LMC is in the midst of its 86th year. Throughout history, there have been defining moments for the organization that have made it what it is today. In our history series, we'll take a brief look back at some of these moments and add some modern day perspective where we can.
Today’s Moment in History
LMC faced a daunting task upon its founding in the midst of a Great Depression. Thirty-five lumber dealers gathered in Philadelphia to form Lumbermens Merchandising Corporation, a forest products buying group. While many organizations struggled during this time, LMC beat the odds and continues to thrive today. What the history books don’t show, however, is that it became a definitive characteristic of the organization throughout its history. In its 86 year history, LMC has played a role in WWII, multiple recessions and, today, is a vital part of the economy as it supports the record housing market across the country.
Thanks to its superior network of dealers, suppliers, and talented staff, LMC remains stronger today than ever before.
Jim Buckle
y, who was the Secretary-manager of the Middle Atlantic Lumbermens Association (formerly known as Eastern Building Materials Dealers Association) utilized his network of lumber dealers and pitched the idea of a buying group to several members of MALA and outlined the concept of group buying using the Associated Merchandising Corporation as a model. Associated Merchandising Corporation was a huge buying and merchandising group of independent department stores. The concept was well received and enthusiastically embraced by a visionary group of prominent retail lumber dealers.Today, LMC is comprised of almost four hundred of the best forest products and building materials dealers in the country with over 1,400 locations nationwide. JC Snavely & Sons in Landisville, PA, is the longest tenured LMC dealer and only founding member remaining from 1935.