NHLA adds new membership category

The National Hardwood Lumber Association has established a new membership category to increase participation by hardwood companies from around the world. The new "Partner" membership recognizes individual firms or corporations engaged in the manufacture, custom kiln drying, wholesaling or distribution of hardwood lumber, veneer, plywood and related products that are not headquartered in North America.

The NHLA's global drive has been a work in progress. Two years ago, the group adopted a new tag line, "Strong Roots. Global Reach." In January 2009, NHLA opened its first overseas office in Shanghai, China. The focus of the Shanghai office has been to provide inspection services, including grade inquiries on specific loads, dispute resolutions and education about U.S. hardwood lumber grades.

"The NHLA grading rules have provided the domestic hardwood industry a common language to use in specifying hardwood lumber transactions for the past 113 years. With the addition of the new Partner category, the association has taken a step towards setting the world standard for hardwood lumber grades," says Mark Barford, executive director of the NHLA, in a news release.

For information, visit www.nhla.com.