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About the National Hardwood Lumber Association
The trusted voice and standards leader of the hardwood lumber industry since 1898.
Founded in 1898 by 37 dedicated lumbermen in Chicago, NHLA was created to establish uniform standards for grading and trading hardwood lumber. Today, NHLA remains the foremost authority representing the entire hardwood supply chain—from production through distribution—serving both members and the broader hardwood consumer base with integrity and expertise.
NHLA was founded in 1898. William A. Bennett led the way as the NHLA's first President.
1898
The NHLA Grading Rules take root & establish industry standards, stabilizing the North American hardwood trade worldwide.
1920
Our first NHLA Inspector Training School Class took place in Chicago before the School moved to Memphis.
1948
The NHLA Inspector Training School moved to Memphis, TN and is immediately in demand. These students were some of the first to do their board runs at the new ITS building on Tutwiler.
1950
L.C. Nicely consults with a member sawmill owner.
1952
Members attend the 65th Annual NHLA Convention in Chicago.
1962
NHLA Board Members meet at the original Chicago headquarters to discuss the grading rules, industry conditions, and more.
1964
Then California Governor, Ronald Regan is presented a gift by NHLA President L. D. Kellogg at the 71st NHLA Convention.
1968
Board Members break ground at the new NHLA office site in Memphis, TN.
1979
Construction continues on the new NHLA offices in Memphis.
1980
ITS students & NHLA staff raised the flags at the new NHLA offices in Memphis, TN for the first time.
1980
Students from the first ITS class in Memphis blow off some steam outside of the classroom.
1985
NHLA installs it's first dry kiln at the Inspector Training School.
1990
The ITS classroom is upgraded with a Smartboard, donated by ITSEF.
2019
Students participate in the first all Spanish 2 week short course at ITS.
2023
The Inspector Training School is reborn as the National Hardwood Academy.
2025
NHLA was founded in 1898. William A. Bennett led the way as the NHLA's first President.
1898
The NHLA Grading Rules take root & establish industry standards, stabilizing the North American hardwood trade worldwide.
1920
Our first NHLA Inspector Training School Class took place in Chicago before the School moved to Memphis.
1948
The NHLA Inspector Training School moved to Memphis, TN and is immediately in demand. These students were some of the first to do their board runs at the new ITS building on Tutwiler.
1950
L.C. Nicely consults with a member sawmill owner.
1952
Members attend the 65th Annual NHLA Convention in Chicago.
1962
NHLA Board Members meet at the original Chicago headquarters to discuss the grading rules, industry conditions, and more.
1964
Then California Governor, Ronald Regan is presented a gift by NHLA President L. D. Kellogg at the 71st NHLA Convention.
1968
Board Members break ground at the new NHLA office site in Memphis, TN.
1979
Construction continues on the new NHLA offices in Memphis.
1980
ITS students & NHLA staff raised the flags at the new NHLA offices in Memphis, TN for the first time.
1980
Students from the first ITS class in Memphis blow off some steam outside of the classroom.
1985
NHLA installs it's first dry kiln at the Inspector Training School.
1990
The ITS classroom is upgraded with a Smartboard, donated by ITSEF.
2019
Students participate in the first all Spanish 2 week short course at ITS.
2023
The Inspector Training School is reborn as the National Hardwood Academy.
2025
Our History
Our Mission
NHLA is a membership-based international trade association advocating for the North American hardwood industry, representing timber producers, sawmills, lumber graders, wood products manufacturers, and other key professionals. While regional and state associations are valuable partners, NHLA stands as the unified voice that shapes industry standards and influences public policy. Our mission is to support businesses in the hardwood market by maintaining ethical standards and providing services that promote growth, success, and sustainability. We advocate for hardwoods as the sustainable, versatile choice for various industries and work to ensure our members' long-term success. Through exclusive networking opportunities and policy advocacy, NHLA keeps members well-equipped to thrive in a competitive market, driving both industry innovation and sustainability.
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