Record Number Of Exhibitors At MLMA Event
The Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA), headquartered in Jackson, MS, founded in 1954 by a group of Mississippi family-owned mills, proudly celebrated its 72nd year of existence in 2026. Since its founding, MLMA has cultivated a strong sense of community, fostering a family-oriented tradition where spouses and children are welcomed to participate in the Association’s annual Convention & Trade Show. More than seven decades later, that tradition remains a defining part of the MLMA experience.
Gallagher, KDS Windsor, USNR, and Tamarack were platinum sponsors for the Convention and Trade Show recently hosted at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The week kicked off with the President’s Welcome Reception, bringing attendees together for networking while enjoying an excellent selection of food and beverages.
This year’s event welcomed more than 1,025 registrants. The Trade Show also reached a new milestone, featuring a record 105 exhibitor booths where attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry partners and learn about the latest products, services and innovations. Exhibitors enjoyed an appreciation luncheon sponsored by Taylor Machine Works and a cocktail reception during the Trade Show sponsored by several of its members, including USNR, Real Performance Machinery, COMACT, Forest City Trading Group, and Pierce Construction and Maintenance.
Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed a variety of social events and activities that provided opportunities to connect, build relationships, and celebrate the industry in a relaxed setting. The Convention concluded with two signature events: the MLMA Fishing Tournament in Pass Christian, sponsored by Hankins Inc., and the MLMA Golf Tournament at The Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave, sponsored by Porter Engineering. Both events offered participants an enjoyable and memorable conclusion to a successful week of networking and fellowship.
The ladies of MLMA enjoyed a delightful champagne brunch, sponsored by KDS Windsor and held at Coraline’s at the Beau Rivage. Inspired by the charm of New Orleans, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a morning of fellowship, photo opportunities, and live entertainment by one-man band Gram Rea before attendees joined the afternoon pool party with fellow Convention guests.
“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our Board of Directors, members, sponsors, and volunteers, whose dedication and commitment make our Convention & Trade Show possible year after year,” said Ellery Jones, Executive Director of MLMA.
When asked about MLMA, Board President Jessica Atkins stated, “The relationships we build here go far beyond business. They are built on trust, support, and a shared commitment to helping each other succeed. The MLMA Convention is a reflection of that spirit. Today, MLMA proudly represents 27 Mill Members operating 32 mills across Mississippi, along with a strong network of more than 300 Associate Members. The continued growth of our Association is a reflection of the strength of our industry and the relationships that unite our members.”
The week concluded with the Closing Reception, which was sponsored by Nyle Dry Kilns and Idaho Forest Group, where attendees enjoyed live music, exceptional hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and one final opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry partners before the Convention came to a close.
Next year’s MLMA event will be June 24th-27th, 2027, in Biloxi, MS, at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.
The Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA) was originally organized in 1954 as the Mississippi Pine Manufacturers Association to promote the sale and use of Southern Yellow Pine lumber produced by Mississippi sawmills.
In 1978, the name was changed to Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association to include both hardwood and southern yellow pine mills. MLMA’s hardwood mills are now an integral part of its membership.
MLMA mill members include responsible manufacturers of quality southern lumber, both Pine and hardwood, representing all lumber production sections of Mississippi. Associate membership includes business-related companies and suppliers, lumber wholesalers, and lumber producers in other states.
MLMA members contribute to the economy of their local communities, the state, and the nation by providing jobs and products. They play a leading role as good citizens through scholarship and award programs and in the conservation of Mississippi’s most renewable natural resource.
According to the Mississippi State University Extension Service, forestry is the second-largest agricultural commodity in Mississippi, representing $1.5 billion value of production in 2025. Forest-related economic activity in Mississippi generated 84,024 jobs and over $4.42 billion in income. According to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, forest products manufacturing represents the largest share of total manufacturing GDP in Mississippi at 14.9%.
MLMA was founded by Warren Hood, Floyd Sulser, and Richard Molpus in 1954 and has been a leading proponent of the forest products industry for over 70 years. MLMA has grown to serve more than 32 sawmills and over 300 associate members.
To learn more about the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association, please contact Ellery Jones, executive director, at ellery@mlmalumber.com or visit mlmalumber.com.
