|
MLA Lumber Industry News Express
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Fall Fling Promises to Wow!
|
This year marks the 15th anniversary for the MLA Fall Fling, and plans are underway to change the format and make this the best one ever. You won’t want to miss this event, filled with opportunities for meaningful conversations with other dealers and an unprecedented line-up of outstanding speakers!
We’ll meet with members of the Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association (MSLBMDA) in Kansas City at the Kansas City Marriott/Country Club Plaza on October 4-6, 2017 – less than three months away! A special rate has been secured to keep your participation affordable. Meeting jointly with members of a neighboring regional association enables us to offer an exciting range of activities and bring more dealers together for interaction and camaraderie.
Early arrivals will enjoy a welcome reception at Boulevard Brewery, followed by the ever-popular dine-around event, where suppliers host small groups of dealers at Kansas City eateries. The program then kicks off on Thursday afternoon with several featured speakers, including Kansas gubernatorial candidate Ed O’Malley. The day wraps up with a joint reception/banquet with keynote speaker, Kevin Hancock, Hancock Lumber, Casco, Maine.
The meeting continues on Friday with several high caliber speakers including Tony Misura, President of Misura Group, a recruiting firm focused on the building industry; Craig Webb, of ProSales magazine; and Troy Harrison, The Sales Navigator. Another well-known industry speaker has been invited, and we hope to announce his participation very soon.
Please watch for complete information. In the meantime, mark your calendar and save the dates – October 4-6, 2017! Sharpen your leadership skills as you learn from the best and brightest educators in the LBM industry!
|
|
|
Contact Your Lawmaker to Preserve Mortgage Interest Deduction
The mortgage interest deduction has been part of the tax code since its inception in 1913 and is the cornerstone of American housing policy. Homeowners do not expect to lose their mortgage interest deduction, and prospective buyers anticipate taking the deduction. Changing "the rules of the game" would have a significant impact on the housing market in terms of owner and buyer behavior. Contact your lawmaker to preserve the mortgage interest deduction and its critical role in American housing policy. As tax reform discussions pick up in Washington, the preservation of this tax incentive is important to the continued strength and growth in residential construction. NLBMDA has made it easy to contact lawmakers. Take action now!
Source: NLBMDA, June 16, 2017
|
|
|
Time to Consider the MLA MEP
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Change Your Deliquent AR into Healthy Cash Flow
Do you have strong sales, but are not always paid on time? If so, those sales are reflected on your balance sheet as A/R, rather than cash. Too much non-current A/R can leave you cash constrained – limiting growth and leaving you vulnerable when the unexpected happens. Watch this video and set your sights on growth!
Source: The BlueTarp Team, June 29, 2017
|
|
|
Lumber News
Priced-Out of New Homes… Staggering. Average price for new homes in May was $406,400, with a median price of $345,000. In the new-home market, rather than re-leveling the playing field to make homeownership an option for more working people, the prospect of owning a new home is growing more and more difficult. Read more.
Source: BuilderOnline, June 27, 2017
Westlake Ace Hardware Hits 100-Store Mark… Westlake Ace Hardware has officially hit the 100-store milestone with the acquisition of two new stores. The hardware store chain has finalized its acquisition of two Q.P. Ace Hardware stores in the Omaha area, bringing its total retail hardware location count in the U.S. to 100. Read more.
Source: HBS Dealer, June 28, 2017
How Lowe’s Can Benefit from its Acquisition of Maintenance Supply Headquarters… Lowe’s recently announced that it had completed the $512 million acquisition of Maintenance Supply Headquarters, a leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and operations products that primarily serves the multi-family housing industry. This acquisition is likely to give Lowe’s more control over its “Professional" segment – an area where its competitor Home Depot is currently ahead. Read more.
Source: Forbes, June 29, 2017
|
|
|
Free Webinar: Hackers Are Out to Get You!
Tuesday, July 18, 2017 - 1:00 p.m. CDT - 30 minutes
Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear about a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to outside influence or “hackers.” We will discuss several layers of risk management that could or should be implemented to reduce a business’s exposure, as well as coverage options available to transfer this risk to an insurance carrier. Cyber-crime is the fastest growing and most dynamic exposure in business today and we’ll address strategies to minimize the risk.
Register Now!
This service provided courtesy of Federated Mutual Insurance Company, your association's recommended insurer.
|
|
|
The Last Word
“
Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
-Babe Ruth
|
|
|
Mid-America Lumbermens Association | 800-747-6529 | 816-561-1249 (fax)| ruhler@themla.com | Website
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
