NLA rebrands as BLD Connection

The Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA) announced today that it will rebrand as  BLD Connection effective Oct. 1. 

Earlier this month, the NLA and the Mid-America Lumbermens Association (MLA) merged to create one of the largest building material trade associations in the industry. The rebranding initiative addresses the changes in geography that the association has experienced since its inception in 1890 and considers the best way to highlight the value proposition that the Association brings to its members.  

“Northwestern Lumber Association has a  rich history, and through the rebranding process we felt it was important to honor our history in the lumber industry while recognizing that our industry and the businesses of our membership have evolved over time,” said Northwestern Lumber Association President, Cody Nuernberg. “ Our members sell and provide building materials in addition to lumber. Plus, with our recent merger, our organization has expanded in size and reach as well. The value that the Association brings to our members is connection.”

Nuernberg said the new name, BLD Connection, uses an abbreviation that doubles as an acronym: BLD is an abbreviation for the word “build”  and BLD stands for Building Material & Lumber Dealers. 

“Adding ‘BLD’ to the word “Connection” makes it more than a name,” Nuernberg said. “It is our call to action, engaging members to “build connection!”

NLA Chairman of the Board Lynn Trask noted, “For the past year and with the help of Mercury Creative Group, our team, the board, and numerous task force groups dug deeper into our brand, our offerings, our mission, and our goals for the future. It became apparent that a refresh was needed and that the time was right to make a change. We are excited to write the next  chapter of our Association’s history.”  

At the heart of the rebrand is also the organization’s commitment to “building a stronger community” – a message that it says "will shine through in every offering provided by the association moving forward."

In addition to adjusting messaging, BLD Connection expects to enhance its current offerings including its annual educational programming and its annual events. 

The organization plans to launch a new website and member database/portal on Oct. 2 to give members increased access to the organization, its team, and its peers. 

BLD Connection is a leading regional trade association representing building material dealers and suppliers in Arkansas, Iowa,  Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Upper Michigan, and Wisconsin.