Courtesy Curtis Lumber Co.
The Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) has announced the election of Doug Ford, of Curtis Lumber Company, as the new Chair of the association. This election occurred during NRLA’s annual business meeting, coinciding with the LBM Expo at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Ford assumes the role following the two-year tenure of Nick Kuiken from Kuiken Bros. Inc. as Chair.
As a seasoned member of the NRLA and the Lumber and Building Material Dealers Foundation (LBMDF), Ford brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the industry to his new leadership position. With a passionate commitment to workforce development initiatives, he will help set the goals to support NRLA’s mission to enhance the business success of building material suppliers spanning from Maine to Washington, D.C.
Rita Ferris, President of the NRLA, expressed gratitude to outgoing Chair Kuiken. “Nick, alongside the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, has been a driving force behind NRLA’s extraordinary journey over the past two years. His dedication to the prosperity of the NRLA will be a legacy for future generations. Combined with this year’s record-breaking education initiatives, the expansion of our federal lobbying presence through the American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA), and a steady membership, the NRLA is noticeably stronger.”
In a statement, Kuiken remarked, “While my term may be ending, my commitment to our industry and this mission remains steadfast. I am confident this association is well positioned to thrive in the future, thanks to the collective efforts of our exceptional team and under the leadership of incoming Chair Doug Ford, who will continue a deep-rooted dedication to our LBM industry.”
During Ford’s inauguration as Chair, Rich Keating of Curtis Lumber Company commended Ford, expressing his sincere belief that he is the perfect person for the position. Keating highlighted Ford’s legendary participation, engagement, and numerous contributions to the NRLA while on the Executive Committee.
Ford, appreciative of the opportunity to serve as Chair, stated, “It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as your NRLA Chair for the next two years. I have had an amazing career, and I’m looking forward to giving back to an industry that has given so much to me and my family. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Curtis family and the entire Curtis Lumber organization for allowing me this opportunity to serve as your Chair. I would also like to acknowledge Nick Kuiken for his leadership over the past two years and for positioning this organization for continued growth and service to its membership.”