The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has announced the launch of Dealers to D.C., a new grant program designed to strengthen NLBMDA’s advocacy efforts through expanding dealer participation at NLBMDA’s annual Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference.
While the NAHB recognizes that there are many factors that can influence the decision to attend a legislative fly-in, Dealers to D.C. is intended to eliminate financial barriers that may restrict attendance at NLBMDA’s signature advocacy event, officials said. Approved by the NLBMDA board of directors, Dealers to D.C. offers financial support to help bring lumber and building material (LBM) dealers to Washington, D.C., particularly those who have not recently attended or who operate in states that are typically underrepresented. By expanding dealer involvement, the goal of Dealers to D.C. is to strengthen NLBMDA’s advocacy efforts by ensuring a wider range of perspectives is represented on Capitol Hill, officials explained.
“As a Washington, D.C.-based trade association, we’re fortunate that lawmakers, the administration, and key stakeholders shaping decisions that impact the lumber and building materials industry are right in our backyard,” said Matthew Delaney, government affairs coordinator at NLBMDA. “When I meet with lawmakers and staff throughout the year, they often mention the conversations they’ve had with our members during NLBMDA’s fly-ins. Those interactions leave a lasting impression. While I’m on Capitol Hill each week advancing the industry’s priorities, it’s our dealers’ yearly presence in Washington that truly make our advocacy resonate through the halls of Congress.”
For 2026, Dealers to D.C. will provide ten $750 advocacy grants to cover eligible expenses, such as conference registration, hotel accommodations within NLBMDA’s room block, and travel to Washington, D.C. Preference will be given to NLBMDA members who have not attended the Legislative Conference within the past three years or those facing financial constraints that would otherwise limit future participation.
“The NLBMDA Legislative Conference and Hill meetings are some of the most impactful advocacy efforts we engage in as an association. Speaking directly with my representatives at the Capitol has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my 20+ years in LBM. I encourage every member to take part in this important event. When we show up together, our collective voice is stronger. Let’s make sure our industry is heard in Washington,” said Chris Hegemen (Bliffert Lumber), NLBMDA board of directors BLD connection representative.
Applications for the Dealers to D.C. program are currently open, with a priority deadline of December 19 and final submissions due January 5. Award recipients will be announced in the month of January, ahead of NLBMDA’s Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference, held March 17–18, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
For more information or to apply for the Dealers to D.C. program, visit www.dealer.org