The Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine (RLDAM) and the New Hampshire Retail Lumber Association (NHRLA) gathered September 11–12 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine, for their annual Celebration Weekend. The event brought members from both states together for a weekend of industry fellowship, friendly competition, and celebration.

The NHRLA and RLDAM Board of Directors.

The weekend began Friday afternoon with separate meetings of each association’s Board of Directors, followed by a cocktail reception on the Samoset’s patio overlooking Penobscot Bay. A lobster bake followed, along with the weekend’s business program, which featured remarks from NRLA leadership and reports from the presidents of both state associations. The evening wrapped up with a spirited trivia competition, as teams from Maine and New Hampshire battled for bragging rights.

Saturday offered attendees a variety of activities, including golf on the breathtaking Samoset course—often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of the East”—as well as a narrated cruise of Penobscot Bay aboard the Morning in Maine, a hike on Ragged Mountain, and another state-versus-state showdown featuring the Samoset’s Ultimate Backyard Games.

That evening, members from both associations gathered once again for a patio cocktail reception, enjoying the changing colors of the sunset across Penobscot Bay before moving indoors for the awards banquet.

Wes Robichaud of Coastal Forest Products, honored NHRLA Lumber Person of the Year Dan “Bird” Uhlman of Belletetes. RLDAM Lumber Person of the Year Eric Dolloff is congratulated by Mark Hopkins, both of Hancock Lumber. RLDAM Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Matt Masse is congratulated by Rod Wiles, both of Hammond Lumber Company.

The banquet provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding members from both associations. Representing NHRLA, Wes Robichaud of Coastal Forest Products honored Dan “Bird” Uhlman of Belletetes as the association’s Lumber Person of the Year. RLDAM recognized two members of the Maine lumber industry: Rod Wiles of Hammond Lumber Company paid tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Matt Masse, also of Hammond Lumber Company, while Mark Hopkins of Hancock Lumber honored Eric Dolloff of Hancock Lumber as Lumber Person of the Year. Award winner biographies are available at the bottom of this page. 

New RLDAM President Sadie Hammond, Hammond Lumber Company, thanks outgoing President Clara Collins, S.W. Collins Company. A lovely morning for a sail around Penobscot Bay aboard the Morning in Maine. RLDAM dedicated the weekend to the memory of Alden J. Robbins. The glorious views from the Samoset Resort & Spa, Rockport, Maine.

Border War Trophy Returns to Maine

The friendly rivalry between Maine and New Hampshire continued with the 14th annual Border War competition—and this year, the trophy is headed back to Maine.

The competition featured four events: ABMA Advocacy Attendance, won by RLDAM; Food Drive Results, won by NHRLA; Friday night’s trivia contest, narrowly won by RLDAM; and Saturday afternoon’s Ultimate Backyard Games, also narrowly won by RLDAM. When the scores were tallied, RLDAM came out on top, 95–85.

The Border War trophy shall be returning to Maine with RLDAM President Sadie Hammond, Hammond Lumber, with a strong performance from the Most Valuable Couple, Braydon and Danielle Rice, Western Maine Supply.

The Border War series began in 2012 with a pool tournament and has become a popular tradition between the two associations. With this year’s result, the overall series is now tied at 7–7. NHRLA will have an opportunity to reclaim the trophy next year when the competition moves to New Hampshire and the Omni Mount Washington Resort, October 22–24.

Samoset golfers Adam Lula and James Means (Coastal), Gene Flanagan (Viking), and Mike Kelly (Coastal). Fierce state vs. state competition at the Samoset’s Ultimate Backyard.

Remembering Industry Friends

The weekend also included moments of reflection as both associations honored members of their extended industry families who have passed away.

RLDAM dedicated the weekend to the memory of Alden Robbins. Attendees were honored to have Alden’s father, Jim Robbins, in attendance to share poignant remarks and memories.

NHRLA also celebrated the lives of Bob Jackman and Harold LaValley, both of LaValley Building Supply. Larry Huot of LaValley Building Supply offered remarks honoring their lives and contributions.

Hikers pause for a well-deserved rest after ascending 1,300 ft. Ragged Mountain, skillfully guided by the nimble Jim Robbins.

Award Winner Biographies

NHRLA 2026 Lumber Person of the Year: Dan “Bird” Uhlman, Belletetes, Inc. Click here to read his biography.

RLDAM 2026 Lumber Person of the Year: Eric Dolloff, Hancock Lumber Company. Click here to read his biography.

RLDAM 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award: Matt Masse, Hammond Lumber Company. Click here to read his biography.