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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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Meet Hoover the Lumberyard Cat
Hoover is the four-legged ambassador at Burke & Sons Lumber Co., Inc., in Rock Port, Missouri. He has been “on the job” for 14 years, and even has his own Facebook page! Here’s an article that appeared on the Love Meow website last year:
http://www.lovemeow.com/lumberyard-cat-offers-cuddles-for-12-years-1873962740.html. Hoover is one cool cat – laid back and lovin’ life at the lumberyard.
We know that many MLA members have a four-legged greeter at their lumberyard – sometimes two! If you have this type of loyal employee, we want to feature them in our newsletter. Send photos to: oholcombe@themla.com. (Be sure the files are smaller than 5 MB, or they’ll be rejected by our system.) Tell us the pet's name and how long they’ve been “employed” at your yard. We’re looking forward to sharing this fun information!
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Register Now for the Fall Fling!
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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 – just two months away! 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.
As the LBM industry continues to evolve, the challenges that we face are multi-faceted. From sales to operations, to governmental regulations to labor challenges, the one attribute that is most important to our individual and collective success is leadership. Leadership sets the course, stands tall in the face of adversity, and guides us to our destinations. Without it, we cannot succeed.
Join us in Kansas City October 4-6 for the first ever joint conference with dealers from the Mid-America Lumbermens Association and the Mountain States Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association. We will be bringing our dealers together for networking, fellowship, and most important, to learn about leadership skills that will help propel our respective organizations to the next level and beyond.
Please watch for complete information very soon. In the meantime,
click here to book your reservation
at the Marriott at the special group rate of $179 per night! Sharpen your leadership skills as you learn from the best and brightest educators in the LBM industry!
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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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How to Build the Cash Reserves You Need
After seven years of recovery from the Great Recession, the next downturn may not be too far off. Are you prepared?
Prudent advice suggests that you should have 3-6 months of operating cash on hand at all times. This gives you an edge to outlast less-prepared companies that may crash in a downturn.
Learn four ways to build up a cash reserve by improving cash flow management. Now’s the time to ensure the health and growth of your business in good times and bad. Read more.
Source: Scott Simpson, BlueTarp, July 31, 2017
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Lumber News
Heat Illness Prevention Tips During Summer Months… During the hottest summer months, companies that have employees working outdoors or in hot environments should keep in mind that heat-related sickness can cause serious injury or even death. To combat heat-related issues, they should remember the mantra: "water, rest, and shade." The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 18 people die every year from heat stroke and related causes while on the job.
Read more
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Source: NLBMDA/TimberLine Magazine, July 10, 2017
Hidden Pain: Opioids’ Impact on Home Building… Both prescription and illicit opioids are plaguing the nation—they are the main driver of drug overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And while the CDC reports that Dulyea’s home state of West Virginia has the highest overdose death rate in the U.S., the problems created from excessive opioid use extend well past state lines.
Read more
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Source: Brian Croce, BuilderOnline, August 2, 2017
Softwood Lumber Deal is on its Way… British Columbia Premier John Horgan says Canada and the United States are close to reaching a softwood lumber trade deal that could come as early as next month. Horgan made the comments Thursday during a conference call from Washington, D.C., following two days of meetings with trade officials from President Donald Trump's administration and Canada's ambassador to the U.S.
Read more
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Source: Huffington Post Canada, July 27, 2017
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Develop Talent Now for a Successful Future
While incentives such as bonuses and profit sharing are important, recognizing achievements and building self-esteem are priceless.
Some business owners procrastinate or avoid communicating their succession plans because they fear how family members and employees might react. However, their silence may actually create more stress and cause harm to the business. Read more.
This service provided courtesy of Federated Mutual Insurance Company, your association's recommended insurer.
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The Last Word
“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.
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-Robert Orben
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Mid-America Lumbermens Association | 800-747-6529 | 816-561-1249 (fax)| ruhler@themla.com | Website
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