The North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) has hit the ground running with an exciting year ahead, including the return of the prestigious John J. Mulrooney Award, which will be presented at this year’s Traders Market. This award celebrates leaders who embody excellence in leadership, strategic thinking, integrity, and service to others — the same values that Mulrooney himself championed throughout his remarkable career.
The legacy of John J. Mulrooney runs deep within NAWLA’s history. As a distinguished career wholesaler and the organization’s chief executive for nearly two decades, Mulrooney made a profound impact on the forest products industry until his untimely passing in 1979. To honor his contributions and leadership, NAWLA established this award in his name, commemorating his dedication and commitment to advancing the industry.
Over the years, an elite group of individuals has received the John J. Mulrooney Award, each exemplifying Mulrooney’s spirit of service, integrity, and strategic leadership. Last year, NAWLA was proud to celebrate Steve Killgore as the 2024 recipient, recognizing his invaluable contributions and embodiment of these values.
The call for nominations for the 2025 John J. Mulrooney Award is now open, and NAWLA encourages industry members to reflect on the leaders within their companies and nominate someone who represents these values by visiting nawla.org/About/John-J-Mulrooney-Award.
If you have any questions about the nomination process, don’t hesitate to reach out to NAWLA HQ at info@nawla.org.
Beyond Mulrooney Award nominations, NAWLA is excited for members to connect, learn, and grow at various events throughout the year. NAWLA is set to host six Regional Meetings designed with two key objectives: to create a platform for members within each region to discuss local challenges and opportunities and to help members outside those regions expand into new markets, build connections, and grow their networks.
These meetings, held across various locations in the U.S. and Canada, will bring together NAWLA members and nonmembers for a day of collaboration. Attendees will explore solutions to regional issues, gain insights from expert speakers on diverse business topics, and engage directly with both regional and international NAWLA leaders.
NAWLA is also gearing up for Spring Wood Basics, offering valuable opportunities for companies and employers to invest in their newer team members through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.
Wood Basics delivers a comprehensive blend of classroom and field-based training in a small-cohort setting. Participants will explore essential topics such as negotiations, product segmentation, logistics, transportation, and forest management. Whether a new employee just starting out in wholesale lumber or a seasoned professional who is moving into a new segment, industry professionals of all experience levels are encouraged to join NAWLA this spring in Vancouver, BC or this fall in Corvallis, OR, for this intimately tailored learning experience.
If you are not a member yet, now is a great time to join NAWLA. Members receive exclusive benefits, including discounts on event registrations, exclusive access to webinars and networking opportunities, and more. Reach out to us today at info@nawla.org to learn more about our various membership offerings.
