New Member Benefit: Health Access Solutions |
Health care costs continue to be one of the biggest challenges facing LBM businesses and their employees. At BLD Connection, we know our members are looking for ways to provide quality health care options for their employees and families without watching premiums and out-of-pocket costs continue to climb. |
That's why we're excited to introduce BLD Connection's newest member benefit – Health Access Solutions. |
Looking Ahead to a New Membership Year |
As the 2026–27 membership year gets underway, we want to thank every dealer, supplier and associate member who continues to make BLD Connection part of their business. Your membership supports the education, resources, advocacy and practical support that help independent LBM businesses stay informed and prepared.
We are excited about what is ahead, including redesigned events and conferences, workshops, free webinars, peer roundtables and timely industry content. Members will also have the option to enroll in Health Access Solutions, an affordable alternative to traditional health insurance and another option to consider when reviewing healthcare coverage for your business and employees.
Thank you for your continued trust, participation and support. We look forward to serving you throughout the year and making 2026–27 a valuable, productive and enjoyable membership year. |
BizCon 2027 Adds More Ways to Learn, Explore and Do Business |
BizCon is back for 2027 with new ways to learn, explore and have some fun along the way. BizCon North and BizCon South will feature standout speakers, practical education, the new Booth Crawl Party, Interactive Zones, games, prizes and a full exhibit hall packed with products and ideas for the LBM industry. |
Recent South Dakota and Minnesota Cyberattacks Prove Cyber Threats are Close to Home
Catalyst IT
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Imagine a cyberattack aimed at the systems that keep your community running. Your water utility, county government, or local infrastructure suddenly can’t operate normally.
It sounds exaggerated until you realize it has already happened across South Dakota and Minnesota. |
Make Monthly Fire Risk Checks Part of Your Routine
Federated Insurance®
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Each October, Federated Insurance® highlights the importance of Fire Prevention Awareness Month for association members and their businesses. Fires do more than just damage property. They can disrupt operations across all business locations, force you to close your doors permanently, and put lives at risk.
Keep Your Fire Risks in Check
Research shows that 40% of businesses do not reopen following a catastrophic loss.1 To help address this, Federated® has developed a detailed fire prevention checklist to support regular evaluations at each of your business locations. Assigning a key person to conduct monthly inspections can further reduce risks and help prevent costly incidents.
Make Fire Prevention a Priority
Although Fire Prevention Awareness Month is only an annual occurrence, Federated encourages association member clients to make fire prevention a monthly priority. Together, we can promote safer work environments and minimize fire risks for your business.
1. Access. Study: 40% of businesses fail to reopen after a disaster. https://www.accesscorp.com/press-coverage/study-40-percent-businesses-fail-reopen-disaster/. Accessed June 10, 2026. |
The Permission Problem
Why We Wait for Someone Else to Tell Us It’s Okay
Dena Cordova-Jack, Cordova-Jack Consulting |
We make decisions all day long.
Big ones. Small ones. Work decisions. Family decisions. Decisions about priorities, opportunities, time, money, and whether one more thing can possibly fit on the calendar.
So why is it that some decisions still leave us quietly looking around for someone else to tell us, Yes, it’s okay? |
Policy Updates From Federated Insurance®
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Question We want to update a number of our company policies. How should we do this—can we just revise the policies and send them to our employees, or should we also have employees sign an acknowledgment form? What do we do if an employee refuses to sign the acknowledgment form? |
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