Online retailer directory adds value

Eron rHE pAsr few years, NeLMA has been quietly offerI' ing free online listines for lumber retailers. It's one part oian ongoing, long-6rm strategy to connect the lumber industry in new and innovative ways.

Today, with nearly 100 retailers listed in the database, this added-value service for the lumber industry is becoming a go-to resource for builders and do-it-yourselfers looking for local sources of softwood lumber.

Jeff Easterling, president of NeLMA, says that offering a free directory listing to retailers is part of NeLMA's commitment to connecting buyers and sellers of important softwood species of the Northeast.

"It's really about our members, the mills," Easterling explains. "They work hard producing the highest quality lumber available, and we want to support them. Building a robust community directory of mills, wholesalers, support services, and retailers creates new opportunities for the entire lumber community."

The desire to connect is part of NsLMA's overall marketing philosophy, as evidenced by their use of social media and mobile devices designed to connect the building community to content that will help them grow their busiNCSSES.

"I think one of the association's job is to make the industry feel smaller than it is by increasing the connections. We're doing that through social media and making sure our publications are available in many different formats. It's about providing connections and access to resources. Today's builders and homeowners are online and hunting for information. By providing an opportunity for retailers to 'be found,' we are creating more business for our members," Easterling says.

While the majority of the listed retailers are in New England and New York, retailers selling Northeast-manufactured softwoods ln Arkansas, South Carolina, Cal iforn ia, Canadian provinces, and other areas have also registered for their free listing.

Retailers can sign up for their free online listing at www.nelma.org/retailers.

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