WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has announced its new leadership team, installed on Oct. 26 at the ProDealer Industry Summit in San Antonio, TX. Smith Phillips Building Supply’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Yenrick was installed as first vice chair for the NLBMDA. Previously, Yenrick served as second vice chair for the association.

“I look forward to my continued involvement on the NLBMDA leadership team,” said Yenrick. “Our industry is faced with a prolonged collapse of the housing economy which is creating very tough business conditions for lumberyards across the county. NLMBDA’s mission becomes even more important to help prevent onerous regulations and serve as a congressional watchdog for our industry’s interest on Capitol Hill and beyond.”

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) represents its members in the national public policy arena, with emphasis on efforts to 1) promote the industry and educate legislators and public policy personnel; and 2) assist legislative, regulatory, standard-setting and other government or private bodies in the development of laws, regulations and policies affecting lumber and building material dealers, its customers and suppliers. Founded in 1917, the association has over 6,000 members operating single or multiple lumber yards and component plants.

“The quick involvement of the NLBMDA on the design value changes for Southern Yellow Pine has helped slow down the process and let the industry take a look at a more organized adoption of any needed changes,” said Yenrick, citing an example of the NLBMDA’s advocacy. “Hopefully this will avoid the potential of a chaotic adoption of any new design values which could be costly burden to dealers, manufacturers, and homebuilders. It is also very important that dealers across the nation realize the value NLBMDA brings to our industry on a daily basis and I hope to continue to promote that message through my involvement.”

“We are very proud of Chris for reaching this level of leadership in an organization that supports building supply companies across the country,” said Mickey Boles, president and CEO of Smith Phillips. “He brings a breath of freshness to the table with his vision for the building supply industry and its future. He has a talent to get it done and be heard.”

Source: National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Assn.