Mission
NAWLA supports the business growth of the lumber and building materials distribution channel by fostering education, innovation and trusted relationships.
History
Since our founding in 1893, NAWLA has been at the very heart of the industry — longer than any other lumber organization in America. We represent the best interests of wholesalers, manufacturers, and service provider companies from the planting of seedlings to the selling of building materials and wood in all of its many forms. Our Past Chairs represent the most forward-thinking leaders in the lumber industry.
Vision
As the global link to North America, NAWLA prepares current and future leaders across the lumber and building materials distribution channel through education and business connections, driving innovation and fueling sustainable growth.
2026-2026 Strategic Plan
NAWLA's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan is focused on three key pillars:
Engagement
Offering a diverse set of opportunities that appeals to the various audiences within NAWLA and fosters a culture of engagement, creating a sense of belonging that members participate extensively through their membership.
Expansion
Growing our reach and relevance across North America and beyond, and setting our sights on doubling our membership through strategic segment expansion and international market development across the industry.
Education
Delivering meaningful learning experiences that advance every career stage in our industry. In addition to our current offerings, we plan to establish robust in-person and virtual educational offerings.
Value of a Wholesaler
Addressing Industry and Business Trends
The last few decades have seen a significant shift to Just-In-Time delivery of products as the industry standard. Each company has to run lean to remain profitable. Wholesale distributors offer buyers the flexibility to purchase quantities that range from multiple rail cars to individual pieces. By working with a wholesaler, a buyer can turn over inventory more quickly to lower costs and free up much-needed cash for further investment.
Streamlining Lumber Procurement
A major benefit of wholesale distribution is the wide product selection that a buyer would otherwise have to find multiple sources to receive. Instead, it can be done with one-stop shopping. Because wholesalers are buying from many different producers, buyers can tailor their products and species to the needs of their clients at a much lower cost.
In addition to offering wide range of products, wholesalers can also provide unique value-added services, such as packaging, remanufacturing and treatments. Buyers can often receive innovative product training and services to help sell products.
Supporting Lumber Producers
Wholesalers don’t just bring value to the buyer; they also can help a producer succeed. Manufacturers often have to spend years establishing new distribution networks or adapting existing ones. Wholesalers have a long history of knowing buyers and the markets. By working with a wholesale distributor, a producer can focus on its core business model.
As niche markets increase in importance and profitability, producers and suppliers need expertise and experience to create customization, branding, and marketing for products. Wholesalers can often remanufacture a product in response to market changes and also have experience in creating promotional campaigns.