Why Knot Let The NHLA Work Harder For You
You can learn a lot about someone by how they handle financial stress. Let’s be real, money touches everything. It shapes our choices, fuels our ambitions and affects everything from our careers to our closest relationships. While I had hardworking parents, growing up on a farm, we always had money issues. My first paying job was as a 12-year-old at the recycling depot where I sorted bottles and cans after school. At 14, I worked at a full-service gas station, and at 16, I did construction. At 18, I worked at Liberty Safe. At 21, I worked as a locksmith by day and drove a forklift by night. I went to my university classes in my locksmithing uniform. When money was tight, I took on a second job and relied on determination and consistent effort to improve my financial situation. Now more than ever, the hardwood industry needs strong, informed leadership, and this moment offers a chance to step up, support those on the ground, and work together toward a more resilient future.
In a challenging economy, your NHLA membership is more valuable than ever.
With rising costs and shrinking margins, it’s no surprise that 36 member businesses have closed this year alone, based on our renewal feedback. Many more are facing serious financial strain. But NHLA is here to help, and now, we’re equipped to offer even more direct support.
Thanks to a recent grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the cost of an NHLA Yield Study has been reduced by 75 percent.
A Yield Study is an in-depth, on-site evaluation of your sawmill or distribution yard conducted by NHLA experts. It analyzes log utilization, recovery rates and machinery performance to pinpoint inefficiencies, reduce waste and boost profitability. Most members haven’t taken advantage of this powerful tool, but with the new cost reduction, there’s never been a better time.
This is your chance to protect your operation, increase your yield, and improve your bottom line—without breaking the bank.
NHLA exists to support and strengthen the hardwood industry, but we can’t do it without you. If you’re a member, make the most of your benefits. If you’re not, this is the moment to get the support your business deserves.
That support starts with understanding where your membership dues go. Associations exist because no single business can do it all alone, and your investment in NHLA is what makes collective progress possible. The following pie chart breaks down exactly how your dues drive industry growth, advocacy and long-term value.
Here’s how your dues are allocated:
• Promotion and Advocacy: Supporting the Hardwood Federation (10 percent) and the Real American Hardwood Coalition (5 percent) to amplify the industry’s voice and promote the value of hardwood products.
• Securing Industry Support: The NHLA has received over a million dollars in grants and uses some dues to match funds for the USFS Grant (12 percent). This federal support and resources for the hardwood sector are critical to our promotion and our operational services.
• Education and Connection: Funding our annual Convention (5 percent), marketing to the industry (3 percent), and our Inspector Training School (5 percent) to help members learn, network, and grow.
• Lumber Services: Direct support for Inspection, Quality Control, and Yield Analysis (26 percent), ensuring members maintain the highest standards in the industry.
• Expanding Your Network: Supporting NHLA’s presence at other industry events (8 percent), where members can connect, learn, and build relationships.
• Operational Excellence: Maintaining the general facilities and operations of the NHLA (22 percent) to provide consistent back-end support, resources, and expertise for out-front facing operations.
• Strategic Leadership: Ensuring strong governance and strategic direction through the Board of Directors (4 percent), the executive committee, and the past presidents committee.
I believe in transparency because honesty builds trust. Even when things don’t go perfectly, being upfront allows for accountability and growth. Your membership is an investment, and NHLA is committed to making sure it delivers real value to your business. If we’re not helping you succeed, then we’re not doing our job. Ensuring that every dollar of your membership dues works to support you and the hardwood industry is our top priority. If times are tough, why knot turn to NHLA, your partner in navigating challenges, cutting costs, and strengthening your business for the long haul?
