.-based NLBMDA is beginning a direct lobbying effort and grassroots advocacy strategies to help keep lumberyards operating free from closure mandates, he said.The next couple of days will see more communications on this effort, Paine added.
Prior to its latest update, the NLBMDA explained is position in a press release on Tuesday: “As the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, NLBMDA remains open and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of employers and employees in the lumber and building material industry,” said Paine. “NLBMDA has been closely monitoring Congress and their response to the pandemic. NLBMDA has already taken steps on behalf of the LBM industry to ensure a proper balance between protecting workers and the viability of businesses. In addition, NLBMDA calls on public officials to acknowledge that building material dealers operate ‘essential’ businesses to the community and as such, should be protected against any mandatory closures.”
The NLBMDA’s focus joins that of other leadership bodies around the country calling for hardware and building supply dealers to be recognized as “essential.”
• In an open letter from the North American Retail Hardware Association, eight hardware, co-op and distribution industry CEOs signed a letter stating “The products carried by independent home improvement retailers range from cleaning supplies and tools to batteries and storage containers—all of which can be essential to maintaining a safe and secure living environment.” (Read more here.)
• Also, earlier this week, the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association issued a statement under the headline: “Government must deem the LBM industry as Essential.” (See statement here.)
• Tractor Supply Co. expressed its commitment to remaining open in a letter to customers. “We are in unprecedented times, and our customers’ ability to take care of their families, property and animals remains essential,” said Hal Lawton, Tractor Supply president and CEO. “We know that our customers count on us to help take care of their family, land, animals and pets.” (Read more here.)