Press Release: American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) Hosts Successful Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) Hosts Successful Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – April 30, 2024 – The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) convened its highly anticipated Advocacy Day on April 29th and 30th in Washington, D.C., with an impressive turnout of over 60 dedicated members flying in for the two-day event. Addressing a range of critical issues impacting the industry, the event showcased ABMA’s commitment to driving tangible progress in key areas such as renewing Trump-era tax benefits, enhancing the CDL licensing process, prioritizing workforce development, and tackling the challenge of exorbitant credit card fees.

The event kicked off on Monday afternoon with a comprehensive issue briefing at the Hamilton Hotel’s filled ballroom. Pat Rita, ABAMA’s Government Affairs Associate, provided key insights into the legislative agenda, supported by firsthand accounts from industry leaders. Claudia Homan, CFO of Bethel Mills (Vt.), shed light on tax-related challenges, while Eric Murphy, Purchasing, Marketing, and IT Manager at East Coast Lumber Building Supply Co. (N.H.), underscored the urgency of streamlining the CDL licensing process to mitigate workforce shortages. Doug Ford, VP of Public Relations & Purchasing at Curtis Lumber (N.Y.), lent a personal perspective to workforce development initiatives emphasizing the real-world impact of these issues. Members engaged in dynamic discussions, particularly emphasizing the detrimental effects of high credit card fees and the important role of tax incentives in fostering small business competitiveness.

The briefing culminated in a presentation by Bruce Lundegren, Assistant Chief Counsel at the US Small Business Administration, who shed light on the challenging regulatory landscape confronting businesses in the LBM (Lumber and Building Materials) industry. Lundegren underscored the SBA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding small businesses amidst these challenges.

Central to Lundegren’s address were the pressing issues surrounding OSHA regulations and the proposal of new ‘heat rules’. With a keen understanding of the complexities involved, he outlined the SBA’s proactive stance in advocating for policies that balance regulatory compliance with the unique operational needs of small businesses in the LBM sector.

On Tuesday, ABMA members engaged in a series of impactful meetings on Capitol Hill, advocating for their priorities directly with legislators. Notable highlights included the Maine delegation’s meeting directly with Senator Susan Collins to champion the renewal of critical tax incentives and the New York delegation’s private tour of the Capitol with Representative Elise Stefanik, House Republican Conference Chair. The Vermont delegation’s constructive dialogue with Senator Bernie Sanders’ team yielded commitments to enhance key aspects of ABMA’s workforce development agenda.

Reflecting on the event’s success, ABMA Chair Joe Cecarelli expressed satisfaction, stating, “ABMA’s Advocacy Day was a resounding success. Our alliance stands stronger than ever, and our members have made significant strides on issues vital to our industry.”

Doug Ford, Chair of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA), lauded the event as unparalleled in its effectiveness, noting, “This was by far the most productive advocacy trip to D.C. in my experience. We achieved meaningful progress across the board, bringing many of our pressing issues to the brink of reaching the President’s desk.

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