MLA Lumber Industry News Express
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Here's the new issue of the Mid-America Lumbermens Association online newsletter. We'll send a new issue every two weeks to let you know what's happening in the industry, at your MLA, and in the world that affects your business. We welcome your opinions and ideas. If you have information you'd like to share with other members, we'd be happy to include it in our next issue. We welcome both personal and industry-related news - members would love to hear your news and views - so don't hesitate to email us with information.
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Labor Department Alters Overtime Guidance
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The Labor Department revived
17 opinion letters
to employers issued during the final days of George W. Bush’s second term, a move that represents a shift in how the department will enforce compliance with overtime and other wage requirements. The letters from the Wage and Hour Division, which were withdrawn once Barack Obama took office, provide interpretations of how the Fair Labor Standards Act applies in individual cases.
Read more
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Source: The Washington Post, January 8, 2018
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Kansas Winter Meeting
The Kansas Lumber Activities Committee will hold their annual event on Thursday-Friday, January 25-26, 2018, at Flint Oaks Lodge in Fall River, Kansas. This is an opportunity for Kansas lumber dealers and guests to gather for education, camaraderie and meaningful conversations.
Click here for more information and a registration form
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Time to Consider the MLA MEP
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MLA has offered a “group” MLA 401(k) plan for members for more than two years. It is saving participating dealers on their fees and offering a great benefit to reward their loyal employees. If you haven’t taken a serious look at this program, now would be a good time. Find out why smart dealers are making the move to the MLA program. Call the MLA Hotline at 800-747-6529, or
click here to learn more
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Lumber News
Six Steps to Preventing Workplace Harassment…
While dozens of workplace-based sexual misconduct scandals brought the issue of harassment against female workers to the national spotlight last year, the problem is not new. Sexual discrimination has pervaded American industries for decades, and research shows that the construction industry is not immune.
Read more
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Source: Builder Online, January 9, 2018
Housing Will Continue to Grow in 2018…
Recent tax reform will lead to a more favorable tax climate for the business community, which should spur job and economic growth while keeping single-family housing production on a gradual upward trajectory. The message was delivered by a trio of economists providing an economic forecast at the NAHB International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida, Tuesday.
“We expect that tax reform will boost GDP growth to 2.6 percent in 2018, and this added economic activity will also bode well for housing, although there will be some transition effects in high-tax jurisdictions," said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.
Read more
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Source: HBS Dealer, January 9, 2018
Registration Now Open for NLBMDA Spring Meeting…
NLBMDA’S Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference is taking place March 19 - 21, 2018, at The Renaissance Dupont Hotel in Washington, D.C. The agenda includes several opportunities to learn about key issues affecting the lumber and building material industry from Washington policy experts and political commentators, and will culminate with a day for you to conduct in-person meetings with your elected officials in Congress, making your voice heard on Capitol Hill.
Read more
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Slip and Fall Accidents
Although it varies by industry, claims made by businesses for slip-and-fall accidents account for more than 20 percent of general liability claims each year, and have an average payout of more than $20,000. Every business has the potential to experience these incidents, but the retail and commercial industries are often prime targets for slips and falls, most likely due in part to their frequent interaction with the public. Likewise, certain times of the year also seem more prone to slip and fall incidents, such as colder months and the autumn and winter holidays. The causes definitely vary, but three particular circumstances commonly increase a business’s risk.
Read more
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This service provided courtesy of Federated Mutual Insurance Company, your association’s recommended insurer.
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Have You Checked Out the MLA Online Campus?
The MLA Online Campus provides you and your employees with high-impact, "real-world" training that develops your leaders, retains your best people and increases your customer loyalty. Each employee has a unique username to access the campus, which houses more than 700 courses on customer service, sales, leadership and more. Want to try a program for yourself?
Click here
to view an example. If you like what you see, contact us for a one-week trial subscription to see the hundreds of available courses.
Learn more
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The Last Word
"
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go
."
- T.S. Eliot
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Mid-America Lumbermens Association | 800-747-6529 | 816-561-1249 (fax)| ruhler@themla.com |
Website
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