MLMA Celebrates Record-Breaking Convention

The Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA), located in Jackson, MS, was established in 1954 among a group of Mississippi family-owned mills. They have maintained a family-friendly atmosphere, where spouses and children are welcome to partake in their annual convention and trade show. This year marked the 70th year of the organization’s existence.

Gallagher, KDS Windsor, and USNR were platinum sponsors for the recent convention and trade show hosted at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on the MS Gulf Coast. The week’s events started with a special President’s 70-Year Soiree’ sponsored by two of MLMA members, KDS Windsor and Gallagher. Guests were entertained by The Soul Tones Band, a 360 photo booth, delectable foods and beverages.

This milestone year had a record number of registrants, with over 900 and the trade show saw the most exhibitors to date with having 97 booth spaces rented for participants to visit and learn more about the exhibitor’s business offerings. Exhibitors enjoyed an appreciation luncheon sponsored by Vicksburg Forest Products and a cocktail reception during the trade show sponsored by several of MLMA’s members including USNR, Real Performance Machinery, Carbotech Group, Pierce Construction and Maintenance, and BID Group. In addition, MLMA hosted a children’s booth with activities for kids, while their parents visited the other exhibits.

The week was full of celebratory activities and social events for networking in a more relaxed environment. To close out the week, registrants participated in a sold-out fishing tournament in Pass Christian, MS, sponsored by Hankins Inc. While other participants played in the equally sold-out Stan Webb Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by Weyerhaeuser. The golf tournament was named in honor of one of their former presidents and hosted at The Preserve Golf Club.

They didn’t forget their lady members. The ladies of MLMA enjoyed a mimosa brunch sponsored by Shuqualak Lumber Company and hosted at One Thirty-One Lameuse Restaurant. There the participants had an opportunity to socialize off the convention premises, take photos, enjoy Gram Rea, a one-man band, and relax before joining everyone back at the casino for the pool party.

“We are grateful for our board of directors, members, sponsors, and volunteers who support our events and continue to support them on an annual basis,” said Ellery Jones, Executive Director. “I must say this was an enjoyable planning year and I am happy to be a part of a 70-year tradition that has grown to have over 25 mill members and 250-plus associate members.”

This year’s convention and trade show proved to be one for the books and closed it out with a reception sponsored by Nyle Dry Kilns and Taylor Machine Works. Participants enjoyed live music, cash door prizes, and an opportunity to finalize networking opportunities from the weekend.

Mark the dates for next year when the event will be held June 19-22, 2025 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.

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 70 years. MLMA has grown to serve more than 25 sawmills and over 250 associate members.

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.

To learn more about the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturer’s Association, please contact Ellery Jones, Executive Director at ellery@mlmalumber.com or visit www.mlmalumber.com.