Board Meeting Success

BOARD MEETING SUCCESS

The National Hardwood Lumber Association board came together for the annual spring meeting from April 30th through May 2nd in San Antonio, Texas. The board had nearly perfect attendance and the gathering was in person, with no need for video conferencing. It was fantastic to share ideas and opinions in real time and in person; it makes a big difference! It is a challenging time for all our businesses, and I am very grateful to the entire board for their sacrifice of time and money to come to the meeting. Thank you!

THE BOARD MEETING CONSISTS OF TWO SOLID DAYS OF MEETINGS.

Day one comprises the financial report and new and old Association business. Dallin provided an enthusiastic update on the state of the Association, detailing exciting news about the NHLA’s potential for earning grants, strategic plan implementation efforts, the current momentum of the RAHC, and the success of the NHLA headquarters building repairs.

On day two, the committees met, and we held a wrap-up session discussing any action items out of the individual committees.

FINANCIAL REPORT

NHLA Controller Desiree Freeman and Financial Chairman Rich Solano made a presentation to the board sharing current financials and the independent audit report reviewing last year. I am pleased to report that NHLA is in a strong financial position. The independent audit provided a clean report, and we are meeting our required cash reserve percentages. All in all, NHLA’s financial position is stable.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman Burt Craig and Chief Development Officer John Hester provided a summary of the membership committee activity and discussion to the group explaining that the new dues

structure was being adopted smoothly with few challenges. Burt discussed new communication methods to explain current membership value further. He also identified new opportunities to work with other NHLA committees to increase member value. Stay tuned!

CONVENTION COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman Dennis Mann and Chief Operating Officer Renee Hornsby outlined the convention committee meeting. They explained some constraints in identifying potential convention locations where NHLA will be most successful. The Association’s need for meeting rooms and a large booth area can restrict the search process. They updated us on exciting ideas for future educational sessions and keynote speakers. No, they did not share those ideas with us, so we must all come to the convention and find out! Register for the 2023 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase, October 4-6, in Louisville Kentucky at www.nhla.com.

ITS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman Brant Forcey and Chief Inspector Dana Spessert explained the committee’s ideas on adapting to the needs of the membership and adjusting the location of the Inspector Training School. Can we bring the School to the students? Yes, yes, we can! Exciting new ideas are to come!

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman George Swaner and Renee Hornsby outlined the efforts of the mar/comm committee and their success in engaging membership in webinars and social media avenues. The committee is also investigating innovative topics, such as a grading app and a newly refreshed NHLA website.

PROMOTION AND ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman Rob Cabrall and John Hester updated the board on the exciting promotional efforts currently in creation. A new and engaging series of videos for the membership to use to educate their employees on the virtues of the hardwood industry is in the pipeline. Additionally, the committee is moving quickly to collect and communicate science-based facts behind carbon credits so lawmakers can make informed decisions.

INSPECTION SERVICES COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman Tom Oilar and Dana Spessert summarized their meeting for the entire board with updates on KD certification, facility grade certification, quality control, and yield analysis. In these currently challenging markets, the services provided by NHLA inspectors are top of mind for sure.

I specifically have named all the committee chairs here in this article. Not simply to pad my word count but to highlight their service and

thank them! Rich, Burt, Dennis, Brant, George, Rob, and Tom, I greatly appreciate your dedication to NHLA; thank you.

Thank you for reading my letter—best wishes to you, your families, and your businesses.

Jon Syre NHLA Chairman | Cascade Hardwood