NEWS + ANALYSIS An agenda that builds framework NLBMDA’s National Policy Agenda outlines goals, views for the future The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association’s 2017 National Policy Agenda is out in the open, spelling out the lumberyard industry’s interest in nine areas, including housing and construction, tax and economic policy, legal reform and transportation. One big fan of the principles highlighted in the document is George Lester, NLBMDA chairman. “The 2017 NLBMDA National Policy Agenda provides a common- sense, pro-business framework that eliminates unnecessary regulatory burdens, and promotes sound fiscal policies needed for sustained economic expansion,” said Lester, who is also chairman and CEO of The Lester Group in Martinsville, Va. The document is very similar to the prior year’s agenda. New in 2017 is the inclusion of guidance on taller wood buildings. The NLBMDA supports the Timber Innovation Act, and additionally supports “building codes that allow for the construction of wood-frame buildings that are more than six stories.” Another emphasis is in product- neutral building codes, according to Ben Gann, VP of legislative and political affairs. “The feedback from NLBMDA’s dealer members is important in improving the National Policy Agenda,” he added. The mortgage interest deduction, a topic emphasized by Lester in his letter to policymakers that serves as an introduction to the 2017 agenda, is another high priority of the association. “Reforming the tax code could aid the economy and make businesses more competitive,” Lester wrote in his introduction. “However, NLBMDA opposes efforts to modify or repeal the mortgage interest deduction that has long ensured housing’s stalwart role in economic growth.” NLBMDA’s 2017 National Policy Agenda will be distributed to members of Congress and key administration officials and will be used by NLBMDA members when they visit their members of Congress during the NLBMDA Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference on March 27 to 29 in Washington, D.C. Visit Dealer.org for the full National Policy Agenda document. Orgill’s retail role model New Orleans — Orgill unveiled its latest fully stocked and carefully merchandised model store, dubbed Walnut Grove Hardware & Supply, at its spring dealer market. The company has been using these concept stores as a marketing tool for potential dealer-customers, but they have also served as veritable retail laboratories implementing inline assortments of various niches the moment they become trendy: staycations; the backyard as an extended living room; beekeeping, for example. “We spend a tremendous amount of 12 time in retail in stores across the U.S., and also online, observing the latest trends,” said Phillip Walker, senior VP merchandising services. On display in the new model store: • A dollar program aimed at increasing transaction size without disrupting the overall assortment mix; • A uniform point-of-purchase package in plumbing and electrical that can be custom-branded to deliver a consistent POP package (this just launched in January); and • A smart home end cap positioned front and center to encourage hardline retailers to embrace the trend. MARCH 2017 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER “If we’re doing our job, it’s going to be seen here before it’s written about online,” Walker said. “That’s our intent with these concept stores, to try to be on the cutting edge of our industry.” HBSDealer.com