Through executive action, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy designated building materials suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors as essential businesses, according to the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA).
“Essential businesses” include those necessary to maintain shelter and a state’s infrastructure. The essential distinction in New Jersey has been extended to hardware and home improvement stores and manufacturing and trucking companies that supply those businesses.
“Governor Murphy’s mandate reflects the LBM industry’s first priority, which is the implementation of health and safety standards,” Nick Kuiken, vice president of sales for Fairlawn, N.J.-based Kuiken Brothers, said in a statement released by the NRLA. “His taking immediate action demonstrates the importance associations such as the New Jersey Building Material Dealers and the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association have when it comes to governmental affairs.”
NRLA president Rita Ferris applauded Gov. Murphy’s actions and said the executive order will allow the LBM industry to fill critical needs in New Jersey communities and municipalities.
The NRLA operates in 11 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and is advocating for the LBM industry to be deemed essential by governors in more states in its regions. Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania have already recognized the LBM industry as essential businesses.
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