Few sentiments rang truer than “unity is strength” at the LMC Annual Meeting, held March 10–12 in Chicago. Hundreds of LMC dealers, suppliers, and the LMC team spent three days together building upon the trust and quality that defines the co-op. As LMC’s largest event of the year, the Annual proved highly successful, equipping LMC dealers with education sessions, exclusive savings, and lasting partnerships that extend well beyond the show floor. In addition to measurable savings, dealers gained insights that exemplify the value of being part of LMC.
Learning That Drives Results
With minds sharpened, dealers participated in more than 20 unique education sessions led by industry professionals, the LMC team, and fellow dealers. From in-depth tutorials to panel discussions, each session offered practical strategies to improve key areas of their businesses. Education sessions offered dealers experiences beyond the ordinary, including the standout “Kitchen & Bath Training Event.” Curated by LMC’s Kitchen & Bath department, this exclusive off-site training immersed designers in hands-on experiences with the latest trends, products, and innovations at Chicago’s historic “The MART.”
Other standout sessions included “Marketing = ROI,” dealer marketing leaders highlighted how strategic marketing fuels growth and brand visibility. “Powering Dealer Success through Technology Innovation,” led by LMC’s Director of Technology Innovation, explored how tools and data-driven strategies are driving smarter operations across the LMC network.
Aptly featured during Women’s History Month, “Women Building the Future: Voices from the Industry” brought together female leaders from across the industry to share practical advice, lessons learned, and strategies for advancing women at every stage of their careers. The day concluded with the Welcome Reception on the show floor, offering attendees the opportunity to connect and set the stage for a productive day to follow.
Hitting the Ground Running
Paul Ryan, LMC's President & CEO, opened Day 2 of the Annual with an update address covering LMC's performance and key initiatives. Paul also celebrated the success of LMC dealers throughout the year. Zuern Building Products was named 2025 ProDealer of the Year. Red River Lumber and Peter Lumber were recognized for being LBM Journal’s Dealer of Year for 2026. 100 LMC dealers celebrated one hundred years or more in business. Additionally, for dealers, this session represents one of the most anticipated moments of the Annual: an opportunity to hear directly from Paul about how LMC is driving dealer success.
Paul noted, “The LMC Annual is the single most important gathering for our members each year. In an industry facing such significant changes, the ability to connect with supplier partners, access meaningful savings, and walk away with a sharper strategy is invaluable. Networking opportunities are everywhere. Connections aren't confined to one space; relationships are built every second of all three days. Our members understand that the knowledge gained here can be instantly implemented into their business. Being here validates why they have chosen to join LMC.”
Following Paul was Keynote Speaker Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, a nationally recognized advocate for veterans and families of the fallen servicemen and women. Ryan shared her powerful message of service, resilience, and leadership. Ryan’s perspectives on teamwork primed dealers for the day ahead.
The show floor came alive as dealers arrived, greeted by more than 300 suppliers alongside the LMC team. The energy was immediate and electric! The floor opened with the iconic ModernView Pavilion, LMC's private-label brand, which served as an immersive centerpiece complete with giveaway prizes. Nearby, the capital equipment area drew plenty of attention, with forklifts stopping dealers in their tracks.
An Annual staple, the New Products Area drew crowds throughout the day. Dealers explored the display to browse more than 150 entries and products submitted by suppliers showcasing the latest innovations and advancements in the industry. After taking it all in, dealers cast their votes, ranking their top three picks to determine the winners.
The LMC Department booths served as a valuable resource, with directors, traders, buyers, and more on hand to educate dealers on everything LMC has to offer and how to leverage their programs and grow their business. It also highlights one of the best parts of any LMC event: the opportunity for dealers to connect face to face with the team they work with day to day.
Beyond the booths, the show floor was designed for meaningful connection. Senior-level supplier team members engaged directly with dealers to walk through products and programs, helping them get the most value at the best cost.
“Connecting with hundreds of suppliers, sitting down with LMC staff, and learning from fellow dealers gives our members tangible resources they can take back to their businesses every single year. That is what the LMC Annual delivers,” remarked Mark Torrisi of Jackson Lumber. “Like every LMC event, it brings something new, and every year it makes my business stronger.”
As the day concluded, the Annual transitioned to the evening event at Chicago's iconic House of Blues. Dealers, suppliers, and Team LMC came together to celebrate the day's connections, enjoying a live performance by Sixteen Candles, a renowned 80s cover band that kept the energy and excitement going well into the night. It was a fitting close to a productive day, bringing the entire LMC network together.
Finishing Strong
On the final day of the LMC Annual, the momentum had not missed a beat. Dealers made their way to the New Products Area to see which products would make it to the top three. Ekena Millwork’s Faux Iron Industrial Millwork won first place, Huber Engineered Woods’ ZIP System Multi-Purpose Tape took second place, and third went to Milwaukee’s M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter. The top three winners stood out among a competition of other incredible products advancements.
From the floor of McCormick Place, Marc Mizgorski, President & CEO of Hayward Lumber in Monterey, CA, said, “The LMC Annual brings the entire network together in one space: every resource, every connection, every advantage of membership is present. We owe a lot of our success to what we have learned from other LMC Dealers and LMC Staff. The team is incredible and it lets us share and learn best practices from fellow dealers that we can implement in our own operations. Why face challenges alone when you have 433 independent dealers to collaborate with? LMC dealers understand it better than anyone: the Annual is proof of everything this co-op delivers. For us, being here isn't optional; it's essential for our business.”
LMC remains a dominant force in the LBM industry, with a membership of market leaders and boasting the largest forest products trading floor. The LMC dealer network has combined retail sales approaching $30 billion, and the Annual proved once again why LMC leads the market.
The next LMC Annual will take place in Tampa, FL, from March 23–25, 2027, setting the stage for another year of growth and innovation. We hope to see you there!
