Archive/Subscribe | Printer-Friendly | Send to a Friend | www.wrla.org | YardStick Wednesday, February 08, 2012
What's Going On




Today we are launching our 2012 Prairie Showcase Post Show Survey. Every year we receive an amazing response from both the Retailers & Exhibitors. This valuable information will help our show committee and staff prepare for the 2013 Prairie Showcase Buying Show & Convention.

Please take 5 minutes and complete this short survey to let us know about your experience at the 2012 Prairie Showcase!

RETAILERS CLICK HERE

EXHIBITORS CLICK HERE

 

WANTED
STORE MANAGERS, DEPARTMENT MANAGERS, OFFICE AND HR MANAGERS, MARKETING MANAGERS, PURCHASERS AND SUPERVISORS


March 6 & 7
MANAGEMENT SKILLSTWO DAY COURSE
This course introduces the concept and practices of management skills in the making of the "Professional Manager." This includes time management, organization, communication, problem solving, teamwork and goal setting. Group case studies and discussions will be incorporated in this component.

March 8 & 9
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - TWO DAY COURSE
An introduction to human resource management on the functions and responsibility of managing human resources in a building supply operation. You will gain an understanding of how to maximize employee potential and legislative compliance as it relates to employee development.

March 12, 13 & 14
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - TWO & ½ DAY COURSE
This introductory course in financial accounting reviews the accounting cycle. Topics include how to read financial statements, budgeting, financial ratios, bank negotiating, credit and collection methods and computer technology. Case studies will be used to demonstrate concepts and provide practice in basic financial analysis.

March 15 & 16
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - TWO DAY COURSE
This module offers a foundation of inventory management with emphasis on the financial impact in maintaining inventory control. Content includes the understanding of GMROI, accuracy, product care, shrinkage and future technology. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts and provide hands-on experience.

March 19 & 20
STRATEGIC RETAIL MARKETING - TWO DAY COURSE
Master the essentials of marketing in the building supply industry. This course also defines pricing strategies and helps you develop a media plan. This component will teach you how to evaluate a competitive analysis including the proper product mix, promotions and merchandising. You will also receive guidance and practical "how to's" from a proven expert, and networking opportunities with your building supply colleagues.

March 21 & 22
PURCHASING - TWO DAY COURSE
Purchasing is an important part of our industry. Learn the core principles and develop the best practice that ties the four pillars of purchasing together. Delve into transportation and logistics principles including warehouse, storage and handling costs. You will also cover operating procedures such as shrink control, cycle counts and management reports. Group work and class interaction enhance this new program.

"I (we) took part in all 6 courses in the Retail Business Management Studies Program and left with an incredible amount of knowledge! We gained new insight and perspective on how to "effectively" and "efficiently" run our lumber yard. We also just completed our inventory with a shrink percent of .02%. I would recommend one or all of these courses to anyone!"

David Bakker, General Manager, ALTA-WIDE Builders Supplies Ltd., Whitecourt, Alberta

CLICK HERE to register online NOW!

All courses will be held at the Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton, AB
Member Fee: $500 EACH course (Rebate applications available)
Please call Susan for more information 1(800) 661-0253 or email slabossiere@wrla.org

 




Keep your employees on their toes!

Have your store shopped once in the spring and once in the fall in 2012.

You don’t pay until you receive your report!

$99 per mystery shop

SIGN UP NOW

VIEW A SAMPLE REPORT

 
Industry News

The Consumer Choice Award organization has recognized TimberTown TIM-BR MART as Best Wood Floor Supplier for locations in both Calgary and Edmonton. Winners were determined through an independent research survey conducted by Leger Marketing.

Some of the reasons given by consumers for choosing TimberTown TIM-BR MART included their selection, tips and design ideas. They were also wowed by free samples mailed to their home and a courteous, professional and very knowledgeable sales team.

 
More families across Canada will have the opportunity to live in safe, energy efficient and affordable homes thanks to ARXX Building Products and Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC). Habitat for Humanity Canada has entered into a partnership with ARXX to provide several elements that can contribute to the success of HFHC builds including discount pricing, training and support and national distribution of ARXX Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) to all of HFHC's affiliates. In addition to the energy efficiency provided by the ARXX forms, Habitat for Humanity Canada homes built with ARXX ICF walls and foundations will provide the owners with better indoor air quality, elimination of the risk of water intrusion through the foundation walls and resulting mold, mildew and rot, as well as structural integrity second to none.

"ARXX has worked with HFHC affiliates for years and we're very pleased and excited to formalize our relationship so that we can help Habitat for Humanity Canada achieve their goals in communities across Canada. The work that HFHC does is very important and our products go hand in hand with their mission," said Gael Mourant, President and CEO of ARXX. "Our training program and readily-available technical support helps affiliates and volunteers self-perform foundation and building work, and our discounted pricing plan and national distribution platform provides Canadian Habitat affiliates access to our products for their new home builds."
 
Calendar of Events

February 22-24, 2012
ABSDA Show
Moncton, NB

WRLA Retail Business Management Studies Program
March 6 - 7
March 12 - 14
March 15 - 16
March 19 - 20
March 21 - 22
http://www.wrla.org/education_calendar.html

March 30-31, 2012
TIM-BR MART National Buying Show
Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON
www.timbrmartshow.com

April 14 - 16, 2012
TruServ Canada Spring Market
Winnipeg Convention Center, Winnipeg, MB
www.truserv.ca

April 22 - 24, 2012
Home Hardware Show
St. Jacobs, ON

To view the full calendar CLICK HERE

 
Member Updates


NEW RETAIL MEMBER

Tru Hardware
Box 280
Air Ronge, SK S0J 3G0
Phone: 306-425-4044
Fax: 306-425-3787
Contact: Don Kirzinger
truevalueairronge@sasktel.net

(RETAILER) TRU

 
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