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Florida Building Material Alliance made a groundbreaking announcement during its recent annual expo, unveiling a new membership structure that allows retail dealers to join the association for free.
Effective immediately, LBM dealers with a brick-and-mortar location in Florida can be members without charge if they register on the FBMA website, are registered with SunBiz, have a website, and sell 51% or more to the public. FBMA will also offer dealers a paid level that carries additional benefits for $195 a year.
FBMA said the drastic change comes after years of trying discounts, extra “benefits,” mail campaigns, and email blasts. Indeed, the recent expo appeared to draw more associate members than retailers.
As FBMA explained, “If we’re fighting for retail dealers, we’re fighting for all retail dealers. Associates join FBMA because they want access to retail dealers. By growing this membership base, we create more value for every member.”
Associate members will still have to pay dues. More membership levels have also been added (Auxiliary, Retired Professionals, and Collaborating Associations).
The expo was held Aug. 21-22 in Lake Buena Vista, Fl. During the event, Betsy Bagwell of Bagwell Lumber, Avon Park, was elected to the FBMA Hall of Fame. H. Dan Pugh of Residential Building Supply, DeBary, received the Charles Harnden Industry Service Award.
The most eye-catching displays took home Best Booth awards. Among single-booth exhibitors, Global Fireproof Solutions won 1st place; All Points, 2nd place; and Home Aid, 3rd place. For multiple booths, Simpson Strong-Tie won 1st place; Great Southern/YellaWood, 2nd place; and Ponderosa Wood, 3rd place.
