WRLA News

What's Going On

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR SPRING MANUAL ESTIMATING

Estimating Fundamentals, Decks and Garages
April 16 & 17, 2012 (TWO-DAY COURSE) $500 per person
Covers the fundamentals of manual estimating and gives the participants a basic working knowledge of estimating decks and garages. Participants learn to calculate all the necessary components and gain knowledge of products used on these projects.

Estimating for Residential Construction
April 18 & 19, 2012 (TWO-DAY COURSE) $500 per person
To participate in this course, you should have completed the Estimating Fundamentals course or should have experience with small project estimating at the customer service counter, or job-site experience in residential construction.

Yard Foreman – Operations Manager CANCELLED

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

MEMBER REBATE PROGRAM
Due to the wide distribution of members across the prairies, the north and NW Ontario, member rebates are available to offset the cost of travel and expenses to attend these courses. Rebate information and forms are available at www.wrla.org. Please note that courses must be paid in full by course date, and rebate forms sent to the WRLA office no later than 30 days from course completion date.

DEADLINE APRIL 13: WRLA Bursary & Scholarship Sponsorship Program

The Western Retail Lumber Association Inc. (WRLA) is pleased to offer you an opportunity to increase your company’s strategic position and become "top-of-mind" with your fellow members in the industry. Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $2,500. Each category guarantees; sponsor profile, recognition, and access to the WRLA Sponsorship benefits program.

Click on the links below for the WRLA Bursary Scholarship Program complete details which includes; invitational letter, Benefits of Sponsorship and Sponsorship Acknowledgement Form. Please complete the Sponsorship Acknowledgement Form and return to me either via email ckelly@wrla.org or fax 204-947-5195 no later than April 13, 2012.

For more information please visit http://www.wrla.org/education_scholarships.html

Bursary Scholarship Application Forms will be available in May

WRLA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

The WRLA membership year is April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013. Renewal invoices and verification forms are in the mail!

Ensure to return updates by April 30, 2012.

The WRLA DIRECTORY & Product Source Guide will be updated and distributed to members in July 2012.

WRLA Member enquiry
Contact Susan at the WRLA office at 800-661-0253 ext. 0 or slabossiere@wrla.org

Many Thanks to our Prairie Showcase Sponsors

The Prairie Showcase wouldn't happen without the support of our sponsors.

Many Thanks to our 2012 Prairie Showcase Sponsors:

Platinum ($20,000)
Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.
JELD-WEN Windows & Doors
The Sexton Group Ltd.
Tourism Saskatoon & City of Saskatoon

Gold ($5,000)
Epicor Software Solutions
Home Hardware Stores Limited
Lancashire Distribution
Madero Distribution
Owens Corning
Ply Gem
Rona Inc.

Silver ($2,500)
All-Fab Building Components
Can-Cell Industries Inc.
Guardian Building Products Distribution
Naylor Publishing
Steel-Craft Door Products Ltd.

Bronze ($1,000)
Alliance Door
CanWelBroadleaf
Cherry Insurance
Duchesne et Fils ltee
Harris Rebar
Mitten Inc.
Morneau Shepell
National Forest Products
Resisto

Convention Club ($500)
Johns Manville Canada Inc.
National Concrete Accessories
OGC Inc.
ProfitMaster Canada
Seljax

Industry News

Castle Building Centres Group takes over Marco Island

There was no denying that the "Castle Culture" was alive last week as over 475 Castle members, supplier partners, staff and their families attended the 49th annual Castle Annual General Meeting(AGM) in Marco Island, FL.

This year’s premiere event was held at the picturesque Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and was one of the largest AGM in the group’s history with over 90 Caste locations and over 60 individual supplier partners represented. The Castle AGM was definitely a family-affair with over 80 children under the age of 18 in attendance. The week was jam-packed with sun and fun-filled events, educational programs and special guest speakers for adults and children alike.

Castle’s presence was felt and heard all week beginning with the grand opening night party on the beach held in the largest tent ever erected on the white sands of Marco Island beach; 10,000 sq.ft. The tent played host to many Castle events throughout the week with the beautiful Florida gulf coast as the perfect backdrop.

"There is a reason why the Castle AGM is the biggest and the best AGM in the industry...it’s because of you...our valued members, loyal vendor partners and dedicated staff"Ken Jenkins, President, Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

The action packed and thought-provoking business sessions included guest speakers Neil Burse, Queen’s School of Business Associate Director of Marketing, Dr. Peter Andersen, Ph.D and former Chief Economist with BMO Nesbitt Burns as well as Mike Whitlock, President, Tannian Consulting; financial expert. Keynote speaker Arlene Dickson of CBC’s "The Dragons Den" captivated the crowd with her inspirational success story followed by a book signing session and photo op.

Evening events included an unforgettable family outing to Ngala Nature Reserve; a truly authentic African experience with live animals, fire eaters and traditional African dance. This was followed by a truly unique dining experience in the Ngala dining tent complete with live music, three course dinner and crystal chandeliers lighting the night throughout.

"I can’t think of a more memorable evening than watching the interaction of our group at Ngala. It was truly a special event." Ken Jenkins, President, Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

The Castle AGM went out Irish-style with the biggest and best St Patrick’s Day Party and Farewell Dinner on the beach boasting green beer, Irish fare, and a live Irish folk ensemble.
Castle members and vendors along with their families had a truly memorable experience on Marco Island at the 2012 Annual General Meeting and Castle expects record attendance next year as they celebrate an incredible milestone; their 50th anniversary; the first in their industry. The 2013 AGM will be held at the breathtaking Hotel del Coronado Resort in San Diego, CA

For Photos: www.castleindependent.ca/photos_agm

New Appointments Reflect Strategic Growth for North American Lumber

MILWAUKEE® Introduces the Most Compact Band Saw in the World

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation delivers the ideal solution for overhead or one-handed cutting applications with the introduction of the M12™ Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw. At only 6.75 lbs and 12" in length, the new tool is the lightest and most compact cordless band saw on the market with less than half the size and weight of deep cut band saws.

"The M12 Band Saw is not only ideal for one-handed cutting applications because of its size, it is the ONLY band saw on the market with a fully integrated lower guard that covers the blade outside the active cutting area," says David Lincoln, Product Manager, Cordless for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.

This powerful saw can cut through 3/4" EMT in only 3 seconds, and will deliver over 150 cuts per charge with the included M12™ REDLITHIUM XC High Capacity battery. With a 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" cut capacity and low vibration, the M12™ Band Saw delivers clean cuts on the most common small diameter metal cutting applications such as 3/4" EMT, 3/8" threaded rod and 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" Unistrut. Complete with a variable speed trigger and LED light, the new tool is easy to use and provides fast, clean cuts.

The M12™ Band Saw will also include the new Milwaukee® 48-39-0572 18 TPI Sub-Compact Portable Band Saw Blade and should only be used with this blade. Replacement Milwaukee blades can be purchased separately as well.

Powered by revolutionary M12™ RED LITHIUM™ Battery technology*, the new band saw is compatible with the entire M12™ System, now offering over 40 cordless Lithium-Ion products. The M12™ platform is the largest sub-compact system in the industry, offering innovative solutions in power, productivity, and portability.

Specifications (2429-21XC)
Cut Capacity: 1-5/8" x 1-5/8"
Length: 12"
Weight: 6.75 lbs

Includes 2429-20 M12™ Band Saw, (1) 48-39-0572 18 TPI Sub-Compact Band Saw Blade, (1) RED LITHIUM™ M12™ XC Battery, 30-Minute Charger & Hard Carrying Case

*REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology
Milwaukee’s new REDLITHIUM™ batteries provide up to 40% more run-time, 20% more power and 50% more recharges than other Lithium products on the market. The new technology will also operate in extreme temperatures as low as 0°F/-18°C and will run 20% cooler, with fade free power and no memory effect.

King Marketing welcomes Mark Travers

King Marketing is pleased to announce that Mark Travers has joined the company in the position of National Sales Director. Mark brings recent experience as the Director of Retail Sales with Lincoln Electric and previously as an Associate Category Manager at Canadian Tire to King Marketing’s growing sales division. Reporting to Mark will be Michael Chung, Sales Manager for Ontario, Joel Broughton, Western Regional Sales Manager and also key account managers Jeremy Leader in Ontario and Craig Friesen and Oliver Magno in Alberta.

King Marketing is one of the leading manufacturer’s agencies specializing in the retail home improvement sector. King Marketing is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and continues to grow its business units. King recently added Matt Jones and Gabe Belanger to their Ontario sales team and with the support of King’s merchandising teams, the King group is able to provide manufacturers with a consolidated "one stop shop" for all of their sales and in-store servicing needs nationally, provincially and locally.

Canadian & US Forestry

Canada and the United States continue to work on implementing the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, the standard that affects treating packaging material made of wood. The date for full implementation has not been confirmed. Once the date has been confirmed by Canada and the United States, industry will be informed and a phase-in period of up to 18 months will begin.

Canadian Handy Man Mike Holmes Awarded Building Safety Month Honorary Ambassador

Trusted contractor and HGTV celeb sees ICC role as a perfect fit for spreading his "Build It Right" and "Make It Right" messages

http://www.hgtv.com/mike-holmes/bio/index.html

The International Code Council Foundation® (ICC Foundation) announced today that Mike Holmes, Canada's most trusted contractor and HGTV celebrity, will serve as the 2012 Honorary Ambassador for the 32nd annual Building Safety Month in May. Holmes was chosen as the voice of Building Safety Month because of his longstanding commitment to building safety, sustainability and his success in raising public consciousness with his "Build It Right" and "Make it Right" messages.

"Mike Holmes is known for building it right, which is the very foundation and purpose of building codes and standards," said ICC Foundation President Richard P. Weiland. "Mike has helped families throughout the world understand the critical role building codes and code officials play in defending against building failure. We thank Mike for taking on this role - having him on board is a great way to raise awareness of Building Safety Month and that helps make our communities safer."

"When I started down this road more than 30 years ago, my goal was to help homeowners. That hasn't changed. But for me it's important to go beyond just fixing their homes. I wanted to teach them about proper building methods and code requirements to protect them against unskilled contractors," said Holmes. "Building codes are meant to protect us. And the more people understand and respect that, the better we will build and the safer our communities will be."

Holmes will launch Building Safety Month with a satellite media tour on Friday, April 27 and participate in the awareness initiative through a variety of public outreach initiatives including social media and a public service announcement (PSA). The PSA, which will be made available to code officials for use in their local communities, will help families better understand the critical role of codes and code officials in defending against building failure of any kind.

ICC Foundation also announced the Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA) will be the Presenting Sponsor for Building Safety Month. Additional sponsors include BASF for "Energy & Green Building Week", Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Federal Alliance for Safe Homes® (FLASH) for "Disaster Safety & Mitigation Week" and more than a dozen internationally renowned building, fire safety and sustainability organizations.

Building Safety Month is marked each year by 50,000 International Code Council Members through official ceremonies, community outreach events, demonstration projects and school-based programs. Last year, President Barack Obama issued the first-ever Presidential Proclamation declaring May as National Building Safety Month.

Learn more about Building Safety Month and download safety information, program suggestions and more at www.buildingsafetymonth.org