Member Benefits

Grow Your Business with NHLA!

The National Hardwood Lumber Association is committed to providing its members with the resources they need to drive business, market share, and industry visibility. From standards and guidelines to lobbying efforts, marketing services, and more, NHLA strives for new heights of collaborative excellence.

NHLA is not only the premier North American hardwood trade association but is the unified voice of the entire hardwood industry. Since 1898, NHLA has provided structure, support, education, and the fundamental foundation of the Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules to the hardwood industry. Because of our commitment to these foundational Rules, the hardwood industry is without government oversight. We take pride in knowing that NHLA’s long history of service and structure is the reason that the hardwood industry remains independent and free.

And while we take pride in our accomplishments of the last 125 years, we have even bigger plans for the future! Come GROW with us!

Members-Only Benefits

Joining the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) provides unparalleled advantages that significantly enhance your business’s credibility and market presence. As an NHLA member, you will gain exclusive access to various benefits designed to support your growth and success in the hardwood industry. Explore the extensive resources and opportunities that await you with NHLA membership.

Instant Credibility and Industry Recognition

  • Use the NHLA logo on all your company’s marketing materials, website, advertisements, etc.
  • Enhance your reputation and strengthen your sales calls within the hardwood industry.

Labor Solutions

  • Exclusive access to post job openings on the NHLA Online Career Center job board.

Event and Program Discounts

NHLA Annual Convention

  • Discounts on attendance fees and exhibit booth fees.

Industry-Hosted Training Events

  • Reduced fees for participation.

Inspection Services

  • Discounts on work performed by NHLA National Inspectors.

KD Certification Program

  • Reduced program fees.

In-House Training

  • Training at your facility with your employees by an NHLA National Inspector.

Free Access to NHLA Publications and Communication

The Bi-monthly Newsletter “Hardwire”

  • Stay informed with industry news and updates.

Breaking News Alerts

  • Immediate updates on critical industry news.

Educational Webinars and Replays

  • Free access to informative webinars.

Hardwood Matters Magazine

  • Receive the industry’s leading publication.

Exclusive Advertising and Marketing Opportunities

Service on the NHLA Board of Directors

  • Influence industry standards and practices.

Member of the Month Recognition

  • Featured in print and digital formats.

Hardwood Federation Fly-In Participation

  • Engage in advocacy with NHLA.


Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Business Account Discounts

NHLA Member Discounts on Merchandise

  • Up to 30% off private label brands (Ascend, RedHead, Bass Pro Guidewear, etc.).
  • Up to 15% off national brands (Ariat, Buck, Columbia, Carhartt, Under Armour, YETI, etc.).
  • Customizable items with company or event logo (Embroidery, Engraving, Decals, UV Color Printing).
  • Free logo setup and low minimums.

Access to our Member-exclusive Community App, available on the Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

Join NHLA today and unlock these exclusive benefits designed to drive your business growth and elevate your industry presence!

NHLA Grading Rules, the Hardwood Industry Standard

NHLA Active members have the exclusive ability to vote on the NHLA Grading Rules and other Association matters.

The NHLA hardwood lumber grading Rules are the foundation of the uniform system of trade for hardwood lumber and give North American hardwoods a competitive advantage. To stay timely and relevant, the NHLA Rules are evaluated every four years for needed changes. Voting on the Rules change process is an integral part of being a member.

Industry-Specific Education: Boost Your Bottom Line

NHLA’s educational programming is developed specifically for the hardwood industry. We offer programs to propel your individual career as well as programs that will contribute to the overall success and profitability of your company. NHLA Educational oppertunities range from the NHLA Inspector Training School to Short Courses, Webinars and more!

NHLA Services

For more than 125 years, NHLA has been serving the hardwood industry. We help our members achieve profitability and solve their top business challenges with data-driven expert advice and hands-on training. We have a team of National Inspectors who have more than 200 years of combined experience. This team executes our programs, services, and training to keep your business prosperous.

Dispute Prevention & Resolution

Our Strap & Seal Financial Guarantee Program provides peace of mind that the contents of a shipment will meet or exceed the expectations of the purchase contract. Disputes are sometimes unavoidable; NHLA can help to resolve an issue if one arises. If you suspect that an order is off-grade and you just need an opinion, call us. NHLA can assess the order without having to look at the whole load. If that isn’t enough, then we will inspect the entire shipment.

Exclusive Members-Only NHLA Services and Programs including:
  • NHLA Facility Grade Certification
  • Access to the Quality Control Program
  • Access to the Yield Analysis Study

Marketing

Expand Your Network

Membership in NHLA exposes your company to thousands of decision-makers and industry influencers, links your business to the global hardwood industry, and provides you the opportunity to grow your customer base and your bottom line.

Grow Your Brand with NHLA

NHLA has multiple venues for you to market your business to the global hardwood community. Members have the exclusive opportunity to advertise to the hardwood industry through NHLA publications and digital assets, including:

  • Hardwire E-newsletter
  • Hardwood Matters Magazine
  • NHLA.com
  • Printed Buyers Guide
  • Social Media platforms
NHLA Online Community

Interacting and networking with other members is not limited to the Annual Convention. Through the NHLA online community, NHLA members and industry friends can connect, discuss, share, and promote different events. Online Community outlets include the NHLA Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and educational and information webinars.

Placement in the NHLA Member Directory

NHLA Members are featured in NHLA Member Directory. The Directory is an interactive list that works on a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. Find suppliers, manufacturers, services, and more! The Member Directory includes web and email links, one-click calling, and real-time updates to information.

Member-Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities, including:
  • NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase
  • Special Event Sponsorship
  • Webinar Sponsorship

Advocacy & Promotion

NHLA is a committed advocate for important issues that affect the business of the hardwood industry. Ten percent of membership dues are given directly to the administrative and operating funds of the Hardwood Federation.

NHLA is a founding member of the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC), a promotion program whose focus is to advance American hardwoods as the Naturally Authentic choice. Five percent of membership dues and NHLA staff time are given directly to support the work of the RAHC.

Showcase Your Sustainability

The National Hardwood Lumber Association offers members a Sustainability Verification Certificate (SVC) to help you understand and answer questions regarding the sustainability of North American hardwoods.

Produced in collaboration with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), this certificate is designed to be given to your customers as documentation of North American hardwood sustainability. It shows that NHLA and its members are committed to the sustainability, education, and advocacy of North American Hardwoods.

The sustainability of North American hardwoods has been documented and supported by several scientific and academic reports and independent and government agencies.

The SVC is reissued via email and traditional mail to NHLA members in good standing once a year.

If you are a member in need of an SVC, please contact our Membership team or call 901-377-1818.

Connect with NHLA Today

John Hester
Chief Development Officer

Connect with NHLA Today

Get in touch with the National Hardwood Lumber Association and join our vibrant community of hardwood industry professionals, enthusiasts, and partners. We’re excited to connect with you and shape the future of the hardwood industry together!

Have any questions about Membership with NHLA? Contact a member of the Business Development Team.

Member Benefits John web 022
John Hester

Chief Development Officer
901-399-7558