NHLA event exceeds expectations
MEMPHIS, TN – The 2010 National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase, presented by Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance, was held October 13-16 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With 743 registered attendees, an approximate 15 percent increase in attendance over the 2009 conference in Boston; and a sold out Exhibit Showcase & Trader’s Alley featuring 65 exhibiting companies, this year's Annual Convention exceeded all expectations and proved once again to be the premier networking and educational conference of the hardwood industry.

"The 2010 NHLA Annual Convention again brought together the hardwood industry from around the world to confront directly some of the issues the industry is facing. NHLA was especially pleased to serve as host for a number of other hardwood association meetings held in conjunction with our annual convention. This year, the NHLA Convention Planning Committee added expanded educational seminars and events outside of the hotel to keep attendees engaged during the entire 4-day meeting," reported Mark Barford, NHLA Executive Director. "By all measures, the convention was a great success!"

Thursday’s Opening Session was standing room only, as convention attendees crowded into the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver to hear remarks from Keynote Speaker Sarah Palin. In addition to a crowd pleasing keynote speaker, the convention featured a long list of educational seminars, press conferences, special events and networking opportunities.
The Association also elected a new set of leaders and board members during the 2010 convention. Elected as NHLA President is Mr. Dave Redmond of Highland Hardwood Sales in Augusta, Georgia and First Vice President is Mr. Joe Long of J.E. Higgins Lumber Co. in Livermore, California.

With new leaders in place, NHLA is charging full steam ahead into the New Year which includes plans for the 2011 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase to be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee – September 21-24. Given the easy access location of Nashville to a large majority of the hardwood industry, attendance numbers are expected to be even larger next year.

Early bird registration will begin mid-March.

The world’s largest and oldest hardwood industry association, NHLA represents more than 1,200 companies and individuals that produce, use and sell North American hardwood lumber, or provide equipment, supplies or services to the hardwood industry. It was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of hardwood lumber. Since 1980, its headquarters have been in Memphis, Tenn.

SOURCE: National Hardwood Lumber Assn.
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