Shifts in labor markets, demographic changes, and population trends are transforming the workforce faster than ever before. NAWLA members are facing a competitive landscape where attracting, developing, and retaining top talent depends not just on pay and benefits—but on the quality of leadership. In this session, participants will explore the latest workforce data on population growth, generational shifts, and employment trends, and connect it directly to what matters most: leadership excellence. Together, we’ll uncover how leadership practices influence retention, employee development, and organizational culture—and highlight the five leadership skills proven to create high-performing, engaged workplaces.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Interpret current labor and economic data to identify critical workforce challenges and opportunities.
• Understand the connection between leadership behaviors and employee attraction, retention, and development.
• Identify the five most critical leadership skills that strengthen leadership capability and prepare organizations for the evolving labor market.  

Join Nicole Molczan, Sr. Sales Manager of Building Supply at Epicor, for an inside look at how strategic business process innovation is revolutionizing the lumber and building materials industry. This session will explore how leading companies are leveraging ERP systems to streamline workflows, maximize resource utilization, and achieve greater visibility across their operations.

In the lumber and building materials industry, where relationships, operational know-how, and long-term vision are critical, leadership succession is more than a plan—it's a strategic advantage. This session offers a practical roadmap for developing future-ready leaders from within your organization, ensuring business continuity and long-term growth.

Through a real-world case study, participants will explore how to:

1. Build a strong governance foundation with a board and strategic committees aligned to long-term goals.
2. Structure capital and incentive plans to support growth and retain top talent across sales, operations, and leadership.
3. Identify key contributors and create tailored investment and ownership opportunities
4. Establish performance benchmarks and review processes to adapt succession strategies over time.
5. Manage leadership transitions with thoughtful liquidity planning that preserve company cash flow and empower rising leaders.

Whether you're a regional manufacturer or a national wholesaler, this session will help you build a leadership pipeline that keeps your business strong for generations to come

Speaker:  Alberto del Pilar, Managing Director | ButcherJoseph & Co.

This discussion will analyze the balance between environmental factors (regulations, mortgage rates, and local demographics) and execution factors (supply chain efficiency, operational strategy, and market positioning) in maintaining a competitive advantage in the lumber and forest products sector.

Speaker: Michael Swanson Ph.D. Senior Vice President Agricultural Economist and Consultant, Wells Fargo & Company.

Trade and tariff policies between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries are in flux, presenting significant risks of both higher prices and slower growth. Understanding the interests and intentions behind the U.S. trade push is crucial for framing the potential impact on lumber, housing, interest rates, the dollar, equity markets, and more. Join top-ranked economist Jason Schenker for this exclusive member briefing and discussion about the risks, challenges, and opportunities following the Realpolitik application of U.S. trade and tariff policies.

Bloomberg News has ranked Jason the #1 forecaster in the world in 27 different financial and economic categories since 2011. A bestselling author and professional speaker, Jason advises industry groups, private and public companies, and institutional investors with his award-winning research, executive briefings, and high-value board presentations. His latest book is Cold War Two: Navigating a New Era of Uncertainty for the Economy, Finance, Energy, Technology, Trade, and Supply Chain. Jason is an advisor to the U.S. State Department, an Adjunct Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and adjunct faculty for the Joint Special Operations University at U.S. Special Operations Command. He frequently appears on Bloomberg Television, CNBC, BNN, CNN, and the BBC.

Speaker: Jason Schenker, Top-ranked Economist, Leading Futurist, Bestselling Author, President of Prestige Economics and Chairman of The Futurist Institute

You may be active on Instagram and Facebook, but if you’re ignoring LinkedIn, you’re missing a huge opportunity. LinkedIn is where serious business happens. In this session, Stefanie Couch will show you how to strengthen your personal brand, optimize your profile, and connect with the right people to grow your agency. Don’t overlook LinkedIn—learn how it can be a game-changer for your business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Harness the Power of Personal Branding: Build trust and authenticity in your industry through a strong LinkedIn presence.
2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Learn tips to make your profile stand out and attract valuable connections.
3. Connect, Engage, and Lead with Content: Discover strategies for growing your network and establishing yourself as an industry expert.

Introducing Foundation of Forest Products – Your On-Demand Guide to Forest Products Essentials

NAWLA is excited to launch Foundation of Forest Products, a convenient, on-demand course designed to provide essential forest products knowledge anytime, anywhere. Perfect for new employees, industry newcomers, or those looking to expand their understanding, Foundation of Forest Products features seven concise less than 20-minute modules, adapted from our flagship in-person Wood Basics Course. Each module includes key takeaways and assessments, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Expand your knowledge with Foundation of Forest Products —get started today and take the first step toward mastering the forest products industry!

Modules Overview: 

The Forest: Forestry and Harvesting: Explore the fundamentals of forestry, including forest management practices and the different types of forests that contribute to wood production. 

Wood Basics and Anatomy: Delve into the structure and composition of trees, understanding how growth patterns, water content, and strength factors influence wood characteristics. 

Lumber Manufacturing: Learn the step-by-step process of turning logs into lumber, from debarking through to packing and shipping. 

Lumber Grading: Discover the different grades of lumber and plywood, and understand how wood defects and quality control play a role in the final product. 

Engineered Wood Products (EWP): Examine the manufacturing processes and applications of engineered wood products, such as plywood, OSB, and I-joists, and how they enhance construction. 

Treated Wood: Understand the wood treatment processes that protect products from decay and insects, focusing on sustainability and long-term durability. 

Logistics and Transportation: Gain valuable insights into the logistics of shipping wood products, including the modes of transportation, packaging requirements, and innovations in the field.

Introducing Foundation of Forest Products – Your On-Demand Guide to Forest Products Essentials

NAWLA is excited to launch Foundation of Forest Products, a convenient, on-demand course designed to provide essential forest products knowledge anytime, anywhere. Perfect for new employees, industry newcomers, or those looking to expand their understanding, Foundation of Forest Products features seven concise less than 20-minute modules, adapted from our flagship in-person Wood Basics Course. Each module includes key takeaways and assessments, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Expand your knowledge with Foundation of Forest Products —get started today and take the first step toward mastering the forest products industry!

Modules Overview: 

The Forest: Forestry and Harvesting: Explore the fundamentals of forestry, including forest management practices and the different types of forests that contribute to wood production. 

Wood Basics and Anatomy: Delve into the structure and composition of trees, understanding how growth patterns, water content, and strength factors influence wood characteristics. 

Lumber Manufacturing: Learn the step-by-step process of turning logs into lumber, from debarking through to packing and shipping. 

Lumber Grading: Discover the different grades of lumber and plywood, and understand how wood defects and quality control play a role in the final product. 

Engineered Wood Products (EWP): Examine the manufacturing processes and applications of engineered wood products, such as plywood, OSB, and I-joists, and how they enhance construction. 

Treated Wood: Understand the wood treatment processes that protect products from decay and insects, focusing on sustainability and long-term durability. 

Logistics and Transportation: Gain valuable insights into the logistics of shipping wood products, including the modes of transportation, packaging requirements, and innovations in the field.

Introducing Foundation of Forest Products – Your On-Demand Guide to Forest Products Essentials

NAWLA is excited to launch Foundation of Forest Products, a convenient, on-demand course designed to provide essential forest products knowledge anytime, anywhere. Perfect for new employees, industry newcomers, or those looking to expand their understanding, Foundation of Forest Products features seven concise less than 20-minute modules, adapted from our flagship in-person Wood Basics Course. Each module includes key takeaways and assessments, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Expand your knowledge with Foundation of Forest Products —get started today and take the first step toward mastering the forest products industry!

Modules Overview: 

The Forest: Forestry and Harvesting: Explore the fundamentals of forestry, including forest management practices and the different types of forests that contribute to wood production. 

Wood Basics and Anatomy: Delve into the structure and composition of trees, understanding how growth patterns, water content, and strength factors influence wood characteristics. 

Lumber Manufacturing: Learn the step-by-step process of turning logs into lumber, from debarking through to packing and shipping. 

Lumber Grading: Discover the different grades of lumber and plywood, and understand how wood defects and quality control play a role in the final product. 

Engineered Wood Products (EWP): Examine the manufacturing processes and applications of engineered wood products, such as plywood, OSB, and I-joists, and how they enhance construction. 

Treated Wood: Understand the wood treatment processes that protect products from decay and insects, focusing on sustainability and long-term durability. 

Logistics and Transportation: Gain valuable insights into the logistics of shipping wood products, including the modes of transportation, packaging requirements, and innovations in the field.

Introducing Foundation of Forest Products – Your On-Demand Guide to Forest Products Essentials

NAWLA is excited to launch Foundation of Forest Products, a convenient, on-demand course designed to provide essential forest products knowledge anytime, anywhere. Perfect for new employees, industry newcomers, or those looking to expand their understanding, Foundation of Forest Products features seven concise less than 20-minute modules, adapted from our flagship in-person Wood Basics Course. Each module includes key takeaways and assessments, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Expand your knowledge with Foundation of Forest Products —get started today and take the first step toward mastering the forest products industry!

Modules Overview: 

The Forest: Forestry and Harvesting: Explore the fundamentals of forestry, including forest management practices and the different types of forests that contribute to wood production. 

Wood Basics and Anatomy: Delve into the structure and composition of trees, understanding how growth patterns, water content, and strength factors influence wood characteristics. 

Lumber Manufacturing: Learn the step-by-step process of turning logs into lumber, from debarking through to packing and shipping. 

Lumber Grading: Discover the different grades of lumber and plywood, and understand how wood defects and quality control play a role in the final product. 

Engineered Wood Products (EWP): Examine the manufacturing processes and applications of engineered wood products, such as plywood, OSB, and I-joists, and how they enhance construction. 

Treated Wood: Understand the wood treatment processes that protect products from decay and insects, focusing on sustainability and long-term durability. 

Logistics and Transportation: Gain valuable insights into the logistics of shipping wood products, including the modes of transportation, packaging requirements, and innovations in the field.