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Material Matters - November 2025

Material Matters - November 2025

Material Matters Member News Industry News/Information

Monthly News from BLD Connection

November 2025

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BLD Connection News

Wisconsin Connection Conference 2026 Registration Now Open

It’s time to connect, learn, and grow. Registration is now open for the Wisconsin Connection Conference 2026, taking place Tuesday, February 24 at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. This annual event brings together dealers, managers, sales teams, and supplier partners from across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for two days of insights, collaboration, and meaningful networking.

Ready to register now?

 

Big Energy. Bigger Ideas. 

This year’s Mid-America and Nebraska Connection Conferences bring big energy and bigger ideas. With two dynamic keynote speakers and opportunities to learn from peers across the Midwest, these events are built to motivate and strengthen your business.


The Mid-America Conference takes place Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Olathe, KS, featuring Mitch Holthus, Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, sharing lessons on leadership, teamwork, and culture in Power From Unexpected Sources. The Nebraska Conference follows on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in La Vista, NE, with Aaron Davis, author and former Nebraska football champion, delivering Perform Like a Champion, an energizing look at attitude and perseverance in business and life.


Both events include roundtables, sales seminars, tabletop sessions, and opportunities to connect and grow together across the Midwest.

Mitch Holthus

 

Credit Card Fraud Alert: Fake IDs Targeting Lumber Yards

Credit card scams are hitting more and more lumber yards, often using fake IDs that look surprisingly real. One of our members recently caught a scam in progress thanks to new procedures they had just put in place. Read how they stopped it and what you can do to protect your yard.

Federal Reserve Eases Rates Again as Growth Slows

At its October meeting, the Fed lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points as inflation holds just above 3 percent. The move is expected to ease borrowing costs and could boost affordability in the housing market. Read the full update for details on the vote, market impact, and what to watch heading into the Fed’s December meeting.

Articles & Publications

Built to Lead: Influence Without Authority

Dena Cordova-Jack, Cordova-Jack Consulting

We just wrapped up our second session in the Built to Lead series, and once again, we saw record-breaking registration, powerful stories, and real-world takeaways. Whether you were in the room with us or missed the live discussion, this recap offers a glimpse into the heart of our session.

When the Phones Get Quiet: Four Moves Midwest Independents Are Using Right Now

If your phones feel a little quieter, you are not alone. Do not wait. Make your yard easier to buy from, easier to work in, and more useful to your community. Here are four ideas we are seeing work across the BLD Connection region.

BizCon South 2026

HR Question of the Month

Job Abandonment

From Federated Insurance

Question

We've had employees stop showing up to work without notice. At what point does that count as job abandonment, and what are some signs to look for?

 

Northwestern Lumber Association and Mid-America Lumbermens Association are now BLD Connection. Read About Our Transformation!

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