Three-Peat of Support: Nelson Wood Shims Steps Up as GRABA Title Sponsor for Third Consecutive Year
For the third consecutive year, the Grand Rapids Area Basketball Association (GRABA) is thrilled to announce that Nelson Wood Shims has stepped up as the official title program sponsor.
This continued partnership ensures that hundreds of young athletes across the Grand Rapids area will have the resources, equipment, and court time they need to hit the hardwood and develop their skills this season.
Nelson Wood Shims is a true community partner.
Based just down the road in Cohasset, Minnesota, Nelson Wood Shims is much more than a local business—it is a cornerstone of the regional economy and a national leader.
North America's Largest: Founded in 1960 by Wilbert Nelson, the company has grown from a modest one-man operation into the largest shim manufacturer in North America. Their premium products, including their patented Beddar Wood® shims, are distributed to major retailers across the United States and Canada.
100% Employee-Owned: In October 2019, former owner Fred Bills transitioned the company into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Today, Nelson Wood Shims is 100% employee-owned, meaning the very people crafting the products and living in our neighborhoods have a direct stake in the company’s success.
Supporting the Local Economy: Nelson Wood Shims utilizes high-quality coniferous wood, heavily partnering with local loggers and truckers within a 150-mile radius to support the regional timber industry.
Investing in the Future of Our Community
For Nelson Wood Shims, success isn't just measured by production numbers; it’s measured by community impact. By renewing their title sponsorship for a third consecutive year, the employee-owners at Nelson are directly investing in the youth of the Grand Rapids area.
"As an employee-owned company, we take immense pride in supporting the communities where our owners live, work, and raise their families," says the team at Nelson Wood Shims. "Programs like GRABA teach teamwork, discipline, and community pride—values we hold dear at Nelson every single day."
The generous title sponsorship plays a crucial role in keeping youth sports accessible by helping GRABA offset the rising costs of:
Uniforms and training equipment
Gym rental fees and facilities
Program registration overhead, ensuring more local kids can participate
About the Grand Rapids Area Basketball Association (GRABA)
GRABA is dedicated to providing positive, competitive, and developmental basketball opportunities for youth in the Grand Rapids area. Through house leagues, travel teams, and skills clinics, GRABA fosters a love for the game while emphasizing sportsmanship, hard work, and community respect.
On behalf of the players, coaches, board members, and families—thank you, Nelson Wood Shims, for your outstanding three-year commitment to our team!