NLA Members Receive Discounts on Fuel
Now that the weather has finally turned and deliveries are picking up, trucks are on a continuous loop between lumber yards and job sites. So this is the perfect time of year to remind NLA members about the fuel savings program available through a partnership with Holiday Stationstores.
Many members are already taking advantage of this great benefit and save $.04 per gallon every time they use their Holiday Fleet Card. The NLA and Holiday Stationstores would like to encourage more members to enroll in this benefit and have created a special "Introductory" offer. All new Fleet Card sign-ups will be eligible for an additional $.03 off per gallon totaling a $.07 discount per gallon for the first 90 days. This comes just in time for the peak summertime delivery schedule. To take advantage of this offer, new enrollments must be submitted by Wednesday, June 30, 2010.
The Holiday Fleet Card is more than just "Cheap Gas". There are many other features that help member businesses save money and increase efficiency.
FUEL DISCOUNTS:
After the initial 90 day special offer (only available to new participants), participants will continue to receive a $.04 per gallon rebate on all gasoline and diesel fuel purchases. You must use your Holiday Fleet Card at the over 400 store locations to receive this rebate. In addition, for each gallon purchased by an association member, a half-cent is rebated to NLA, which helps keep your membership dues stable and ultimately keeps the lumber industry strong.
TRACKING:
The Holiday Fleet Card can track purchases by vehicle. It can also track mileage and show you your cost per mile to operate each vehicle. Simply input the odometer reading each time a vehicle is fueled and you will be able to track how efficient each driver or vehicle is on the road.
CAR WASH SAVINGS:
By using your Holiday Fleet Card you receive $2 off a car wash at any participating Holiday Stationstore without having to purchase fuel.
NO ANNUAL FEE:
There is no annual fee to carry the Holiday Fleet Card so you don't have to worry about inactivity fees. Just make sure you pay your Holiday Fleet Card balance in full each month.
Click HERE to Download a Flyer and Sign-up Form
Friday, April 9, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Scam Alert: Involving Credit Cards
Credit Card Scam
NLA has received a fraud alert from our credit card processor, Elavon, which is part of U.S. Bank Corp. It applies to everyone who accepts credit cards.
Thieves are using stolen credit cards numbers to order materials usually via fax, email, or operator assisted (hearing impaired relay) call. Sometimes they will say that a shipping or trucking company, which is part of the scam, is picking up the material at your facility. At other times, they will ask you to deliver the items to an open or vacant lot, saying that the materials are for a "start-up" development; or they may ask you to ship smaller items via UPS or a similar service. Other "red flags" include (a) the customer requests for the merchant to process the transaction while on the phone, (b) the customer is in a geographical location that is out of the ordinary [in another state], (c)the customer asks for the authorization codes(s) or proof that the cards went through, and (d) they often use multiple card numbers which are almost identical except for the last few digits.
Even when an authorization code is obtained, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover will not guarantee payments for non-card swipe transactions. Therefore, if you don't know who's ordering material from you, it is prudent to have them come in and swipe their card. If they cannot, please contact your voice authorization department and perform a Code 10 authorization prior to processing the transactions. The telephone number for Voice Authorization may be located on the side of your credit card machine, or can be obtained by contacting customer service. It is recommended that you always use Code 10 procedures prior to shipping any product to an unknown customer.
As always, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
NLA has received a fraud alert from our credit card processor, Elavon, which is part of U.S. Bank Corp. It applies to everyone who accepts credit cards.
Thieves are using stolen credit cards numbers to order materials usually via fax, email, or operator assisted (hearing impaired relay) call. Sometimes they will say that a shipping or trucking company, which is part of the scam, is picking up the material at your facility. At other times, they will ask you to deliver the items to an open or vacant lot, saying that the materials are for a "start-up" development; or they may ask you to ship smaller items via UPS or a similar service. Other "red flags" include (a) the customer requests for the merchant to process the transaction while on the phone, (b) the customer is in a geographical location that is out of the ordinary [in another state], (c)the customer asks for the authorization codes(s) or proof that the cards went through, and (d) they often use multiple card numbers which are almost identical except for the last few digits.
Even when an authorization code is obtained, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover will not guarantee payments for non-card swipe transactions. Therefore, if you don't know who's ordering material from you, it is prudent to have them come in and swipe their card. If they cannot, please contact your voice authorization department and perform a Code 10 authorization prior to processing the transactions. The telephone number for Voice Authorization may be located on the side of your credit card machine, or can be obtained by contacting customer service. It is recommended that you always use Code 10 procedures prior to shipping any product to an unknown customer.
As always, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
New Cost of Doing Business Survey
Building Materials Operations Comparison
Online Survey Software
NLA is proud to announce a new online tool that combines the annual Cost of Doing Business Survey with the biyearly Wage & Salary Survey. NLA members can participate in the Building Materials Operations Comparison (BMOC) for $200 and the deadline to submit your data has been extended to April 30, 2010.
This web based survey tool will allow interested members to log in and enter their business information in an anonymous secure database. Once the survey period is over, participants will have access to about 90 charts and graphs comparing salaries and operational costs to regional and national averages.
We would like to encourage all NLA members to take advantage of this service as a great way to see how you compare to your peers. Those that have used similar tools in the past have learned more about the efficiencies and how to improve their bottom line. The charts help owners reveal the areas that can be improved upon as well as highlight the areas you do well. To date over 120 lumber yards across the nation have submitted data.
If you are an NLA Roundtable participant, your BMOC data can be used as your Roundtable financial information. Weather you participate as an individual or as a Roundtable, your data will be secure and anonymous. Please contact membership services director, Jay Breimhorst at (800) 896-5130 if you would like any additional information about the different ways to participate in this survey.
Click HERE for more information about BMOC.
Click HERE to download sign-up information.
Online Survey Software
NLA is proud to announce a new online tool that combines the annual Cost of Doing Business Survey with the biyearly Wage & Salary Survey. NLA members can participate in the Building Materials Operations Comparison (BMOC) for $200 and the deadline to submit your data has been extended to April 30, 2010.
This web based survey tool will allow interested members to log in and enter their business information in an anonymous secure database. Once the survey period is over, participants will have access to about 90 charts and graphs comparing salaries and operational costs to regional and national averages.
We would like to encourage all NLA members to take advantage of this service as a great way to see how you compare to your peers. Those that have used similar tools in the past have learned more about the efficiencies and how to improve their bottom line. The charts help owners reveal the areas that can be improved upon as well as highlight the areas you do well. To date over 120 lumber yards across the nation have submitted data.
If you are an NLA Roundtable participant, your BMOC data can be used as your Roundtable financial information. Weather you participate as an individual or as a Roundtable, your data will be secure and anonymous. Please contact membership services director, Jay Breimhorst at (800) 896-5130 if you would like any additional information about the different ways to participate in this survey.
Click HERE for more information about BMOC.
Click HERE to download sign-up information.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
AmerAssist Collections Program
New Benefit Available to NLA Members
NLA's newest endorsed partner, AmerAssist, has developed a full service cash flow management and collections program specifically for the lumber industry. This program is designed to help safeguard and recover your delinquent accounts receivable. With this partnership NLA members receive a 5% discount on all orders.
You should have already received a letter announcing this new partnership. The letter was approved and signed by Northwestern Lumber Association President, Paula Siewert. It introduces AmerAssist and offers more details about the program.
Contact NLA Membership Director Jay Breimhorst for more information (800) 896-5130.
Click HERE for more information about the Program.
NLA's newest endorsed partner, AmerAssist, has developed a full service cash flow management and collections program specifically for the lumber industry. This program is designed to help safeguard and recover your delinquent accounts receivable. With this partnership NLA members receive a 5% discount on all orders.
You should have already received a letter announcing this new partnership. The letter was approved and signed by Northwestern Lumber Association President, Paula Siewert. It introduces AmerAssist and offers more details about the program.
Contact NLA Membership Director Jay Breimhorst for more information (800) 896-5130.
Click HERE for more information about the Program.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Review of 2009
Progress Report
Overall, the NLA has had a great year. Considering it has experienced the some of the same financial challenges as many other businesses, these difficulties have lead to setting some very important goals. Now as you submit your renewal dues payment for 2010, NLA would like to give you a progress report on some of the changes in store for members in the upcoming year.
Tradeshows
After a bit of a decline in the NLA Expo in 2009 the Association has accepted the challenge from attendees to make some changes. As a result, the 2010 show was being moved to Grand Casino Hinckley Conference Center in Hinckley, MN and this convention received very high praise. The Iowa and Nebraska Conventions both experienced moderate gains from the previous year and the goal is to build on this success with more of the same. As a benefit of membership, all renewing members will receive free admission into all shows.
Looking Toward the Future
The NLA Board has challenged the Association to reach out to the next generation of lumber industry leaders. Now, members are buzzing with the creation of three chapters of “Future Lumber Leaders” where up-and-coming leaders from member properties are getting together to learn from each other and such dynamic Speakers as John Gagliardi, Dan Fessler and Lynn Allendorf. The next generation of leaders are sure to come up with some great new perspectives and ideas about running lumber businesses in the future.
Services addressing Industry Needs
After numerous conversations with members and some very excited vendor partners, the NLA has formed partnerships to address some pressing needs in the areas of Accounts Receivable Collections (through AmerAssist) and in Electronic Data Back-up (through ITS). It is also close to being able to offer an Email Marketing service to members ready to communicate with customers electronically. These services will assist in the member generated goals of “Improving Cash-Flow” and “Utilizing Technology.”
We appreciate all of the conversations we have with members who help NLA develop these initiatives and look forward to many more discussions. If you would like to offer your input please do not hesitate to call me directly at (800) 896-5130 or any of our other great staff at (888) 544-6822.
Overall, the NLA has had a great year. Considering it has experienced the some of the same financial challenges as many other businesses, these difficulties have lead to setting some very important goals. Now as you submit your renewal dues payment for 2010, NLA would like to give you a progress report on some of the changes in store for members in the upcoming year.
Tradeshows
After a bit of a decline in the NLA Expo in 2009 the Association has accepted the challenge from attendees to make some changes. As a result, the 2010 show was being moved to Grand Casino Hinckley Conference Center in Hinckley, MN and this convention received very high praise. The Iowa and Nebraska Conventions both experienced moderate gains from the previous year and the goal is to build on this success with more of the same. As a benefit of membership, all renewing members will receive free admission into all shows.
Looking Toward the Future
The NLA Board has challenged the Association to reach out to the next generation of lumber industry leaders. Now, members are buzzing with the creation of three chapters of “Future Lumber Leaders” where up-and-coming leaders from member properties are getting together to learn from each other and such dynamic Speakers as John Gagliardi, Dan Fessler and Lynn Allendorf. The next generation of leaders are sure to come up with some great new perspectives and ideas about running lumber businesses in the future.
Services addressing Industry Needs
After numerous conversations with members and some very excited vendor partners, the NLA has formed partnerships to address some pressing needs in the areas of Accounts Receivable Collections (through AmerAssist) and in Electronic Data Back-up (through ITS). It is also close to being able to offer an Email Marketing service to members ready to communicate with customers electronically. These services will assist in the member generated goals of “Improving Cash-Flow” and “Utilizing Technology.”
We appreciate all of the conversations we have with members who help NLA develop these initiatives and look forward to many more discussions. If you would like to offer your input please do not hesitate to call me directly at (800) 896-5130 or any of our other great staff at (888) 544-6822.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Money Saving Friendships
As the year comes to a close and we are in the middle of the busy holiday season we would like to remind you to renew your Northwestern Lumber Association membership for 2010. Over the coming year, the NLA would like to help put members in touch with each other and maybe even save a little money in the process. To help jumpstart this initiative the Association will be offering all members that renew prior to January 31, 2010 a FREE classified advertisement on the NLA website.
We believe this simple offer will not only save members money by helping them find deals on items such as a used forklift or extra shelving units but will also help to stimulate conversation between members. As you call to ask about the product for sale, maybe you will strike up a conversation with “your new best friend from the state of …” or, you might share an operations problem with someone that offers you that “magical, why didn’t I think of that” moment?
Once your renewal payment has been processed, you will receive a coupon for your classified ad listing that can be redeemed anytime prior to December 31, 2010. These ads will be posted on www.nlassn.org, by date, and be active for 30 to 45 days. All you will have to do is send the ad description and contact information to the Association office.
As we move through the holiday season we are constantly reminded of the importance of helping others. A simple classified ad could help your neighbor and renewing your membership goes a long way in helping the entire lumber industry. Your small investment will contribute to the protection, education, and awareness within the retail lumber dealer community.
We believe this simple offer will not only save members money by helping them find deals on items such as a used forklift or extra shelving units but will also help to stimulate conversation between members. As you call to ask about the product for sale, maybe you will strike up a conversation with “your new best friend from the state of …” or, you might share an operations problem with someone that offers you that “magical, why didn’t I think of that” moment?
Once your renewal payment has been processed, you will receive a coupon for your classified ad listing that can be redeemed anytime prior to December 31, 2010. These ads will be posted on www.nlassn.org, by date, and be active for 30 to 45 days. All you will have to do is send the ad description and contact information to the Association office.
As we move through the holiday season we are constantly reminded of the importance of helping others. A simple classified ad could help your neighbor and renewing your membership goes a long way in helping the entire lumber industry. Your small investment will contribute to the protection, education, and awareness within the retail lumber dealer community.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Intangible Value
How Much Is Your Time Worth?
As I ask you to renew for the 2009 – 2010 membership year I will speak to the example of how saving time and frustration can be just as valuable as the more tangible savings you may receive from some of your most established vendors. There is no doubt that a new vendor (or existing one) can directly impact your bottom line by saving you a percentage on an order, which allows a greater sales margin. But I ask you to also consider the intangible savings an association membership has on your sanity and routine?
As much as we hate to admit it, every business is impacted by the decisions made at the capital. In just the past year the NLA has provided its members with the extreme luxury of identifying and translating the legal jargon that made it way through the legislative process. With a simple call to the office (or reading Paula’s legislative summaries) you can find out exactly what that legislation means and what you have to do to comply or take advantage of the changes. And what about that suspicious letter, email, fax or phone call you received telling you that you are not in compliance with… ? Again, put your membership dues to work by turning it over to the NLA staff and go on with running your business. Staff will investigate and follow-up with you in short order. It might be a scam, but members go on without losing any time or sleep over the issue.
With that I ask you to note the enclosed membership dues renewal form and return it with a payment. Also, please verify the contact information and make any changes directly on the statement before returning it to the office. The more members we have in NLA, the more questions our staff can research; which leads to a much more informed industry and a better bottom line for everyone!
Please feel free to submit your questions to me at (800) 896-5130 or any of our great staff at (888) 544-6822 as we look forward to serving you over the next year.
As I ask you to renew for the 2009 – 2010 membership year I will speak to the example of how saving time and frustration can be just as valuable as the more tangible savings you may receive from some of your most established vendors. There is no doubt that a new vendor (or existing one) can directly impact your bottom line by saving you a percentage on an order, which allows a greater sales margin. But I ask you to also consider the intangible savings an association membership has on your sanity and routine?
As much as we hate to admit it, every business is impacted by the decisions made at the capital. In just the past year the NLA has provided its members with the extreme luxury of identifying and translating the legal jargon that made it way through the legislative process. With a simple call to the office (or reading Paula’s legislative summaries) you can find out exactly what that legislation means and what you have to do to comply or take advantage of the changes. And what about that suspicious letter, email, fax or phone call you received telling you that you are not in compliance with… ? Again, put your membership dues to work by turning it over to the NLA staff and go on with running your business. Staff will investigate and follow-up with you in short order. It might be a scam, but members go on without losing any time or sleep over the issue.
With that I ask you to note the enclosed membership dues renewal form and return it with a payment. Also, please verify the contact information and make any changes directly on the statement before returning it to the office. The more members we have in NLA, the more questions our staff can research; which leads to a much more informed industry and a better bottom line for everyone!
Please feel free to submit your questions to me at (800) 896-5130 or any of our great staff at (888) 544-6822 as we look forward to serving you over the next year.
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