Dallas-based Builders FirstSourcejust announced that it is bringing allof its retail distribution centers into theCertified Green Dealer Program. Fromits base in Texas and in 12 southeasternstates, Builders FirstSource generated$1.6 billion in sales in 2007. In additionto retail distribution centers, the companyoperates millwork shops, wall panelplants, truss plants, window plants andsynthetic millwork shops.As required by the Certified GreenDealer Program, the sales personnel fromeach Builders FirstSource location will takethe Program’s green training over the web.After the staff passes the required testing,each location will earn “Certified GreenDealer” status, which is proving to be apowerful marketing tool among the hundredsof yards in the Program today.“We’re thrilled to be in this program,”said Matt Liska, vice president of sales atBuilders FirstSource, who will oversee theprogram’s implementation. “Green productsand building practices is a sector that is rapidly growing in our markets. Weare excited to be one of the first companiesin our industry to train our entiresales force in the basics of greenproducts and practices.“Our builder customers look to usfor more than just products andprices; they look to us for value-addedsolutions. Builders FirstSource iscommitted to having the most knowledgeablesales force in the industry.This program will allow us to provideour customers cutting-edge green buildingsolutions and will further differentiateus from others in our industry.”The Certified Green Dealer Programis a web-based “distance learning” program.Through online training andprinted materials, the Program certifiesthe nation’s lumberyards and buildingmaterial dealer locations as sources ofinformation about green building andgreen products.Lumber dealers are a primary sourceof information about products and “bestpractices” for builders and remodelers,and with this Program, dealers canbrand themselves as certified sources ofinformation about good green buildingtechniques and green products.