Massachusetts Retail Lumber Dealers Association (MRLDA)

The weather may have won the day, but it couldn't dampen the spirit of the 62nd Annual MRLDA Golf Outing! ⛳🌧️

On August 3, 201 golfers gathered at Pinehills in Plymouth, MA, ready to their best swing at the award-winning Jones and Nicklaus courses. A little sunshine at registration quickly turned to drizzle, then steady rain, and finally torrential downpours that transformed the fairways and greens into streams and ponds.

By the 7th hole, play came to an early end, but the fun was far from over. Golfers headed back to the clubhouse where an extended networking reception brought members together for great conversations, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that the best part of MRLDA events is the people.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we're already looking forward to next year's outing (and hoping Mother Nature joins our foursome instead of playing against us!).

Congratulations to Rita Ferris, President of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA)!

Built America Magazine is honored to feature an exclusive interview with Rita Ferris, CAE — President of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA).

Rita has led the NRLA through economic downturns, a global pandemic, and decades of industry change — always with one guiding principle:

"Leadership is not about you. It is about elevating other people. No one does it alone."

From a career that began as a complete accident to leading one of the most respected building-materials associations in the Northeast — representing 1,150+ members across New York and New England since 1894 — Rita's story is one of resilience, agility, and genuine service to the industry she loves.

"Change is not the enemy. Complacency is. Stay agile."

Her full feature debuts in our Women Building the Future edition at the 2026 FBMA Women's Summit — September 16–18 at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Kissimmee, Florida. In partnership with the Building Material Association and &A Construction Advisors LLC.

Built America Magazine — Published by Harrison Kelly Media Inc.

TOGETHER WE STAND: Annual Legislative Issue
In the newest issue of the Lumber Co-operator, see how advocacy is advancing the industry while exploring the newest hardware & hardline products and trends.
Read Now: buff.ly/6Z4GRyh
Subscribe: https://buff.ly/u2JFGfY

TOGETHER WE STAND: Annual Legislative Issue

In the newest issue of the Lumber Co-operator, see how advocacy is advancing the industry while exploring the newest hardware & hardline products and trends.

Read Now: buff.ly/6Z4GRyh
Subscribe: https://buff.ly/u2JFGfY

The 62nd Annual MRLDA Golf Outing will be on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA ⛳️ Register here: https://bit.ly/4foNEOM

Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July! 🇺🇸

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shares some Firework Safety tips: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fireworks

Is your deck ready for summer? June is Deck Safety Month—a good reminder to check for loose railings, wobbly stairs, wood rot, corrosion, and damaged connections before backyard season begins.

Read more for a simple deck safety checklist from the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA): https://nrla.org/deck-safety-month-inspection-checklist-and-critical-connections-for-existing-decks/

Tomorrow, June 18th, the NRLA is hosting a Workforce Solutions Program Webinar. The program provides access to valuable safety training, HR support, and workforce development resources designed to help members strengthen and grow their businesses.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how the program can help strengthen your business and take advantage of the wide range of tools and benefits available to your team. Register here: https://bit.ly/4uK4xYP

Changing the sales trajectory of a business really isn’t all that difficult. Often it is as simple as taking the business back to the basics of calling on new customers, understanding their needs, and helping them see how your business’ “solution” can make their situation better.
Read More: https://buff.ly/ihIwS1Q
Subscribe: https://buff.ly/drVAfoX

Changing the sales trajectory of a business really isn’t all that difficult. Often it is as simple as taking the business back to the basics of calling on new customers, understanding their needs, and helping them see how your business’ “solution” can make their situation better.

Read More: https://buff.ly/ihIwS1Q
Subscribe: https://buff.ly/drVAfoX

Save the Date! The 127th MRLDA Annual Meeting will be on Thursday, November 5th at the Verve Hotel Boston Natick, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Join us in honoring Lumber Person of the Year, Bob Fitzpatrick, BlueLinx , and Lifetime Achievement Recipients Jack & Rita Miller! Details to follow.

Save the Date! The 62nd Annual MRLDA Golf Outing will be on August 3, 2026 at the Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. Details to follow 🏌🏻