Archive/Subscribe | Printer-Friendly | Send to a Friend | www.wrla.org | YardStick Wednesday, February 16, 2012
What's Going On


Please complete the  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 
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. 

March 21 & 22  
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. 

"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

Lowes Canada has recently announced plans to implement a Product Content Management (PCM) initiative for Canada. For a number of years now, Lowe’s US has been leveraging PCM to enable the receipt and maintenance of complete and accurate Master Product Data from their vendor community. The application houses both Core Product Data as well as Extended Marketing Data including product information and images.

Core Product Data is synchronized with vendors through the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). Commport Communications in Aurora, Ontario, owns and operates the largest and oldest GDSN-Certified Data Pool in Canada – CGS Datapool Services. They have extensive experience with the Lowe’s US PCM effort and are working closely with Lowe’s Canada with the expansion of their program here at home.

If you are a Lowe’s Canada vendor and are currently investigating certified data pool providers, CGS would welcome the opportunity to be a part of your due diligence process. To contact CGS call 1-800-565-2666 Option 1, email sales@commport.com or visit www.cgsdatapoolservices.com for more information on their GDSN-Certified solutions.

 
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 22-23, 2012
Epicor - LBM Customer Training Conference
Denver, CO
www.epicor.com

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

 
Alliance Designer Products
Westman Steel Industries
Seljax Int'l Inc.
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