States Designate Building Material Suppliers As “Essential”

The Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) announces that, through executive action, three states have designated building material suppliers as essential businesses. Among the states that recognize the important role building material suppliers play in building the health and safety of our community are New York, Maine, and Pennsylvania.

“NRLA members are locally owned businesses that have played a critical role in supporting our communities during emergency situations such as hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, and fires,” said Rita Ferris, NRLA President. “We are thrilled to have three Governors take the lead in making sure that flow of construction materials and goods that support safe, healthy homes are readily available to the public and construction companies.”

“While the safety of our employees and customers is our priority, and we are following all safety precautions, building material suppliers want to be supportive of individuals and communities,” said Jay Curtis, President of Curtis Lumber Company Inc., Ballston Spa, N.Y. “During times of uncertainty and confusion, the public has come to know us as a trusted and reliable partner that must be allowed to fully operate without workforce and capacity restrictions.”

The NRLA, which operates in 11 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, is advocating for the lumber and building material supply industry to be deemed as essential across the United States and is asking member-companies to email their Governor and Legislators to request this designation.

According to Kirk Ives, NRLA Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, “Our members provide critical services to individuals and contractors as well as local, state, and federal municipalities such as highway departments and water departments. They provide the products and support needed to maintain the safety and security of homes, businesses, and construction projects.

“We thank Governor Mills, Governor Cuomo, and Governor Wolf for their leadership during these difficult times. I’m hopeful that other states around the nation will follow their lead.”

About the NRLA
The NRLA is a 1200-member association representing independent lumber and building material suppliers and associated businesses in New York, New Jersey, the Mid-Atlantic, and six New England states. Throughout our 126-year history, NRLA has provided leadership, support, and community for lumber and building material dealers throughout the Northeastern United States. NRLA is an industry leader in education, legislative and regulatory reform, and member programs and services. We also produce the industry’s largest regional trade show, LBM Expo.