On Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut (LDAC) hosted a successful yard tour for state lawmakers at Interstate + Lakeland Lumber’s facility, located at 50 South Water Street in Greenwich, Conn. State Representative Hector Arzeno (151st district) and State Representative Rachel Khanna (149th district) joined the tour to learn about the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry and its impact on the local economy.
From left, LDAC Lobbyist Matthew Hallisey of Matthew Hallisey Government Affairs, Nicolina Benoit, NRLA Government Affairs Coordinator, Connecticut State Representative Rachel Khanna (149th District), Interstate + Lakeland President Sheldon Kahan, Connecticut State Representative Hector Arzeno (151st District), Interstate + Lakeland Vice President of Operations Tony Ferrucci, and Interstate + Lakeland Senior Marketing Director Ben Kahan stand outside the design center facilities during a yard tour at Interstate + Lakeland Lumber in Greenwich, Conn., on Oct. 10, 2024.
The event began with introductions from key representatives, including Sheldon Kahan, President of Interstate + Lakeland Lumber; Tony Ferrucci, Vice President of Operations; Ben Kahan, Senior Marketing Director; Nicolina Benoit, Government Affairs Coordinator for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA); and Matthew Hallisey, lobbyist for LDAC. Discussions focused on the business environment in Connecticut, the effect of public policies on the industry, and the role of the sector in fostering business growth and job creation in Greenwich and across the state.
“It was inspiring to tour Interstate + Lakeland, a business that has flourished and endured,” said Representative Arzeno. “Places like Interstate contribute to not just today’s homes but many places that live in our Town’s collective memories. When we invest in local businesses, they provide the foundation for resilience in our economies that we want to see more of.”
“Interstate + Lakeland is a vital part of our community’s fabric. This was made clear by the CEO who spoke not of employees, but of families, demonstrating the deep responsibility and commitment they feel in making Interstate an irreplaceable local business,” said Representative Khanna. “These are precisely the types of small businesses Connecticut needs to nurture.”
Legislators, Interstate + Lakeland leaders, and employees engage in a discussion during a tour of the lumber yard in Greenwich, Conn., on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
Attendees participated in a walking tour of the lumber yard, warehouse, and nearby Design Center and Store at 184 South Water Street. The Design Center is located on the original site of the lumber yard where Interstate + Lakeland Lumber was founded, reflecting the company’s long-standing presence in the community. The tour included a look at the extensive selection of high-quality lumber, custom millwork, and architectural hardware that Interstate + Lakeland Lumber offers, as well as opportunities to engage with the company’s knowledgeable staff.
Interstate + Lakeland President Sheldon Kahan speaks with Connecticut State Representative Rachel Khanna inside the Interstate + Lakeland Design Center and Store at 184 South Water Street, Greenwich, Conn., on Oct. 10, 2024.
The Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut (LDAC) extends its gratitude to State Representatives Hector Arzeno and Rachel Khanna for taking the time to join the yard tour at Interstate + Lakeland Lumber. The engagement and interest shown by the legislators made the event a meaningful opportunity to discuss the importance of the lumber and building materials industry in the state.
LDAC members interested in learning more about these initiatives or hosting their own yard tour are encouraged to reach out to govtaffairs@nrla.org for additional information.