The LMC Dealers recently traveled to one of the most anticipated LBM events of the year, the 89th LMC Annual in Houston, Texas. This premier event provides LMC’s dealers with a three-day platform to connect and collaborate with industry peers nationwide. At the Annual, attendees can expect valuable industry insights through high-quality education sessions, as well as exclusive access to innovative products from suppliers at the forefront of the market.
Fitting the host city of Houston, the 2024 event theme was The Next Frontier. Throughout the span of three days, LMC dealers sharpened their knowledge with educational sessions focused on the future of marketing, advancements in technology, multifamily construction, market fluctuation, regulations, and upcoming trends across the business landscape.
Attendees also had the opportunity to join in LMC TogetHER’s second session at the Annual promptly named, “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges.” NVO Construction’s CEO, Cheryl Lewis, shared her career journey, highlighting the pivotal moments as well as offering valuable insights that resonated with both women and men to become allies in achieving the mission of LMC TogetHER.
Walking through the bustling trade show floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center, LMC dealers connected with 300 suppliers.
Among the regular event highlights were the LMC Update Breakfast & Keynote hosted by LMC President and CEO Paul Ryan featuring a keynote speech from Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut.
Ryan further noted that members purchased about $6.2 billion in products from LMC in 2023, “Our dealers are leaders in their markets. Our dealers last year took market share in their local markets and purchased more from LMC than they ever have.”
From Massimino, attendees heard a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and overcoming challenges based on the former astronaut’s two space shuttle missions and four spacewalks. Massimino’s keynote provided attendees with an inspiring story on strengthening their leadership in the face of change and adversity.
In addition to the program of daytime events, attendees also enjoyed a night out at the RODEOHOUSTON®. The event began with world-renowned Livestock & Horse Show followed by a concert by the 2023 CMA New Artist of the Year and two-time Grammy nominated country music star, Jelly Roll.
On the second day, LMC dealers met with key supplier partners and the most innovative companies in the LBM industry to prepare for the upcoming peak building season. Breezy Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Lumber in Seattle, WA said, “We love coming to the LMC Annual to see friends from all over the United States to connect with them, share stories and struggles. Attending the Annual has been great for our business.”
A key event at the Annual is the announcement of New Product Winners, always a highlight of the Annual experience. Dealer’s vote on the top three New Products, recognizing Summerspace’s Custom Porch Enclosure Systems as the first-place winner for best new product of 2024.
Ekena Millwork’s Acoustic Pro Side Wall took second place and HY-Lite Specialty Windows’ GlassWalk Structural Glass received third place.
Reflecting on this year’s Annual, LMC’s Senior Vice President of Purchasing, Sean Tighe said “The LMC Annual provides a platform for the best independently owned and operated LBM yards, component manufacturers as well as industrial suppliers to come together to participate in unique buying opportunities and network with colleagues and the premier suppliers of lumber and building materials in North America. This event allows our network to build on the successes of 2023 and lay the groundwork for a more profitable 2024 and beyond.”
The LMC team was also on hand to help build new relationships and offer expert insight into the state of the market.
Now in its 89th year, LMC remains a key leader in the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry with the largest forest products trading floor in the industry, over 1,000 manufacturer direct programs, and the lowest expense ratio in the industry. The LMC dealer network also represents more than $27 billion in combined retail sales.
The next LMC Annual will take place in Phoenix, AZ from March 6-8, 2025, where LMC will celebrate its 90th Anniversary.
Visit www.lmc.net to learn more.
