NLBMDA elects new chairman and officers

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has elected Jim Bishop as its new chairman, along with new officers.

Bishop is the owner of Kansas-based Vesta Lee Lumber Company and is replacing outgoing chair Bob Sanford, president of Sanford & Hawley in Connecticut.

"I am honored that the Board of Directors has entrusted me to be the next chair of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association," said Bishop. "The lumber and building material industry has been a part of my life since I was a young child and I am fortunate to be in a position to be able to give back to the industry that has been so good to me and my family. It is a difficult time in our nation and I am committed to serving as an ambassador to our great industry." 

Bishop has run his family lumberyard in Bonner Springs, Kan. since 1977. His father, Skip Bishop, started the company in 1946. 

Bishop grew up at the lumberyard and now enjoys working closely with his son, James, who together, continue to run the family business. He has five grandchildren (so far) whom he looks forward to raising in the lumber business. Bishop enjoys giving back to his community, coaching his children's sports teams, volunteering as a Boy Scouts Leader, and has been serving as the President of the Linwood Lion's Club for the last 10 years.

"Jim has been an active NLBMDA and MLA member for decades and has a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise in the LBM industry. I look forward to working alongside Jim and continue to move NLBMDA forward," said NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan Paine. "I also want extend my sincere thanks to Bob Sanford for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment over the last two plus years as Chair. Bob went above and beyond as he guided NLBMDA through some challenging times and it has been a privilege working with him.”

In addition to Bishop, NLBMDA officers are:

• Vice Chair: Mark Zemrowski, Chief Operating Officer, Von Tobel Corporation
• Immediate Past Chair: Bob Sanford, President, Sanford & Hawley Inc.
• Treasurer: Sandy Zelka, Chief Financial Officer, Curtis Lumber Company, Inc.