Badge and Event Registration
Online Registration is now available for All Exhibitors and Retailers. Please pre-register now in order to enter the Prairie Showcase. Go to our www.wrla.org and follow the link. Don't assume you are registered - check and make sure to avoid the line-ups at the onsite registration desk!
Check http://www.wrla.org/prairieshowcase/index.html for badge pickup times and locations.
* There is no charge for exhibitors or retailers to enter the show.
* VISA or MASTERCARD required at time of registration for event tickets.
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It’s your last chance to register your people for
Plumbing and Electrical with Bob Sutherland.
Date & Location: Winnipeg, November 24 & 25, 2011.
To Register Online Now CLICK HERE
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The Bank of Canada today began circulating the new $100 bill – Canada’s first polymer bank note. This new note will be available at financial institutions from coast to coast to coast over the next few weeks.
The $100 note features a portrait of Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of Canada between 1911 and 1920, on the front and celebrates Canada’s contributions to innovation in the field of medicine on the back. It was officially released into circulation by Governor Mark Carney at an event in Toronto, Ontario, at the MaRS Centre – a hub for public-private sector innovation and collaboration between the business and scientific communities.
Governor Carney was joined at the event by Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, Chief Executive Officer of MaRS Discovery District.
Dr. Treurnicht discussed the importance of creating an environment that encourages and supports innovation in fields such as health care and life sciences. "Such an environment spurs the development of Canadian expertise and sets the stage for Canadian companies to lead the way," she said. "These companies will, in turn, develop new ideas and technologies that return significant economic and social benefits, not only to Canadians but, through global partnerships, to the world."
Remarking that the new polymer bank notes are themselves the product of Canadian ingenuity, combined with innovative technologies from around the globe, Governor Carney said the $100 note is an important step toward significantly increasing the security of Canada’s bank notes. "Just as the images on this note depict Canadian achievements at the frontier of medicine, the advanced security features embedded in these new polymer bills are at the frontier of bank note technology," Governor Carney said. "This will protect Canadians against tomorrow’s counterfeiting threats. As well, these new notes will last at least two-and-a-half times longer than paper notes and will be recycled – saving money and being better for the environment."
"Safer, cheaper and greener: these new bank notes are a 21st-century achievement in which all Canadians can take pride and place their confidence," he concluded.
The new polymer bank notes, among the most advanced in the world, contain leading-edge security features that make them difficult to counterfeit but easy to verify; for example, a large transparent area extends from the top to the bottom of the note and contains complex holographic features that can be viewed from both sides.
Since unveiling the polymer bank note series in June 2011, the Bank of Canada has been working closely with financial institutions and the manufacturers of bank note equipment to support a smooth transition to the new notes. Through its regional offices across the country, the Bank has also been working with law enforcement and retailers to ensure that front-line police officers and cash handlers are familiar with the new security features and to encourage the regular authentication of bank notes.
The $50 note, which was also unveiled in June, will be issued in March 2012. The $20 note will begin circulating in late 2012, followed by the $10 and $5 notes by the end of 2013. Detailed images of the notes and information on their designs will be released on their official unveiling dates.
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All telecommunications equipment and services that use the existing 7-digit dialing format must be reprogrammed with the new 10-digit dialing format (current area code 204 + 7-digit telephone number) to permit the completion of local calls.
Important note: Only new telephone numbers requested after the new area code has been introduced may be assigned the new 431 area code. Assignment of the new area code will be entirely dependent on the demand for telephone numbers within an exchange.
What's Not Changing?
- Existing telephone numbers will not change; they will keep their current 204 area code.
- Local calling areas will remain the same.
- The 9-1-1 Emergency, 4-1-1 Directory Assistance, 6-1-1 Repair, and 3-1-1 City of Winnipeg Information Call Centre numbers will remain 3-digit dial numbers. You will not need to dial the area code to reach these 3-digit numbers.
10-Digit Dialing Checklist for Business Customers
Starting December 1, 2011:
Reprogram your telephone equipment and use 10-digit local dialing
Add the existing 204 area code to all programmed numbers in your telecommunications equipment and services including, but not limited to:
- Telecommunication:
- Alarms and security systems
- Automatic dialing systems, speed dialers, and lists
- Telephone options and functions (such as call forwarding, call blocking, etc.)
- PBX equipment
- Fax machines
- Wireless phones and other wireless devices
- Modem and Internet dialers (Visit How Does 10 Digit Dialing affect Internet Customers for more information)
- Paging dispatch boards and software
- Voicemail systems
- Equipment for the hearing impaired
- Alarm and security systems*
Other:
- Databases (e.g.: telemarketing, client and patient lists, etc.)
- IT systems and applications
- Communicate your 10-digit numbers!
- Make sure to include your 10-digit phone number on all your correspondence and promotional tools.
- Advertisements
- Brochures and catalogues
- Stationery, business cards, invoices, and cheques
- Internal business directories
- Local telephone directories
- Vehicles and signage
- Websites and intranet
- Any other materials that contain your telephone numbers
- Remember to always specify your area code whenever you give out your telephone, wireless phone, pager or other number to:
- employees;
- clients;
- suppliers;
- affiliate companies;
- People who use a foreign exchange line to call you toll-free.
* Many security systems dial a preprogrammed number in case of emergency. In some cases, the number includes the area code while in others, it does not. With the introduction of 10-digit local dialing, it is possible that some systems may fail to connect emergency calls to the security company. It is therefore critical that you contact your alarm monitoring company to update these systems to ensure continued operation.
How Does 10-Digit Dialing affect Internet Customers?
10-digit local dialing will affect how you use your dial-up Internet service.
To ensure that your MTS dial-up connections continue to operate properly, MTS customers must configure their dial-up settings to include the area code. For assistance making this update, follow the dial-up networking instructions for your operating system, or visit Set up and Connecting to the Internet
Please note these key dates:
- December 1, 2011: You can go ahead make the changes to your MTS dial-up settings.
- July 29, 2012: Introduction of 10-digit dialing for all locals calls in Manitoba. Your MTS Internet service settings must be updated by this date.
- November 3, 2012: Gradual introduction of area code 431 throughout Manitoba.
For more information, please visit 10-Digit Dialing or the Telecommunications Alliance website at www.dial10.ca
10-Digit Dialing Checklist for Residential Customers
Starting December 1, 2011:
- Reprogram your telephone equipment and use 10-digit dialing for local calls.
- Add the existing 204 area code to all programmed numbers in your telecommunications equipment, including, but not limited to:
- Speed-dial lists
- Telephone options and functions (such as call forwarding, call blocking, etc.)
- Fax machines
- Equipment for the hearing impaired
- Wireless phones and other wireless devices
- Alarm and security systems*
- Communicate your 10-digit numbers
- Make sure to include your 10-digit phone number on your personal cheques, stationery, insurance policy, etc.
- Remember to always specify your area code whenever you give out your telephone, wireless phone, pager or other numbers.
* Many security systems dial a preprogrammed number in case of emergency. In some cases, the number includes the area code while in others, it does not. With the introduction of 10-digit local dialing, it is possible that some systems may fail to connect emergency calls to the security company. It is therefore critical that you contact your alarm monitoring company to update these systems to ensure continued operation.
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Ken Jenkins, President of Castle Building Centres Group Ltd., is pleased to announce seven new members to an expanding network of successful independent dealers:
Materiaux Manic, Baie Comeau, Quebec - Castle
Michel Charette, owner of Materiaux Manic, has over 20 years of experience in the retail and commercial segment of the lumber, building materials and hardware industry. His new facility opened June 2011 and supplies the region with a full offering of Hardware and Building Supplies.
Saumarez Quincaillerie Ltee - Saumarez, New Brunswick - Castle
Located in Northern New Brunswick, Saumarez Quincaillerie is a family owned business operated by Nathalie Basque. Having recently remodelled, the business provides building materials and hardware to the region. Nathalie joined Castle to improve the profitability of her business, while making decisions that fit her growth strategies.
Provincial Partitions Ltd - Mississauga, Ontario – CBS Division
Operating over the past 25 years as an independent, Provincial Partitions owner Todd Frankland decided to join CBS to expand their supply channel and improve their bottom line. Specializing in partition systems in commercial and industrial projects, Provincial is an industry leader in their market segment.
Materiaux De Construction Jean Guy Dube Inc - Mont-Joli, Quebec – Castle
Initially started by Jean Guy Dube, the business is now operated by his son Karl. Primarily focused on building materials, Karl intends to increase his hardware business through his new relationship with Orgill.
New Concept Walls and Ceilings Supply - Edmonton, Alberta – CBS Division
Britt Vossenaar and Norm Goetken commenced operations this fall and specialize in the gypsum, insulation, steel and acoustical ceiling categories. Backed by several years of experience and a thorough knowledge of the industry, Custom Walls and Ceilings is quickly developing a loyal contractor following in the Edmonton market.
Custom Walls & Ceilings Supply – Prince George, British Columbia – CBS Division
Serving the Prince George and surrounding market for the past 30 years, Custom Walls & Ceilings specializes in the acoustical ceiling, gypsum, insulation and steel segment. Custom has developed a strong contractor following through superior service.
Ian Roberts Building Materials Ltd – Portage La Prairie, Manitoba – Castle
Ian Roberts Building Materials is a well established business operating and serving the Portage La Prairie, Manitoba market since 1997. Ian has extensive experience in the hardware, lumber & building material business. Ian’s decision to join Castle is to access the expanded product lines and North American pricing available through Castle’s hardware solution while complementing the building material products through Castle’s strong LBM program.
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reFIT selected for its ease of finishing basements and interior spaces
ARXX reFIT, an innovative energy-efficient finishing and insulation system for basements and interior spaces, was chosen by This Old House as a Top 100 Best New Home Product of 2011. reFIT is featured in the building products category and was chosen for its ease of installation and energy-efficient qualities.
For the inaugural Top 100, editors at This Old House examined thousands of submissions, singling out those products that are not only unique, but also make a difference in the lives of its readers - such as being easy to use or saving them time and money. A complete list of Top 100 honorees will be featured in the magazine's November/December issue and can be found at http://www.thisoldhouse.com/top100.
"We are thrilled to be named a best new home product by such a prestigious, well-known publication," said P. Gael Mourant, president and CEO of ARXX Corporation. "reFIT has allowed many homeowners to increase their living space easily and affordably, and without the kind of disruption caused by traditional construction methods."
Introduced in 2011, reFIT leverages the award-winning technology of the ARXX Edge insulating concrete form (ICF) product line to design a system for finishing and insulating basements and interior spaces. It requires fewer steps and less labor and material than conventional construction and does not permit the growth of mold, mildew or rot in the wall cavity, a common problem for conventional basement finishing methods. As well, the R-value of the insulation is not compromised if exposed to moisture, another common problem that occurs with conventional wall assemblies. The end result is a comfortable, well-insulated home with dramatically lower heating and cooling costs.
Industry experts estimate that 50%-70% of the energy costs of homeownership go toward heating and cooling the home. Sealing and insulating the home is one of the most cost-effective methods of reducing greenhouse gases, improving a return on investment and lowering cost of ownership. Using the reFIT system is a dependable, affordable and easy way to achieve improved energy performance of the home.
Made from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), reFIT is an environmentally considerate product. According to Mourant, industry studies demonstrate that EPS insulation returns up to 200 times the amount of energy required to produce it, giving it a much reduced carbon footprint. reFIT panels have no off-gassing, and emit no CFCs, HCFCs or VOCs.
reFIT is available through ARXX's established distributor and dealer network throughout the United States and Canada, including major building supply chains, independent lumberyards and concrete accessory and ready-mix outlets. For more information about reFIT visit www.refiticf.com.
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RONA inc. (TSX: RON, RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, today reported that on the first day of trading under its normal course issuer bid program, the Corporation repurchased 1,553,900 common shares at $9.30 for a total consideration of $14.5 million. The common shares thereby purchased will be cancelled. On November 8, 2011, RONA’s Board of Directors authorized the Corporation to repurchase in the normal course of its activities, from November 11, 2011 to November 10, 2012, up to 11,016,854 common shares, representing 10% of its 110,168,541 public float or 8.4% of its 130,520,489 common shares issued and outstanding on October 31, 2011. Today’s buyback represent 14% of the total number of shares authorized under the normal course issuer bid program and illustrates the Corporation’s intention to execute the program and hence increase its return on equity.
"Today’s buyback illustrates our confidence in the future of RONA and in the execution of our business plan", commented Dominique Boies, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RONA.
"Counting on cash available and free cash flow generation, we believe the purchase of our common shares represents an effective use of our funds. This buyback program along with the recently announced offers to purchase up to $200 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5.40% Debentures due October 20, 2016 are initiatives intended to optimize our capital structure, improve our return and hence increase shareholder value", added Mr. Boies.
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To view our WRLA Education Calendar CLICK HERE
November 17 - 18, 2012
New Canadian Home Improvement Show
Toronto Congress Centre
e-info@canadianhomeimprovementshow.com
November 24 - 26, 2011
RONA 2012 Spring Market
Le palais des Congress, Montreal PQ
January 18-20, 2012
2012 Prairie Showcase Buying Show & Convention
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
ckelly@wrla.org
February 2, 3, & 4, 2012
Orgill 2012 Spring Market
Orlando, FL
www.orgill.com
February 22-24, 2012
ABSDA Show
Moncton, NB
www.absda.ca
March 30-31, 2012
TIM-BR MART National Buying Show
Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON
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