FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROD WILES NAMED CHAIRPERSON OF ABMA FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

New Leadership Drives Adoption of Comprehensive 2025 Legislative Agenda for LBM Industry

Rensselaer, N.Y. – The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is proud to announce the appointment of Rod Wiles, Vice President of Human Resources at Hammond Lumber Company, as the Chairman of the Federal Legislative Committee. With 38 years of experience at Hammond Lumber Company, Wiles brings exceptional industry expertise and a proven track record of leadership to this vital role.

Since stepping into the role, Wiles has swiftly led the adoption of a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025 that focuses on critical issues impacting the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. Under his leadership, ABMA has also set the dates for its annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., on April 7-8, 2025, ensuring timely and effective representation of the industry’s interests on Capitol Hill.

Rod Wiles (center), newly appointed ABMA Chair, stands with fellow ABMA members from Maine outside the U.S. Capitol during ABMA Advocacy Day 2024, championing key industry priorities.

Wiles has held numerous leadership positions in the LBM industry, including serving on the Board of the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine (RLDAM), chairing its Legislative and Safety Committees, and serving as its President. He has also contributed to the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) as a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee as Chairperson, and various other committees.

ABMA 2025 Legislative Agenda

Under Wile’s leadership, ABMA’s 2025 legislative priorities are focused on strengthening the LBM industry and addressing key challenges:

Legislative Priorities

• Main Street Tax Package: Advocating for policies that support businesses in the LBM industry, including provisions such as bonus depreciation, immediate expensing, and estate tax reform.
• Credit Card Fees: Addressing the impact of rising transaction costs on businesses.
• Workforce Development: Expanding training opportunities to build a skilled workforce.

Regulatory Priorities

• CDL Licensing: Supporting industry-specific training to address driver shortages.
• Crane Certification: Advocating for certifications tailored to building materials operations.
• Salaried Overtime: Promoting manageable overtime regulations for businesses in the LBM industry.

Monitoring Key Issues

• OSHA Heat Illness and Injury Prevention: Tracking changes and their impact on operations.
• Corporate Transparency Act: Monitoring compliance requirements for businesses in the LBM industry.
• Tariffs: Observing developments that may impact material costs.

2025 Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

A key component of ABMA’s federal advocacy efforts, Advocacy Day, will take place on April 7-8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The event provides ABMA members with the opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers, share industry insights, and advocate for policies that enable growth and success in the LBM industry.

Rod Wiles on His Appointment

“I am honored to step into this role as chairperson of ABMA’s Federal Legislative Committee,” said Rod Wiles. “ABMA is a powerful voice for the lumber and building materials industry. By adopting a comprehensive 2025 agenda and securing dates for Advocacy Day, we’re ensuring that our industry’s priorities remain front and center in the federal policy conversation.”

About the ABMA

The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA), established in August 2021, is a coalition of unified voices advocating on behalf of the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry at the federal level. ABMA represents LBM dealers and associated businesses across 17 states and Washington, D.C., including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.

ABMA’s mission is to advance, shape, and influence policy across all branches of government. Working directly with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies, ABMA strives to ensure that the legislative and regulatory process benefits the LBM industry. The organization is powered by the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) and the Construction Suppliers Association (CSA).

Contact:
Francis Palasieski
Director of Government Affairs
American Building Materials Alliance
Direct Line: 518-880-6376
Email: fpalasieski@abmalliance.org