Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA)

09/18/2026

On May 15, a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, claimed the life of 27-year-old volunteer firefighter and injured twelve others, including three members of the Robbins family. Alden Robbins later passed away on July 2 from injuries sustained in the fire.

Alden was a longtime leader and respected member of our industry, and his passing has been deeply felt throughout the lumber community. The response since the tragedy has been a powerful example of the industry showing up for its own, with companies, organizations, and individuals coming together to support the Robbins family, the first responders, and the Searsmont community.

The Alden J. Robbins Memorial Walk/Run is an opportunity to come together and honor Alden’s memory and the impact he had on so many within our industry.

Our NRLA staff will be participating together virtually on Wednesday, September 23, the day after our Fall Leadership, at 12 p.m. If you are in the area and would like to join, email us for more details.

Self-Registration:

The 2026 Alden J. Robbins Memorial Trail Race is on Monday September 21, 2026 to Saturday October 3, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K Trail Run, 5K Trail Walk, and 5K Virtual Run or Walk.

09/08/2026

The LBMDF's fall course schedule has arrived! Check out the schedule and register today to save your spot. To view and learn more about all upcoming and future classes, visit nrla.org/education

Introduction to Building Materials
October 6 and 8 • 8-11 a.m. | Register: https://buff.ly/XUR7e75

Basic/Beginner Blueprint Reading & Estimating
Oct. 20, 22, 27, 29 • 8-11 a.m. | Register: https://buff.ly/bpqUZJa

Crane Operator Certification Classes
NRLA Headquarters, Rensselaer, N.Y.
October 28-30 • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Register: https://buff.ly/OzV7GTD

Intermediate Blueprint Reading & Estimating
November 10 and 12 • 8-11 a.m. | Register: https://buff.ly/Qyr68hy

Advanced Blueprint Reading & Estimating
November 17 and 19 • 8-11 a.m. | Register: https://buff.ly/2utw7IG

09/07/2026

NRLA Headquarters will be closed today, Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Regular business hours will resume tomorrow morning. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

09/04/2026

"The biggest thing I have learned is that this industry is very heavily based on relationships. It doesn’t always matter what brand of product you sell or where your pricing falls. The relationship that you have with customers and vendors goes a long way."

Tully Building Supply’s Chief Operating Officer Thomas Getzke is the LC’s latest Rising Star! Congratulations, Thomas!

Read the Full Feature: https://buff.ly/ZpvGun7
Subscribe to the Digital LC: https://buff.ly/ll6wczu

09/04/2026

LBM Expo is where the Northeast’s independent LBM community comes together to build relationships, discover new ideas, and strengthen the businesses that keep our industry moving forward. More than a trade show, it’s where meaningful conversations, industry connections, and practical insights come together to deliver value long after you leave the show floor. Join us December 9 & 10 at Mohegan Sun's Earth Expo & Convention Center!

Register now at LBMExpo.com

09/03/2026

This month’s events are here! Check out the schedule and register today to save your spot. To view and learn more about all upcoming and future events, visit https://buff.ly/NXRQOWP

RLDAM-NHRLA Annual Celebration Weekend
Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12, The Samoset Resort, Rockport, ME
Register: https://buff.ly/kYfUiEY (Room Block Full; Only Dinners Remaining!)

ENYLDA Annual Meeting
Friday, September 18, Lac du Saint Sacrement Dinner Cruise, Lake George, NY
Register: https://buff.ly/xTEUqKQ

VRLDA Golf Outing & Annual Meeting
Thursday, September 24, Stratton Mountain Golf Course, Stratton Mountain, VT
Register: https://buff.ly/YXVhL1A

09/02/2026

The NRLA is pleased to announce the hiring of Kevin Scorsone, director of legislative & regulatory affairs!

A Capital Region native and University at Albany alumnus, Kevin Scorsone brings a decade of government affairs and advocacy experience spanning the healthcare, housing, and technology sectors to his new role with NRLA. Kevin is responsible for representing the NRLA and its members before state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and local government bodies and meetings with public officials. He works closely with state and regional legislative committees, boards of directors, to coordinate grassroots campaigns and action alerts. Additionally, Kevin and his department identify complex legislative and regulatory developments and create clear, actionable updates for members.

Most recently, Kevin served as Director of Government Affairs and Lobbyist at Elevation Strategies, where he led state-level advocacy and built relationships with legislators, agency officials, and regulators. His previous government affairs and advocacy experience includes roles with the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS, and the North Carolina Nurses Association. He began his career as a Legislative Communications Coordinator at the New York State Assembly.

Kevin holds a BA in American History from the University at Albany. His greatest joy in life is being a dad and husband. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, golfing, eating, and making trips to Pinehurst, N.C. and Saratoga, N.Y. He is thrilled to be back in New York to be near friends and family, but mostly to be near Ragonese Italian Imports in Albany, which he believes is the best deli in the world. He is an avid Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Giants, and New York Knicks fan. Through the years he has dedicated parts of his free time to helping raise awareness for children diagnosed with rare diseases & illnesses. Additionally, he has been an advocate for people suffering with addiction that are seeking treatment and recovery.

Please join us in welcoming Kevin to the NRLA team!

09/01/2026

The NRLA is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Galavotti, education & events coordinator!

Jennifer brings more than seven years of experience in marketing, communications, development, and project coordination to her new role with NRLA. Most recently, she spent seven years with Eden Renewables, where she held positions including Marketing & Communications Manager, Development Manager, and Project Coordinator.

In her role with NRLA, Jennifer assists Director of Education and Development Erin O’Connor with the administration and coordination of the association’s educational programs, online learning and virtual events, industry roundtables, and workforce development initiatives. She also supports NRLA educational events and programming for LBM Expo and the IDEAS Show, and the North American Young Lumber Employees (NYLE).

Jennifer is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., where she received a BS in Marketing/Marketing Management, and a MBA.

When not at her desk, Jennifer enjoys expressing her creativity through dance, volunteering as a coach for the Capital Region Girls on the Run program, learning the art of sustainable plant cultivation, and spending as much time as she can outside.

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer to the NRLA team!

08/28/2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

LBM Expo is where the Northeast’s independent LBM community comes together to build relationships, discover new ideas, and strengthen the businesses that keep our industry moving forward. More than a trade show, it’s where meaningful conversations, industry connections, and practical insights come together to deliver value long after you leave the show floor. Join us December 9 & 10 at Mohegan Sun's Earth Expo & Convention Center!

Register now at LBMExpo.com

08/25/2026

On Friday, NNYLDA held its Annual Fishing Tournament, with 14 boats heading out from Clayton, Alexandria Bay, and Henderson Harbor for a great day on the water!

The festivities kicked off Thursday night with an open bar at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, sponsored by Quikrete. Bright and early on Friday, the fishermen headed out from their designated ports in search of Bass, Walleye, and Salmon, armed with NNYLDA coolers packed with lunch and refreshments sponsored by Merriman’s Inc.

A huge thank you to Tim Clark of Erie Materials and the entire NNYLDA Fishing Committee for putting together another fantastic event. It was a huge hit and one we’ll definitely be looking forward to again next year!