It’s hard to believe that 2023 is already coming to an end but with 2024 fast approaching, we’d like to take a few moments to reflect on this past year and all the success NAWLA has had.
2023 Highlights
Traders Market
The industry event of the fall, the 2023 Traders Market is gearing up to be another successful event for NAWLA. At the time of this article’s writing in early October, NAWLA is already excited to be welcoming over 15 sponsoring companies, over 200 exhibitors and over 1,100 attendees to Columbus, Ohio.
Regional Meetings
From April through September, NAWLA and its Regional Meeting Committees hosted seven local meetings across the United States and Canada in which hundreds of industry professionals were able to network and learn about the latest industry trends and insights. NAWLA thanks all who attended these regional events and invites all members to take part in their local region’s meeting in 2024.
The First Young Emerging Lumber Professionals (YELP) Retreat
In June, NAWLA hosted its first ever YELP Retreat for 20 emerging leaders in the industry. The two-day event allowed participants to take part in interactive networking and learning experiences and featured presentations from experts in the industry including Sima Dahl, CSP (Branding Expert, Sway Factor), Catherine Sanderson (Poler Professor of Psychology, Amherst College) and Bethany Doss (2021 NAWLA Chair).
Scholarship Program
Thanks to the support of its member companies, NAWLA was able to award 20 higher education students with scholarships this year. Based on school and community involvement, academic performance and educational goals, NAWLA invites students in any career field or major to apply for a 2024 scholarship — applications will be opening in March.
On the Horizon
Taking place March 10-12, 2024, NAWLA invites you to join us for the 2024 NAWLA Leadership Summit in Tucson, Arizona. Whether an emerging leader or seasoned industry professional, Leadership Summit is a time for industry decision makers to come together for learning, networking and career development. At the 2024 event, attendees will be able to hear the latest industry trends as well as learn best practices and insights on revenue growth, cost reduction and company performance.
A key highlight of the Leadership Summit, the presentation of the Mulrooney Award will also take place during the 2024 event. A way to honor the life and legacy of former NAWLA leader John J. Mulrooney, this award recognizes an elite group of individuals who exemplify the qualities Mulrooney embodied: steadfast leadership, strategic thinking, personal integrity and service to others. For those that would like to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Mulrooney Award, the nominations portal will be open in November.
Once again, NAWLA would like to recognize Jonathan E. Martin, and his family, on being named the 2023 Mulrooney Award recipient.
2024 is already shaping up to be a year to remember for NAWLA. With impactful events and new initiatives coming up, we would like to thank our members and the industry for their continued support of NAWLA. We look forward to serving the industry well in the new year!
