NLBMDA wants ‘essential’ designation to continue

Given the recent increases in COVID-19 cases across the United States, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is taking action.

NLBMDA has sent a letter to the governors of all 50 states urging them to continue to designate lumber and building material (LBM) dealers as “essential business” during the pandemic. 

The full letter sent to the governors can be read here.

Last spring, the NLBMDA also sent a similar letter to every governor land continues to make this issue a top priority for the industry. 

Protecting the interests of LBM dealers is the highest priority for NLBMDA including the ability to operate businesses, the association said.

Since the pandemic began and due to NLBMDA lobbying, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has recognized the LBM industry as “essential critical infrastructure” and states have largely followed their lead. 

The NLBMDA said that the latest letter reminds “the governors of this designation and the important role LBM dealers play in the nation’s economic recovery.”

Additionally, the NLBMDA is urging members to take part in a multi-industry effort to “stand down” for workplace safety awareness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. NLBMDA members are being asked to pause all work for at least 10 minutes during the week of Jan. 11-15, 2021 to communicate coronavirus safety precautions.

The NLBMDA has also detailed important health and safety information at its COVID-19 Action Resource Center.