State & Locals
2025 Scholarship
The RILBMDA offers college scholarships to students within our retail membership who display academic excellence, strong citizenship, positive character and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society. The RILBMDA hopes to encourage our scholarship recipients to continue their education and be active role models and leaders in their respective fields and communities.
Scholarship Winners 2024
RILBMDA Memorial Scholarship
William (Jay) Humphrey
Jay has been described by many as being “one of a kind.” His broad, ever present smile and gentle face are etched in our minds forever. His strong morals and values led him to succeed in business, the community, and with his family.
Jay served on several committees that assisted schools in obtaining grants needed to provide students with a positive and rewarding education.
Because of Jay’s commitment to the community and his strong support of education, the RILBMDA is proud to honor Jay’s memory.
David R. Beattie
Dave worked in a variety of roles during his 41 years in the industry. Much of his career was spent with Grossman’s, starting out in their manager trainee program while attending college, moving into a management position just prior to graduation and becoming the “go-to” person to turn around troubled stores, eventually working in 11 locations throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Dave’s industry service included four years on the RILBMDA board, and two years on the NRLA board. He served as chair of the RIBLMDA Education andFinance Committees, led the annual by-law compliance review, and sat on the NRLA Education and Membership committees.
PURPOSE:
To award up to three (3) $2,000 merit scholarships for post-secondary education to the families of dedicated employees of RILBMDA retail members participating, while fostering an awareness and interest in the building material industry.