Chris Hegeman Joins Board of Directors for BLD Connection and NLBMDA

On Friday, August 23, 2024, Chris Hegeman, Manager of Bliffert Lumber, was elected to the Board of Directors of BLD Connection, where he will serve as the NLBMDA Representative from 2024 to 2027. Following this appointment, Hegeman was also installed on the Board of Directors of the NLBMDA in Savannah, Georgia, in early October.

BLD Connection, formerly known as the Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA), is dedicated to promoting the lumber and building materials industry through a variety of initiatives. The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) serves as the voice and resource for the lumber and building material industry, advocating on behalf of its members to federal legislators and regulatory agencies.

“I am both excited and honored to take on this role,” said Hegeman. “My last seven years as Director, Vice Chair, and Chairman of the Board for BLD Connection – Wisconsin have been incredibly rewarding. We’ve made significant strides for dealers in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I look forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead as I work to advance our industry on a larger scale.”

Hegeman succeeds Brett Hanson of Tri State Building Center in Sisseton, SD, who served BLD Connection in this role for five years and has now been elected as the 2nd Vice Chair, with plans to eventually assume the role of Chairman of the Board.

“Chris has been a valued and committed board member and has helped BLD Connection Wisconsin evolve into a tremendous resource for the state and industry,” said BLD Connection President Cody Nuernberg. “Chris’ passion for helping the lumber and building materials industry, along with his ability to view every issue from a variety of perspectives, made him a tremendous choice to serve as our NLBMDA Representative. Chris will have an immediate impact on the NLBMDA and will proudly represent his fellow dealers and suppliers both nationally and at home!”

Eli Bliffert, Owner of Bliffert Lumber added, “We’re proud to have Chrison our team, and it’s clear why he’s sought out to serve on both of these national boards. I have no doubt he will excel in this new role, and on behalf of the entire Bliffert family, we congratulate him on this achievement.”