SBA Strengthens Engagement With LBM Industry at LBM Expo
| Before a packed room of leaders from across the LBM retail, manufacturing, and distribution sectors, the ABMA welcomed Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator of Field Operations and Acting Associate Administrator of the newly created Office of Manufacturing & Trade (OMT) at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Her keynote address was met with strong support and enthusiasm from attendees. Shimkat spoke about the need to modernize and streamline the regulatory environment so that it reflects the realities of today’s small businesses. She expressed a clear willingness—from both the SBA and the presidential administration—to work directly with our industry and to hear from us as they shape policies that influence the business climate. The response from our members was exceptionally positive. Rod Wiles, ABMA Chair and Vice President of Human Resources at Hammond Lumber Company: “It was refreshing to hear a federal leader speak so openly about listening to small businesses and improving the regulatory environment. Our industry is ready to partner with the SBA, and Lisa made it clear that they’re ready to partner with us.” Understanding Lisa Shimkat’s Role—and Why It Matters for LBM Businesses Lisa Shimkat leads two major SBA portfolios that directly affect small and mid-sized employers in the building materials sector. Associate Administrator of Field Operations In this role, Shimkat oversees the SBA’s entire national network of district and regional offices—68 in total—along with the teams who engage daily with small businesses. The goal of this network is to help businesses succeed through access to lending programs, business planning support, and connections to local partners. Rather than making business more complicated, her focus is on ensuring SBA’s programs meet real business needs and help companies grow. Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Manufacturing & Trade (OMT) OMT was recently established as part of the President’s Made in America Initiative, with a mission to strengthen domestic manufacturing and ensure that small businesses have a voice in national trade and supply-chain policy. For the LBM sector, this gives ABMA a direct seat at the table on one of the administration’s top priorities. Under Shimkat’s leadership, OMT: Supports small manufacturers and exporters through expanded access to capital Works with financial institutions to unlock new financing pathways Leads trade policy advocacy to ensure small business interests are represented in federal decision-making Shimkat’s deep background in small business development—from directing Iowa’s SBDC network to serving on federal advisory boards—brings practical, on-the-ground experience to these national efforts. SBA Office of Advocacy: A Key Partner for Smart Regulation Shimkat also highlighted the important work of the SBA Office of Advocacy, an office ABMA regularly engages with. This office independently represents small business interests before federal agencies as new rules are proposed or existing rules are revised. ABMA: Participates in the Office of Advocacy’s monthly roundtables Provides early input on proposed regulations Shares industry-specific insights on how rules impact LBM businesses Offers recommendations to improve or streamline existing requirements This relationship has already proven valuable, and Shimkat emphasized her support for strengthening this collaboration even further. SBA Meets LBM Manufacturers and Retailers on the LBM Expo Floor In addition to the keynote, the SBA team—including Catherine Marx, Peter Steele, Matt Coleman, and Sylina Jacobs—visited exhibitors across the show floor, speaking directly with manufacturers and distributors about their growth, challenges, and priorities. A few highlighted stops included: Lamb & Ritchie (Massachusetts) Family-owned since 1872, Lamb & Ritchie manufactures roof drainage systems widely used in residential construction. They produce copper gutters, painted aluminum systems, galvanized steel options, and provide a full line for seamless gutter suppliers. Johnson Lumber Mill / Johnson Pine (New York) Founded in 1977, Johnson Lumber is known for high-quality lumber and pre-finished pine under the Johnson Pine brand. Their facility features state-of-the-art technology with a mission centered on service, growth, and expanding markets. Keiver-Willard Lumber Corp. (Massachusetts) Established in 1953, this company specializes in hardwoods—domestic and imported—and processes 20,000 board feet daily. Their rigorous grading, moisture testing, and custom sorting support both millwork and distribution operations. These visits gave the SBA team a firsthand look at the diversity, innovation, and history of LBM businesses across the country. A Growing Partnership With SBA ABMA staff—including Francis Palasieski—were on hand at our LBM Expo booth to speak with members and SBA officials about workforce development, permitting delays, regulatory reform, and supply-chain challenges. The SBA’s engagement demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting the small businesses that form the backbone of our industry. ABMA looks forward to continuing this strong partnership and deepening our collaboration with the SBA, OMT, and the Office of Advocacy. Together, we can work toward a regulatory and economic environment that helps LBM businesses grow, compete, and keep building America. |