National Hardwood Lumber Association

Facing New Challenges: How the EUDR Could Impact the North American Hardwood Industry

The EU's new regulations are set to disrupt North American hardwood markets, imposing stringent requirements that are difficult for businesses to navigate. With impacts reaching beyond raw lumber to finished products, the stakes have never been higher. Learn how industry leaders like Bucky Pescaglia and Tom Coble are preparing for these changes and what it means for the future of our market: https://ow.ly/70gK50Tkixs

Last week, Darci Shannon and Ashley Johnson had an incredible time at the Port of New Orleans with Memphis World Trade! 🚢 The NHLA crew toured ocean vessels, explored port terminal operations, and got an inside look at the breakbulk warehouse facilities. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet the amazing teams from the Port of New Orleans, MSC Industrial Supply, and more. What a great experience making valuable connections along the way!

National Inspector Kevin Evilsizer spent last week at the IHLA Wood-Mizer 3-Day Intro Course, sharing his expertise with the next generation of hardwood pros. These students are gaining hands-on training, industry insights, and having some fun along the way!

We're thrilled to welcome our newest Sustaining Members to the NHLA family!

Paychex from Allentown, PA
Tracy Export Inc. from East Dubuque, IL

Your support strengthens our shared mission to grow and elevate the hardwood industry. Welcome aboard, and we’re looking forward to all that’s ahead!

Elevate Your Safety Leadership! Don’t leave safety to chance—join us at NHLA HQ in Memphis, October 21-24, 2024, for a transformative 3-day safety management and leadership course.

Led by EHS Support LLC, this course will teach you how to:

1. Build a culture of safety
2. Ensure compliance with key regulations
3. Mitigate risks effectively

Secure your spot now—limited seats available: https://ow.ly/kOqt50Ta6nB

Members: $1,995 | Non-Members: $2,995 (Includes lodging & meals)

Exciting news from the London Design Festival 2024! Our Executive Director Dallin Brooks is attending LDF 2024 and has shared stunning photos of Vert—a cutting-edge, modular urban-cooling structure by AHEC, Diez Office, and OMC°C.

Vert harnesses the strength of American red oak glulam paired with nature’s cooling power—climbing plants. These timber structures create cool, shaded spaces, enhance biodiversity, and highlight the potential of sustainable materials in urban environments. A bold step toward greener, cooler cities thanks to North American hardwood!

The countdown is on—just 15 days until the 2024 NHLA Convention & Exhibit Showcase kicks off in St. Louis! Get ready to connect with industry leaders, discover new products, and gain insights that will shape the future of hardwood. Have you registered yet? Let’s make this year unforgettable!

Learn more & register online: https://ow.ly/QsXu50TmYay

In this powerful Member Insight, Bill Courtney, CEO of Classic American Hardwoods, Inc., reflects on the impact of exporting U.S. hardwood logs to China. His message? The U.S. hardwood industry must take action to protect its market and prevent history from repeating itself. Dive into Courtney's eye-opening perspective and learn why now is the time for change.

🔍 Read the full article: https://ow.ly/rgKZ50Tkj1R

Congratulations to the 206th class of NHLA's Inspector Training School! On August 2, 2024, at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, we celebrated a new cohort of skilled professionals ready to advance the hardwood industry. Learn more about the hardwood industry's newest Inspectors: https://ow.ly/uBAB50Tkim5

Elevate your workforce with NHLA’s Spanish-Language Hardwood Lumber Grading! Tailored for Spanish speakers eager to master the essentials of hardwood lumber grading, our two-week program offers comprehensive training on NHLA grading rules.

🌳 Limited spots available! Don’t miss out—register now before it's too late: https://ow.ly/6E1e50TjjOI

Ever feel like you’re lost even when you know the way? Navigating isn’t always about leading from the front. Just like the Alpha wolf who leads from the rear, true leadership is about guiding from wherever you are and trusting your team to move forward. Hear more from our Chief Development Officer John Hester: https://ow.ly/Amnq50Tki8N

“One of the great assets we have in the U.S. is the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s grading system.” – Andy Holt, Assistant Commissioner of Business Development, Tennessee Department of Agriculture. 🌳🤝

Andy recently highlighted the crucial role NHLA Grading Rules play in global trade, ensuring consistent, high-quality hardwood products that meet the needs of manufacturers in Vietnam and beyond. Our standards don’t just build trust—they build international partnerships!

Read more about how sustainable forestry in Tennessee is opening doors for trade opportunities worldwide: https://ow.ly/uNeS50TmX0L

Sustainable forestry in Tennessee and trade opportunities for Vietnamese wood enterprises (VAN) Representative from Tennessee shared insights about the state’s effort to develop sustainable forestry and trade opportunities for wood products between Vietnam and the U.S.

As Congress wraps up for the year, the looming Presidential election and critical legislation hang in the balance. From tax incentives to the Farm Bill, here’s what to watch for as we look ahead to 2025. Dive into Dana Cole’s latest insights on what’s next for the hardwood industry and our policy priorities: https://ow.ly/rKxJ50Tkjyw

Patriot Day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage shown on September 11, 2001. As we reflect on this day, we honor those we lost and the heroes who stepped up in the face of adversity. Today, let's come together in gratitude and remembrance, keeping the spirit of unity and strength alive. 🇺🇸

Our CMO Sam got to explore the nearby Starbucks Reserve store in Shanghai while at Furniture China 2024—and what a treat! Not only did he get to enjoy some top-notch coffee, but he also got to enjoy their stunning use of American walnut in the store’s design. Hardwoods really can make everyday experiences feel extraordinary and luxurious.

Our newest Chief is diving into the industry! We’re excited to introduce Sam Leow, NHLA’s new Chief Marketing Officer, who’s spending this week at Furniture China 2024 supporting our members and networking with industry leaders. His wealth of experience and fresh perspective are sure to amplify NHLA’s goals & commitment to expanding the North American hardwood industry on a global scale.

Join us in welcoming Sam to the team, and stay tuned for more updates from Furniture China 2024!

🏌️‍♂️ Tee off for a great cause at the 2024 ITSEF Golf Classic! Join us at Tapawingo National Golf Club for a morning of golf, fun, and supporting future leaders in the hardwood industry. Register now and we'll see you on the greens for ITSEF: https://ow.ly/Wne050Ta8LE

The NHLA team was on the road again this last week! Check out Darci Shannon and Kevin Evilsizer right before their presentation at the LL Johnson Wood Expo in Charlotte, MI! 🙌 Meanwhile, Randy Justice—Darci’s dad—was diving into the art of bending wood with steam at one of the workshops.

Join us at the 2024 NHLA Convention on October 3 for a must-attend session on Navigating Forest Service Wood Innovation Grants. Hear from experts who know the grant process inside and out—don’t miss out on their insider tips: https://ow.ly/Mqsq50ThGOk

Why attend the 2024 NHLA Convention? Because you'll get to hear firsthand insights from successful grant recipients and experts in the field all in one room! Whether you're new to the grants or seeking to enhance your application, this session will provide practical advice and strategies to help you secure the support you need. Learn more and register today: https://ow.ly/hAQA50Ta783

🚨 The Countdown is On! 🚨

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your business and gain invaluable insights from our industry's top minds. This is your chance to build connections, discover new strategies, and stay ahead of the curve. Lock in your plans now and get ready for a game-changing experience in St. Louis: https://ow.ly/3i3T50T7T4c

Today, we celebrate the dedication, hard work, and craftsmanship that fuel our industry. Whether you’re in the mills, on the sales floor, transporting goods, or representing the wide range of careers within the hardwood industry, your contributions are the backbone of our success. Enjoy this well-deserved day of rest and recognition!

Dive into new global opportunities! Join us for an unmissable ed session at the 2024 NHLA Convention & Exhibit Showcase, Expanding Horizons: International Markets for U.S. Hardwoods, presented by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).

This session is your chance to explore emerging international markets, understand global demand, and discover how your business can tap in. Learn more & register today: https://ow.ly/H3IB50Ta262

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to our wonderful Chief Development Officer, John Hester! 🎉 John, your dedication and leadership are an inspiration to all of us at NHLA -- plus, your funny emails help us get through the days. Thank you for all that you do!