FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Florida Building Material Association Joins the American Building Materials Alliance
Effective November 1, ABMA expands to represent 17 states, Washington, D.C., and 17 associations
Rensselaer, N.Y.—October 30, 2025, The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) announced today that the Florida Building Material Association (FBMA) will officially join the Alliance on November 1. With FBMA’s addition, ABMA now represents 17 regional, state, and local associations, connecting independent lumber and building material dealers with a stronger platform to work together on federal issues.
“On behalf of the Alliance, I’m proud to welcome the Florida Building Material Association into ABMA,” said Rod Wiles, chair of ABMA and vice president of human resources, Hammond Lumber Company. “Florida’s members bring important perspectives, and we look forward to working with them and ensuring their interests are part of our shared efforts in Washington.”
Kristina Berano, executive director of FBMA, said: “We are excited to join ABMA and connect Florida’s building material dealers with such a strong coalition of associations. This partnership will give our members new opportunities to engage on the national level while keeping Florida’s priorities front and center.”
Rita Ferris, president of the NRLA, noted: “FBMA will bring new perspectives, resources, and influence—strengthening ABMA’s ability to shape policy to protect the interests of our industry.”
Karen Handel, president of the Construction Suppliers Association (CSA), added: “This is an exciting moment for the Alliance. The opportunity to collaborate with FBMA not only strengthens our reach but also reinforces our shared mission to advance the interests of our industry in Washington.”
Over the past year, ABMA has delivered meaningful results for the lumber and building materials industry, including helping to roll back burdensome reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act, preserving and expanding key small business tax deductions that allow dealers to reinvest in their operations, and supporting the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to make workforce training in the trades more accessible and affordable.
ABMA continues to focus on the issues that matter most to its members: right-sizing federal crane certification requirements to reflect the real needs of building material dealers, advancing housing policy that will help jump-start new construction, and working to create a business environment where dealers and suppliers can grow, hire, and invest with confidence.
The Alliance works to build relationships and create opportunities that deliver real value to members. In partnership with the Small Business Administration’s Office of Manufacturing and Trade, ABMA is helping connect retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers with new programs that provide affordable financing, business development support, and resources to grow American manufacturing and skilled trades.
The addition of FBMA further strengthens ABMA’s role as a forum for collaboration among dealers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Together, member associations are focused on advancing practical legislative solutions that strengthen the building materials industry, while addressing regulatory issues that impact operations, workforce, and long-term growth.
About the ABMA
The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) represents the lumber and building materials industry across 17 states, advocating for policies that strengthen independent and family-owned businesses in the lumber and building materials industry. ABMA members employ tens of thousands of Americans, provide good-paying jobs, and supply essential products that support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth nationwide.
Media Contact:
Francis Palasieski
Director of Government Affairs, ABMA
francisp@abmalliance.org | 518-880-6376
