NELMA was front and center, and on-stage at this year’s JLC Live Expo, held March 20 & 21 at at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. 2015 marked the 20th anniversary of this wildly popular regional event, with more than 7,200 builders, contractors, and construction-related professionals in attendance over two days.
As with last year’s Show, the Softwood Lumber Board (Check-off Program) sponsored the overall exhibit and workshop demonstrations on behalf of the “Appearance Product” trade organizations as part of its overall promotional program. NELMA was joined by the Southern Forest Products Association, the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association and the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association within the Wood, Naturally exhibit, located directly in front of the exhibit hall’s entrance. Individual kiosks allowed each group to 
promote their specific softwood product applications while generating interest in the overall use of wood in construction.
During the event, 45-minute construction demonstrations of all types took place on the exhibit hall floor, offering attendees with valuable hands-on information on proper construction techniques and project ideas. Four of these demos were dedicated to using Eastern White Pine, one each day on the proper installation of Bevel siding around windows and another on how to calculate and construct a barrel ceiling using the edge & center bead pattern. As with past product demonstrations, NELMA utilized the expertise of Rick Arnold, a seasoned and well-respected regional builder. The short videos produced by the Association from Rick’s demonstrations on proper siding installations three years ago have received more than 8,000 views on NELMAtv.
“We certainly appreciate the Softwood Lumber Board’s support of our Association’s participation in this Show,” stated Jeff Easterling, NELMA President. “JLC Live is a regionally- significant event where decision-makers and hands-on users of construction products need to continually receive the wood message.”
