On Oct. 1, the NRLA staff, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors led by Chairman Bruce Charleson, kicked into gear an action plan to increase member value and staff efficiency. The following 10-point plan strategically invests in the full membership and appropriately allocates resources to address the current and future economic climate of the industry.

1. The foundation for the action plan was laid on day one by migrating to a new association management system that automates scores of tasks and frees up valuable time to in-crease service to you. Now, customizing important  details, such as your preferred mode of communication, is possible, as  are larger projects, such as archiving, preserving and cataloguing  membership history, and sharing the information through the use of  technology. In the coming year, you’ll reap the benefits first hand as we move to a Web-based membership system offering on-line registration, the ability to purchase products online, and electronic grassroots lobbying.

2. Continuing with customized service, distance learning will take center stage as on-line training opportunities are examined to determine if existing programs are suitable for the NRLA membership. Additionally, several  webinars customized for the NRLA membership will be offered while we continue to provide 53 on-site classes in your backyard. All of this education is heavily subsidized by the NRLA and state and local associations (S&L).

 3. Workforce development will also be a top priority as a formal plan is created to help with your employment needs. To achieve this goal, NRLA will seek representation from each S&L and NYLE to ensure that the plan and program meet the needs of our entire region.

 4. Baseline marketing plans will be executed for each S&L. Specifically,  individual web-sites for each S&L, identification of local media outlets and press release distribution, logo redesigns, and e-marketing abilities will be implemented.

 5. The 2008 LBM Expo will present value-packed opportunities with show specials, a five-part “smart yard” educational series, workforce development options, networking events, and the identification of new and green building products.

6. Identifying new products and services to save you time and money will be a critical function in the coming year, with specific attention given to identifying alternative solutions to the health insurance crisis. For example, NRLA is currently reviewing an association health care product for New York State, which, if successful, could be introduced in New Hampshire and Vermont in a year’s time. I look forward to reporting to you on this program and others.

 7. The NRLA will also tackle those issues necessary to protect your future.   A full disaster action plan will be developed at the association headquarters  so that in the event a disaster occurs, the NRLA will be able to continue to assist you. Furthermore, the Lumber and Building Material Dealers Foundation (NRLA’s educational arm), will be developing the tools for you to create your own disaster protection plan.

8. Communications through the Lumber Co-operator and Wired will continue to proactively help you increase value to your business. One new way is to conduct brief surveys specific to the Northeast market and report the results in the magazine.

9. There are many “intangible benefits” to being a member of the NRLA. One of them is the formation of relationships. A new emphasis will be placed on providing value to, com-municating with, and engaging our retired members in this association. There is an immense amount of wisdom and history to be gained by interacting with the retired membership, and without them we wouldn’t be here.

Additionally, we will invest in the most valuable and irreplaceable component we have— our current member leaders. My personal goal is to invest in our association leadership by givingthem the tools and opportunity to ensure that this association is the best it can be. This will be accomplished by providing regular communications, education about association operations, and the opportunity to participate in a strategic planning session held in the spring.

10. Now, lest you think the topic of best green business practices was overlooked, I’ll end by letting you know  the NRLA will also be proactively operating in an environmentally conscious manner to minimize the footprint we leave on Earth. At NRLA
headquarters, new recycling efforts will be undertaken and energy-efficient measures will be implemented as we seek ways to cut down on the use of paper and utilize environmentally preferred products.