A theme that developed throughout Jennings’ discussion was that a company’s culture is its ultimate competitive advantage. Companies should define what they do well and let go of programs that no longer justify their effort.
Jennings concluded with the notion that fast companies that build momentum aren’t naturally any faster than their slow-moving competitors. They’re just smarter and remove the roadblocks that slow companies down.
Throughout the year we’ll be asking Industry Summit attendees for examples of how their company is moving faster and smarter and will share those stories with you in future issues.
Let me know if you have a story to share.
–Shawn Conrad is president of NLBMDA.
Outlook for the 110th Congress
NLBMDA set to adjust priorities as Democrats take over Capitol Hill.
Election Day 2006 has come and gone, but the impact of this mid-term election has far-reaching consequences for the agenda in the 110th Congress. With Democrats gaining the majority necessary to control the House of Representatives and the Senate, priorities will shift and the agenda undoubtedly will reflect different priorities.
The Democratic leadership has stated its intention to work across party lines to achieve consensus on issues important to the American people. The election of several pro-business, fiscally conservative Democrats will present an opportunity for the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) to develop relationships with members of the new majority and work to advance the NLBMDA-initiated Innocent Sellers Fairness Act (ISFA) and other industry priorities. To achieve our goals, it will become necessary to solicit support on both sides of the political aisle and to work on a bipartisan basis.
While remaining optimistic about the advancement of ISFA and other industry priorities, NLBMDA recognizes that the change of control in Congress will require adjustments in our strategy to secure co-sponsors and to recruit support for our goals. It will be important for all of us to reach out and make the case for ISFA in the 110th Congress. We believe in this legislation and the relief from frivolous lawsuits it will bring, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to push for its enactment into law.
To join Team ISFA, please visit NLBMDA’s advocacy Web site, www.buildthevote.org, and register your support for ISFA with your member of Congress.
–Sarah Owen is government affairs and grassroots advocacy director at NLBMDA.
Mark Your Calendar for NLBMDA’s 2007 Legislative Conference
Last April, lumber dealers from across the nation descended upon Capitol Hill during the NLBMDA Legislative Conference to take on tort reform and promote the introduction of the Innocent Sellers Fairness Act (ISFA)–IT WORKED. Thanks to the efforts of our dealers, this NLBMDA-initiated bill was introduced to the House in May.
Your attendance at this year’s conference is even more essential to continue the momentum behind this landmark legislation. Your representatives need to hear from you so they can understand how this bill will protect dealers against predatory lawsuits. Show them that ISFA has your full support and that their backing is important to the rights of dealers across the country.
Join Team ISFA at the 2007 Legislative Conference April 16?18, at the Ritz Carlton in Washington. For more information, call 800.634.8645 or visit www.dealer.org.
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association represents more than 8,000 lumber and building material companies with more than 400,000 employees, 20 state and regional associations, and the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers. NLBMDA is the voice of America’s building suppliers. www.dealer.org.
