Inside NHLA

NEW NHLA DUES STRUCTURE ANNOUNCED

In June of this year, all Active Category Members were mailed a letter outlining the new NHLA Dues Structure that will take effect on January 1, 2023. Electronic communication was sent on July 18 as a follow-up to that letter. To ensure that all members are aware of the new structure, we are enclosing the notice in this month’s edition of Hardwood Matters.

BACKGROUND:

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP DUES STRUCTURE

Yearly Gross Hardwood Revenue Dues 0-$5 million $1,420 $5-$20 million $2,940 $20-$40 million $5,880 $40 million + $11,770

At the fall board meeting In November 2020, the Membership Committee began discussing creating a more fair and equitable structure of the membership categories and dues. It was decided that a task force would be created to look at all possible member category scenarios. The task force was comprised of the following individuals:

Burt Craig - Matson Lumber Co., Brookville, PA Membership Committee Chairman Stephanie VanDystadt - DV Hardwoods Inc., Fassett, QC Mission Leader

Rob Cabral - UCS Forest Group of Companies, Mississauga, ON Ray Wheeland - Wheeland Lumber Co., Inc., Liberty, PA John Hester - NHLA Director of Membership

After a year and a half of investigation, the task force presented its findings to the Membership Committee and then to the full Board of Directors during the April 2022 meeting. After discussion, the improved membership category restructure was unanimously passed by the entire Board of Directors.

NEW MEMBERSHIP DUES STRUCTURE

Yearly Gross Hardwood Revenue Dues < $1-5 million $1,420 < $5-10 million $2,205 < $10-15 million $2,940 < $15-20 million $3,675 < $20-27 million $4,410 < $27-33 million $5,880 < $33-40 million $7,350 < $40-47 million $8,830 < $47-53 million $11,770 < $53 million + $14,715

NHLA membership renews on an individual company’s anniversary date. The new membership categories and dues do not go into effect until January 1, 2023. If you have questions about the new dues structure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with John Hester, Director of Membership, at j.hester@nhla.com or call 901-399-7558. We look forward to your continued membership and involvement with NHLA!

NHLA BYLAWS UPDATED

As you may remember, if you attended the past two NHLA Conventions, NHLA has been on a mission to update the NHLA Bylaws.

In February of 2022, the NHLA Membership returned ballots for or against the bylaw changes. On March 4, 2022, the NHLA Bylaw changes were passed by a majority vote and became official. You may find the update NHLA Bylaws on the About Us section of the NHLA Website www.nhla.com/about-us/.

REAL AMERICAN HARDWOOD COALITION

Launches Consumer Website

If you believe in the goals of RAHC and the work that is being done to promote and increase the use of Real American Hardwood Products, please visit the separate industry website to find out how you can support the initiative through social media and funding - we need your continued support to further this very important work! RealAmericanHardwood.org.

As you are aware, NHLA has been an active participant in the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) since its launch in 2019. NHLA has supported this initiative monetarily and with contribution of staff time and work.

The purpose of the RAHC is to meet the imperative goals of increasing markets and sales of Real American Hardwood products, celebrating the sustainability of hardwood goods, generating new products, and improving overall industry stability.

NHLA is happy to announce that the RAHC, has launched the website, RealAmericanHardwood.com designed to inspire and educate consumers.

“The website takes visitors on a digital journey to learn how and why they should choose Real American Hardwood flooring, cabinetry, millwork, furniture, and other goods for their homes,” says Michael Martin, president and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association. “Today’s consumers are overwhelmed with product choices and often believe they’re buying natural and renewable hardwood products, when in fact, they’re buying look-alikes such as vinyl and plastic that are manufactured from non-renewable resources. Now, the industry has an informative tool that’s setting the record straight and separating fact from fiction—backed by research and science.” Designed by CANVAS United—a high-profile agency known for its exceptional creativity, impressive project portfolio, and extensive experience in promoting commodity and agricultural goods—the website educates consumers on the advantages and benefits of Real American Hardwood products in ways that make emotional connections. Interactive site modules engage consumers and compare the appearance, durability, value, home health, and environmental attributes of real wood products to faux, wood-look alternatives. The site also serves as a hub for project inspiration, maintenance tips, and environmental facts, and explores how hardwood is influencing lifestyles and culture in the modern world.

“Our industry has a rich history and compelling stories to tell,” says Dean Alanko, vice president of sales and marketing, Allegheny Wood Products. “The website spotlights the generational, family business that make up our industry. I’m proud of how the website tells these stories and presents information that can make a difference in consumers’ lives and benefit all industry stakeholders.”

We encourage you to visit RealAmericanHardwood.com, put this link on your company website, share this website with your employees, suppliers and customers.