NAWLA Members Approve Bylaws Amendments With Strong Support
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CHICAGO - illiNews -- The North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) today announced that its wholesaler and manufacturer member companies have approved a set of recommended amendments to the association's bylaws. The vote—open from February 12 through March 15—resulted in more than 90% of participating companies affirming the proposed changes, reflecting broad support for modernizing NAWLA's governance and membership criteria to align with today's lumber and building materials distribution channel.

The amendments, unanimously recommended by the NAWLA Board of Directors in January, strengthen NAWLA's ability to serve an increasingly diverse and interconnected distribution ecosystem. Key updates include:

• Expanding the definition of "wholesaler" membership to reflect the range of distribution models operating in the industry today—including one‑step and two‑step distributors, buying groups and importers/exporters who take title to the products they sell and operate within the wholesale distribution model.
• Broadening eligibility to participate on the NAWLA Board of Directors, including allowing affiliate members to serve on the Board and manufacturer members to serve as officers on the Executive Committee.
• Preserving wholesalers as the majority representation on both the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee at all times.

"These updates honor NAWLA's 133‑year wholesaler‑centered foundation while ensuring that our governance reflects the realities of today's interconnected distribution ecosystem," said Judy Haney, chair of the NAWLA Board of Directors. "We appreciate our members' thoughtful engagement throughout this process and their commitment to NAWLA's continued growth and relevance."

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Matt Bruno, executive director of NAWLA, emphasized the alignment of this vote with the association's long-term direction: "These amendments build directly on the mission and vision our members approved in 2025, along with our three year strategic plan focused on engagement, expansion and education. Our vision calls NAWLA as the global link to North America—connecting, educating and preparing leaders across the distribution channel. This vote strengthens our ability to deliver on that vision while welcoming the evolving range of companies and expertise represented in today's marketplace."

Reflecting on the strong response from the membership, Haney added: "This vote represents a meaningful and forward‑looking moment for NAWLA. We are grateful for the engagement of our members and look forward to continuing to build a strong future together."

The newly approved bylaws are now available to members and the public on the NAWLA website at: https://nawla.org/About/Bylaws

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Additional details regarding implementation will be shared in the coming weeks. NAWLA encourages anyone with questions to reach out to Chair Judy Haney, Executive Director Matt Bruno or any member of the NAWLA Board of Directors.