Material Matters Moves to Wednesdays |
Starting with the September 2026 issue, Material Matters will arrive on the first Wednesday of each month. On the remaining Wednesdays, watch for The Level Set with timely BLD Connection news, events and updates.
This new schedule will help reduce the number of emails we send while keeping you connected to the information and resources that matter most.
Need to update your email preferences? Members can log into the Info Hub HERE. Or go HERE to opt into the email updates you would like to receive. |
The 2026-27 LumberTech Catalog Is Here! |
The new 2026-27 LumberTech Training and Education Catalog is now available online. Highlights include the new LBM Financial Fluency Path™, the redesigned Yard & Delivery Playbook, a new Yard & Logistics Leadership Roundtable, and returning favorites such as Estimating 1-2-3, Blueprint Reading & Material Take-Off, sales workshops and peer roundtables. |
Printed copies will be mailed to BLD Connection retail member locations in mid-August. Take a look and start planning your team’s training for the year ahead.
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Member Alert: Watch for Hotel Booking Scams |
BLD Connection has been made aware of fraudulent hotel booking emails targeting members, exhibitors, and event attendees. These messages may reference upcoming BLD Connection events, including conferences and BizCons, and often include event details, nearby hotels, and "exclusive" discounted rates to appear legitimate. They are not affiliated with BLD Connection.
Always book hotel accommodations using links provided directly by BLD Connection through our website, event emails (from a BLD staff member), registration materials or by calling the hotel directly to make your reservation.
If you receive a suspicious hotel solicitation related to a BLD Connection event, do not click any links or provide payment information. Instead, contact the BLD Connection office at (888) 544-6822 or info@bldconnection.org so we can verify its legitimacy and help alert other members.
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ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law |
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law, creating a new path forward for efforts to increase housing supply, improve affordability and reduce some of the delays that can slow residential construction. For LBM dealers, the law is worth watching because policies that support more housing activity can affect the full supply chain, from builders and remodelers to local yards and the communities they serve.
NLBMDA will host a ROAD to Housing Implementation Webinar on Thursday, August 6, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern / 1:00 p.m. Central to review what comes next. Those unable to attend live are encouraged to register to receive the on-demand recording. |
Planning Ahead Protects the Business You Have Built |
Ownership and leadership transitions are easier to navigate when planning begins well before a decision must be made. Whether the goal is to keep a business in the family, transition leadership to management or prepare for a future sale, understanding what drives value and how potential buyers evaluate a company can help owners make stronger decisions today.
The True North 2026 M&A Summit, taking place September 16, 2026, in Bloomington, Minnesota, will offer practical insights on business transitions, valuation, taxes and wealth preservation. |
The Hour Before the Call John Marshall, AI Growth Partners |
AI is not replacing the relationship between a salesperson and a customer. Its real value may be in helping sales teams prepare more effectively, follow up faster and give managers better information for coaching. In this article, John Marshall shares practical examples of how AI can support salespeople before and after the customer conversation, along with a look ahead to his September 10 webinar. |
The World Cup and Employee Motivation From Federated Insurance
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Question Recently, it seems like our employees have lost their work focus; they seem less motivated and productive. As it is, summer is usually a hard time to keep our employees motivated; however, this summer in particular, our employees have been spending a lot of time at work discussing the World Cup. Aside from disciplining employees for wasting too much time talking about nonwork matters, how can we keep our employees motivated? |
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