Northwestern Lumber Association and Mid-America Lumbermens Association are now BLD Connection. The Level Set is our weekly bulletin. Watch for this email every Wednesday to bring you up to speed on the latest events, education, and time-sensitive information. |
- February 21-22, 2024 – BizCon South, Altoona, IA
- March 21, 2024 – Wisconsin Connection Conference, Baraboo, WI
- April 9-19, 2024 – NLBMDA Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference
- May 1-2, 2024 – Swing Into Spring, Osage Beach, MO
- June 4, 2024 – Nebraska Golf Outing
- June 6, 2024 – Iowa Golf Outing
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Keynote - Basically Incredible March 21, 2024
Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells
Baraboo, WI |
In an age of overnight successes, twenty-one-day fixes, and sensational viral videos, it’s easy to skip the fundamentals, but then, there is no foundation. Our keynote speaker, Matt Booth, will remind us how to embrace a life guided by common sense, using simple, effective tools. Basic doesn't mean easy, but it does mean worthwhile and effective. Are you ready to live a basically incredible life?
The Wisconsin & Upper Michigan’s Annual Membership Meeting will take place over lunch and includes a review and outlook for the association in 2024 and beyond, the election of board members and presentation of awards. There is no additional charge for lunch, but you must register for your ticket by March 8. (Due to hotel guarantees, we will not have lunch tickets available to sell on-site.)
The discount hotel room block deadline at Ho-Chunk has been extended. Reserve your room today by calling 800-746-2486 and reference: BLD Connection; Block ID #13247. The discounted room rate is $119 + tax & fees.
Click HERE to view the full schedule and register for the 2024 Wisconsin Connection Conference. |
Upcoming Classes & Webinars |
- March 5-6 – Yard & Delivery Operations Workshop, Tomah, WI
Register by Feb. 27 - March 7-8 – Yard & Delivery Operations Workshop, Eden Prairie, MN
Register by Feb. 27
- March 18 – 19 - Blueprint Reading & Material Take-Off, Sioux Falls, SD
- March 21 – 22 - Blueprint Reading & Material Take-Off, Fargo, ND
- March 26 – LBM Inventory Management, Kansas City, KS
- March 27 – Improving Profits, Kansas City, KS
- March 26-28 – Estimating 1-2-3, Inver Grove Heights, MN
- April 16 – LBM Inventory Management, Brooklyn Park, MN
- April 17 – Risk Management for LBM Dealers, Brooklyn Park, MN
- April 23-25 – Estimating 1-2-3, Inver Grove Heights, MN
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College Scholarship Applications Due March 1 |
Applications for the 2024-2025 college scholarships in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska can be downloaded HERE. Wisconsin and Upper Michigan members, click HERE to download the Wisconsin Lumber Dealers Education Foundation scholarship information. |
Applications for the Kansas, Missouri & Nebraska must be submitted to the BLD office by March 1. Wisconsin & Upper Michigan applications must be submitted to WLDEF by March 1. |
Click on dates for links to registration and full details. |
Start the busy 2024 season off on the right foot! Learn how to improve efficiency and reduce product damage around your yard. |
Attendees will be challenged to evaluate your company’s processes to gain efficiency and improve your bottom line. Group roundtable discussions provide added insight into what other operations are doing.
The workshop will conclude with a walk-through at a host retail location. Students will be asked to perform a Yard & Delivery Workshop Challenge for their company. |
This popular workshop provides 2 full days of instruction and discussion on residential construction methods, blueprint reading, and material take-off. Learn basic blueprint reading by identifying lines, symbols and details while developing an understanding of elevations, floor plans, framing and sectional views. Students will be introduced to various residential construction methods and estimating formulas while working on a basic single level home with a trussed roof. |
Blueprint Reading & Material Take-Off with Casey Voorhees
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LBM Inventory Management How you manage your inventory can be the deciding factor in your organization’s profit and loss. |
This course will discuss the importance of accurate inventory management, explain the costs involved with mis-managed inventory and best practices that companies can use to have an accurate accounting that will benefit all areas of the business. There will be a strong focus on making sure companies are using whatever system (ERP-QuickBooks-etc) to the greatest capability. |
Devoting time and attention to the details will truly make a difference in the long term of your organization’s success. During this one-day workshop, we will discuss tools you can use to move towards your business goals and a healthy bottom line including ensuring proper cashflow, budgeting, inventory controls, keeping score, monthly financial cycle and more!
Walk away with greater understanding and a fresh desire to tackle the elements which will reap large rewards for your organization. |
Improving Profits Create a good foundation for your business success by gaining a better understanding of your financials. |
“Whether it’s a simple fix or a major new process, Emily will break down the solution sensibly and methodically so everyone can benefit in their own way.” Will
Sponsored by: |
Estimating 123 These classes sell out quickly so register early! |
National trainer, Casey Voorhees, will provide instruction and discussion on residential construction methods, blueprint reading and material take-off. Emphasis is placed on developing a consistent method for measuring and applying formulas to produce an efficient take-off. Short-cut formulas are provided that will speed up the material take-off process. During Estimating 3, students go beyond the basic construction take-off to the more difficult areas of a material take-off.
“Casey is an amazing instructor and simplified things. This really will help do estimates more efficiently.” Jacob |
During this program you will learn the multiple ways retail businesses experience loss and how you can prevent them. Cyber security, physical security, theft, and the fraud triangle are key topics covered. Attendees of this program will walk away with a better understanding of challenges facing businesses today and leave with sound strategies that will help put your hard-earned money back on your bottom line. |
Risk Management for LBM Dealers Learn how to create a risk management plan with checks and balances that allows you and your team the ability to identify, monitor and mitigate risks as they arise. |
Let Your People Know You Value Their Hard Work
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The rush of the busy season is all the more reason to show your people how much you value their efforts — and motivate new talent to come aboard. Your retirement plan can play a significant role in employee satisfaction and recruitment — and the right benefit can help. |
Talk with Daniel Gardner to explore the BLD Connection 401k MEP program. Check out this video to learn more about the value of group 401(k) plans. Visit with Daniel Gardner at BizCon South at booth 406! Or you can contact him at (612) 743-4961 or dgardner@osaicwealth.com. |
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