The lumber and building material (LBM) industry is facing mounting challenges. Increasing regulatory burdens, economic shifts, and political pressures are putting businesses at risk like never before. In these crucial times, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is stepping up to protect the industry.
“NLBMDA is the proud voice of the entire lumber and building material industry, which continues to be under constant threat by unrelenting and burdensome regulatory policy and unfavorable legislation,” says Jonathan Paine, NLBMDA President and CEO. “As the LBM industry faces unprecedented federal legislative and regulatory challenges, NLBMDA remains at the forefront leading the fight to protect and advance the interests of its members.”
As a dedicated advocate in Washington, DC, NLBMDA plays a critical role in advocating for its members by providing the unified voice on key issues affecting the lumber and building material industry at the federal level. The organization represents thousands of businesses across the country, including small and family-owned operations as well as large regional companies, all of which are involved in supplying lumber and building materials as well as organizations that support the industry as a whole. As the industry faces an evolving landscape of legislative and regulatory challenges, NLBMDA continues to stand on the front lines in Washington, DC, advocating tirelessly to protect its members from overreaching regulations while promoting a proactive legislative agenda that ensures the industry’s continued growth and prosperity.
Mission and objectives
NLBMDA’s mission is to advance the interests of lumber and building material dealers and suppliers by providing resources, education, and advocacy to promote business growth and industry sustainability. The association works to foster an environment in which its members can thrive by addressing the challenges and opportunities that arise within the industry. One of NLBMDA’s primary goals is to influence federal policy to ensure a favorable business environment for its members. The organization engages in lobbying efforts to address issues such as taxation, environmental regulations, transportation, trade, and labor laws, all of which directly impact the building materials sector.
By providing a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and education, NLBMDA helps ensure that the lumber and building materials industry remains competitive and resilient. The association’s efforts to influence policy, promote best practices, and support its members’ success contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the industry. For over a century, NLBMDA has been a trusted voice for the industry, playing an essential role in shaping the future of building materials in the United States.
The association has long been the voice of the lumber and building materials industry, representing the interests of thousands of dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers across the United States. As the industry faces an evolving landscape of legislative and regulatory challenges, NLBMDA continues to stand on the front lines in Washington, DC, advocating tirelessly to protect its members from overreaching regulations while promoting a proactive legislative agenda that ensures the industry’s continued growth and prosperity.
A strong defense against unreasonable regulations
NLBMDA’s commitment to shielding the industry from excessive government intervention is evident in its ongoing efforts to combat regulations that threaten the livelihood of lumber and building materials dealers. A key area of focus has been the push to repeal the estate tax, commonly known as the “death tax.” NLBMDA is working closely with House Republicans to advance the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently eliminate this tax. With significant momentum in the House, thanks to the leadership of Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) and other key figures, the bill faces a tougher road in the Senate. However, NLBMDA remains steadfast in its advocacy, recognizing the importance of this issue for family-owned businesses in the industry.
In addition to the estate tax, NLBMDA has been a vocal opponent of the Department of Labor’s new Independent Contractor Rule, which revises the federal framework for determining worker classification. The new rule is expected to result in more workers being classified as employees rather than independent contractors, a change that could impose significant costs on businesses in the lumber and building materials sector. NLBMDA has submitted extensive comments to the DOL and is working with lawmakers to rein in the agency’s authority, underscoring the association’s commitment to protecting its members from burdensome regulations.
NLBMDA is also actively engaged in opposing several other regulatory measures that could negatively impact the industry. The Department of Labor’s proposed Overtime Rule, which would significantly increase the salary threshold for mandatory overtime pay, and the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) Joint Employer Rule, which expands the standard for determining joint employer status, are just a few of the regulations that NLBMDA is fighting against. In each case, the association has taken a strong stand, submitting detailed comments and working closely with lawmakers to ensure that the voices of lumber and building materials dealers are heard.
Advancing an aggressive legislative agenda
While NLBMDA is committed to defending the industry against unreasonable regulations, it is equally focused on advancing a robust legislative agenda that supports the growth and sustainability of its members. One of the key legislative priorities for NLBMDA is the permanent extension of the 100 percent bonus depreciation tax provision, a critical tool for LBM dealers that allows businesses to take an immediate deduction on the cost of eligible business property. As the phase-out of this provision began in 2023, NLBMDA has been working tirelessly with the House Ways & Means Committee and other lawmakers to extend this tax benefit through 2025 and beyond. The ALIGN Act, which would make 100 percent bonus depreciation permanent, has garnered strong bipartisan support, and NLBMDA is optimistic about its chances for passage.
In addition to tax issues, NLBMDA is leading the charge on several other fronts. The association has been a fierce advocate for legislation that would prevent excessive credit card swipe fees, which have become one of the highest costs of doing business for small retailers. The Credit Card Competition Act, which NLBMDA is actively lobbying for, would introduce more competition into the credit card payment network, potentially saving small businesses billions of dollars annually.
NLBMDA is also working to address the nation’s housing crisis by advocating for the expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and the creation of new tax credits for building single-family homes. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act are two critical pieces of legislation that NLBMDA is pushing forward. These bills have the potential to spur the building of millions of additional homes over the next decade, supporting both housing development and LBM dealers across the country.
Educating members and building a stronger industry
A crucial part of NLBMDA’s mission is to educate its members about the legislative and regulatory issues that impact their businesses. The association provides a wealth of resources, including webinars, frequent and timely member communications, and direct engagement with lawmakers, to ensure that its members are well-informed and equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry. For example, in response to new federal regulations requiring small businesses to report personal information about their owners and key employees to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), NLBMDA is hosting a members-only webinar to help dealers understand and comply with these requirements.
NLBMDA also plays a vital role in helping its members adapt to changes in the regulatory environment. The association is closely monitoring developments in OSHA’s Crane and Derricks in Construction Rule and the proposed Worker Walkaround Rule, providing timely updates and guidance to ensure that LBM dealers can comply with these regulations without compromising their business operations.
Industry support and education
Beyond its advocacy work, NLBMDA offers a wide range of educational resources and professional development opportunities to help its members succeed. The association provides training opportunities, webinars, and member guidance on topics such as safety standards and regulatory compliance to help members stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the lumber and building materials market.
In addition to educational engagements, NLBMDA facilitates networking opportunities for its members through its two annual conferences as well as panel discussions and committee meetings throughout the year. These events allow dealers to connect with suppliers, manufacturers, and other industry professionals, fostering relationships that can lead to business growth and innovation.
Impact and value
By providing a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and education, NLBMDA helps ensure that the lumber and building materials industry remains competitive and resilient. The association’s efforts to influence policy, promote best practices, and support its members’ success contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the sector. For over a century, NLBMDA has been a trusted voice for the industry, playing an essential role in shaping the future of building materials in the United States.
As the leading voice for the lumber and building materials industry, NLBMDA continues to be a powerful advocate in Washington, DC. Through its efforts to combat unreasonable regulations, advance a proactive legislative agenda, and educate its members, NLBMDA is helping to build a stronger, more resilient industry that is well-positioned for future success. Whether it’s fighting to repeal the estate tax, pushing for the permanent extension of 100 percent bonus depreciation, or working to prevent excessive credit card swipe fees, NLBMDA is on the front lines, ensuring that the interests of lumber and building materials dealers are protected and advanced.
