National Hardwood Lumber Association

09/03/2026

Markets are shifting. Trade dynamics are changing. New opportunities are emerging around the world.

At , AHEC Executive Director Mike Snow will break down what’s happening across global hardwood markets and what the industry should be watching next.

🌎 Ed Session - Global Markets & the Future of American Hardwood
📅 September 17 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Cleveland, OH, USA
✳️ Sponsored by Granite Valley

Online registration closes September 11, and onsite registration rates will be higher! Don't wait - register today: https://ow.ly/4z3K50ZGbAY

09/02/2026

WE’RE HIRING! 🌳

What happens when generations of hardwood grading expertise meet emerging AI technology?

NHLA is looking for a National Inspector – AI Grader Supervisor to help us answer that question.

This new role will work at the intersection of NHLA hardwood lumber grading and AI-assisted technology, supporting AI grader operations, image annotation, quality control, training, and collaboration with manufacturers and mills.

We’re looking for someone with extensive hardwood lumber grading knowledge who’s ready to learn new technology, work with industry partners, and help shape how AI-assisted grading develops across the hardwood industry. Regular travel is part of the role.

Think you could be the right fit or know someone who is? 👉 Learn more + apply: https://ow.ly/ff5850ZHX1f

09/01/2026

Remember those professional goals you set for 2026? 👀

There’s still time to check one more off the list!

📚 3-Day Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Grading
September 15–17 | Cleveland, OH
ONLY 3 SEATS LEFT!

🎓 Inspector Training School Class 212
September 21–November 13 | Memphis, TN

2026 isn’t over yet. Make one of those year-end goals happen and head into 2027 with new skills already under your belt.

🔗 Explore National Hardwood Academy courses and register: https://ow.ly/jsNi50ZFPxl

08/31/2026

NHA Instructor Roman Matyushchenko was in Fullerton, California last week for a 3-Day Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Grading course hosted by Highland Lumber and Mill.

And we love seeing a classroom this full! 👏

Over three days, students built their understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules through classroom instruction and hands-on practice - developing skills they can take right back to the yard, mill, and workplace.

A big thank you to Highland Lumber and Mill for hosting and to everyone who joined us!

08/28/2026

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌳👋

There are many new faces in the NHLA community, and we think you should get to know them!

We’re kicking off a new series highlighting some of the companies and organizations that have recently joined NHLA - because every new member brings new experience, expertise, perspectives, and connections to our industry.

Help us welcome:

🌳 Novawood
🌳 Landen Strapping Corporation
🌳 Sustainable Forestry Initiative
🌳 Powell Valley Millwork by CMPC
🌳 Silver Leaf Sawmill

We’re excited to have you all as part of the NHLA community and look forward to seeing you connect, get involved, and make the most of your membership.

And this is just the beginning! Keep an eye out as we introduce more of NHLA’s newest members in upcoming spotlights.

New to NHLA? Introduce yourself in the comments and tell us what your company does! 👋

08/27/2026

Thank you to National Inspector Marty Westeen for representing NHLA & the National Hardwood Academy at the Tennessee State Fair last week! 👏

Opportunities like this give us a chance to connect with the community, talk about careers in the hardwood industry, and introduce more people to the education and training available through the National Hardwood Academy.

08/26/2026

Hello from IWF Atlanta! 👋

Darci Shannon and John Hester are on the show floor today, spending some time at the Real American Hardwood Coalition booth!

If you’re at IWF this week, stop by, say hello, and learn more about the work being done to promote Real American Hardwood. 🌳

See you on the show floor!

08/26/2026

What if more federal projects specified American hardwood? 🇺🇸🌳

American-grown. American-processed. American-made.

That’s the opportunity NHLA is pursuing through expanded advocacy in Washington, D.C.—working to build demand, influence federal procurement, and create new opportunities for our industry.

See how we’re working to strengthen the future of American hardwood: https://ow.ly/h3bq50ZztOo

08/25/2026

The U.S. International Trade Commission has issued affirmative final determinations in the trade case involving hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam - clearing the way for antidumping and countervailing duty orders on covered imports.

“The USITC’s determination confirms what our industry has been warning about: China is deliberately trying to put American mom-and-pop hardwood companies out of business.” — NHLA Executive Director Dallin Brooks

Read more about the ruling: https://ow.ly/M7BK50ZERv9

NHLA applauds a U.S. ITC ruling that clears the way for new trade duties on hardwood and decorative plywood imported from China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

08/25/2026

Students got hands-on training with walnut during the recent IHLA-hosted lumber grading short course at Purdue University! 🌳📏

With guidance from NHLA Instructor Roman Matyushchenko, students spent part of the week applying the NHLA Grading Rules, strengthening their skills through hands-on practice.

It’s great to see the next generation of hardwood professionals building knowledge and developing skills they can put to work in the industry. Great work, everyone! 👏