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All WRLA member locations will receive one complimentary copy of the WRLA Directory & Product Source Guide in July 2012.

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

 

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty and Governor Mark Carney today unveiled the new and more secure $20 polymer bank note at the Bank of Canada’s head office, on Wellington Street in Ottawa. To raise public awareness about the new note, the building’s north-east corner now features seven-storey high images of both sides of the polymer $20.

As with the previously issued $50 and $100 polymer bank notes, the main reason for issuing a new $20 is to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats. The new polymer notes are also more economical and have a smaller environmental footprint.

"The Bank’s goal is to maintain Canadians’ confidence in our money as a secure means of payment," said Governor Carney after the unveiling ceremony. "This new $20 note fits the bill."

The front of the polymer $20 features a new portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year. The back of the note pays tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian men and women in all military conflicts, and features the Canadian National Vimy Memorial – an iconic monument located in Vimy, France that commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge and honours those who fought and gave their lives in the First World War in France and have no known grave.

On 9 April 1917, all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force united for the first time to take Vimy Ridge in France – a strategically important position that had eluded previous attempts by allied forces between 1914 and 1916.

"The Canadian Corps’ victory at Vimy is often described as Canada’s ‘coming of age’ as a nation," said Minister Flaherty, "This third note in the Frontier series commemorates the combination of technical innovation, tactical planning and meticulous execution with which Canada breached more than just a military frontier at Vimy Ridge."

"The Bank is proud to memorialize this pivotal moment in Canadian history and to feature the inspiring Canadian National Vimy Memorial on the new $20 bank note," said Governor Carney.

The $20 bill, which accounts for over 50 per cent of all bank notes in circulation and is the main note dispensed by automated banking machines (ABMs), will begin circulating in November of this year. To prepare for the new notes, the Bank is working closely with financial institutions and manufacturers of bank note equipment to ensure a smooth transition to polymer. The Bank is also providing authentication training and support materials to law enforcement officers and to cash handlers in retail and financial institutions.

CLICK HERE to view the full article

 
Industry News
Ron Cicuttini, Dealer-Owner of three Home Hardware locations in Ontario, received the prestigious Top Gun Award from the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) at a ceremony in Las Vegas yesterday.

Currently in its sixth year, the Top Gun program recognizes four of the industry’s most influential independent retailers who work with best-in-class operations and go above and beyond the retailing norm. The honorees share a common set of traits that have elevated their business to the highest levels – each exhibiting an acute understanding of their markets, their brands and the operational insights needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

Ron received this year’s Top Gun award for his exceptional strategic vision and business acumen that enabled him to grow his first Home Hardware store, which he began operating at the young age of 23, to three locations in Ontario - University Home Hardware in Dundas; Weeks Home Hardware in Waterdown and Brantford Home Hardware in Brantford. Ron attributes his success to Home Hardware’s unique business model.

"The structure of our company allows Dealers to retain their independence and entrepreneurial pursuits while benefiting from the strength afforded us by our numbers and powerful national brand", said Cicuttini. "As Home Dealers, our independence is a core advantage that sets us apart from many of our competitors. We are able to respond quickly to our customers’ needs with localized product selections and special orders."

In addition to devoting significant energy into his three stores, Ron has dedicated countless hours of his time serving on Home Hardware’s Board of Directors. After 17 successful years, Ron is retiring from the Board this year and is grateful to have been part of growing the company to become a vital part of the Canadian retailing landscape.

"On behalf of more than 1,080 Home Hardware Dealers across Canada, I’d like to congratulate Ron on this remarkable accomplishment," said Paul Straus, President and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited. "We are so proud to have Dealers who are committed to constantly building and enhancing their businesses – making them true models for home improvement retailers across Canada."
 

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Andy Wood recently joined AFA Forest Products Inc.  Based in the Langley BC division, Andy brings extensive industry knowledge and experience to our team.

 Andy's primary responsibility will be handling the treated lumber program, supporting our white wood sales, followed by a number of new specialty product programs that will be launched over the coming months.

 

Boucherville, Quebec, May 9, 2012 – RONA inc. (TSX: RON, RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, today reported its financial results for the 13-week period ending March 25, 2012, and provided an update on the progress of its business plan. All figures in this release are in Canadian dollars and presented according to IFRS accounting standards. 

 
Home Hardware Dealer-Owner Tyler Knight of Knights’ Home Building Centre in Meaford, Ontario, has been recognized as a Young Retailer of the Year by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) at a ceremony in Las Vegas.

Currently in its sixteenth year, the Young Retailer of the Year Program acknowledges outstanding managers and owners of North American, independently-owned hardware and building supply stores. Nominees must be 35 years of age or younger, and are judged on their career advancement, professional accomplishments, future goals, education and community involvement. Knight is one of three winners in the ‘over $2 million in sales’ category and the only Canadian honouree.

"On behalf of the Dealer-Owners of more than 1,080 Home Hardware stores across Canada, I’d like to congratulate Tyler on this remarkable accomplishment," said Paul Straus, President and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Tyler’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and keen business sense are what make him such a great fit with the Home family and we’re proud to have him serve as an example to the new generation of Home Dealers."

Knight and his cousins took over the family’s hardware business in 2006, with a vision of providing a better customer experience. Within a year plans were in place to build a new store, expanding their space from 5,000 square feet to 14,000 square feet. The store opened in June 2010 with a wider product selection and improved layout and displays to successfully meet consumer and contractor demand.

"Before building the new store, we had a strong base of contractor customers – and still do," Knight said. "With more space, we were able to focus on expanding our retail offering while still serving our loyal contractors. Sales are now split 50 per cent consumer, 45 per cent contractor and 5 per cent institutional, and we are able to offer our knowledgeable service to a much broader clientele."

Customer service is at the core of the store’s success as Knight continues to focus on improving the buying experience and reaching out to new markets. Looking to increase the store’s institutional business, he has a staff member devoted to institutional customers, who often have specific needs and detailed paperwork requirements. To reach out to more female customers, he spearheaded the store’s first-ever Ladies Night, attracting over 300 women and generating buzz within the community.
"It is an honour to be recognized as a Young Retailer of the Year – especially by such talented industry peers," Knight said. "I am very proud of everything we’ve accomplished at Knights’ Home Building Centre and look forward to serving the community in the years to come."
Home Hardware Dealer-Owners have been recognized 10 times since the NRHA Young Retailer of the Year Program began sixteen years ago and have been honoured for six consecutive years.

Past Home Hardware recipients include:
• 2000 - Philip Fynbo, Essex Home Hardware
• 2002 - Tanya Hanson Rocca, Roblynn Home Hardware Building Centre
• 2004 - David Dishke, Grand River Home Hardware
• 2005 - Monte McNaughton, McNaughton Home Hardware Building Centre
• 2007 - Adam Busscher, Picton Home Hardware
• 2008 - Maurice Chevalier, Morinville Home Hardware
• 2009 - Chris Beilhartz, Echo Bay Home Hardware Building Centre
• 2010 - Patrick Guilbert, Neepawa Home Hardware
• 2011 - Conrad Leblanc, Tediche Home Hardware Building Centre
• 2012 - Tyler Knight, Knights' Home Building Centre

"The Young Retailer of the Year Program is designed to honour outstanding young retailers in Canada and the United Sates and to encourage others to make hardware retailing their career," said Tom Delph, Program Director, NRHA Young Retailer of the Year. "The success achieved by these individuals demonstrates that the future of the retail hardware business is in good hands. Tyler Knight is an excellent example of this success."
 
Energy & Green Building Week of the 2012 Building Safety Month campaign kicks off today with a focus on the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), the first model green code for constructing and remodeling buildings. The IgCC will make buildings more efficient and reduce waste. It is expected to have a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare.

 "With the new International Green Construction Code, we’re going to see more builders offering energy-efficient packages and upgrades," said Mike Holmes, trusted contractor, HGTV celebrity and 2012 Honorary Ambassador for Building Safety Month. "We’re going to see more homeowners choosing renovations that will bring their homes to higher performance levels and make them more durable."

For the full release, chick here. For more information, contact Barbara Harrison, info@icc-foundation.org or 850-385-7233 X105.

 
Calendar of Events

August 16-18, 2012
Orgill Fall Market
Las Vegas, NV

Tuesday, August 21, 2012
WRLA Terry Yates Memorial Golf Tournament
Steinbach, MB

Thursday, September 06, 2012
Calgary Classic Golf Tournament
Sundre Golf Course, Sundre, AB

Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Kenossee Golf Tournament
Kenossee SK.

September 20 - 22, 2012
RONA 2013 Spring Market
Metro Convention Centre, Toronto, ON
www.rona.ca

Sept 23-25, 2012
Home Hardware
St. Jacobs, ON

September 29 - October 1, 2012
Truserv Fall National Buying Market
Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg
www.truserv.ca

November 2 - 6, 2012
Sexton Member Conference
New Orleans, LA
Contact: callak@sextongroup.com
 
Association Publications

Support your association and broadcast your business to hundreds of decision-makers in the lumber industry. Advertising opportunities are still available in several WRLA publications:

The YardStick: The YardStick is sent to more than 1,200 members firms every other month. Advertising in the largest issue of The YardStick, the Prairie Showcase edition, is a great way to reinforce your marketing message with hundreds of decision-makers who regularly read this magazine while supporting WRLA. Ads booked within the print edition automatically appear (linked to the website or email of your choice) in the digital edition, which is read by more than 500 visitors each issue. Exclusive online ad positions are also available within every digital edition.

The Toolbox: Delivered directly to the inboxes of more than 1,200 lumber managers and professionals, this weekly e-newsletter offers consistent access to the individuals who rely on your products and services to run their businesses.

Directory & Product Source Guide:
WRLA is the largest retail lumber association on the Prairies, with its membership representing 85% of the industry. All of our members are included in this annual directory and all keep this publication handy year-round. Make sure your business stands out in this resource by purchasing a display advertisement.

WRLA.org: Our website average more than 3,000 visits per month! Advertising space is available on the home and sub-pages of WRLA.org. Ads rotate on the home page and sub pages, expanding your exposure to site visitors at an affordable price.

WRLA-TV: Introducing the NEW WRLA-TV Banner Sponsorship. Our online TV and banners offer your brand high visibility on the WRLA homepage. Your branding and action oriented banner is featured every time WRLA-TV’s videos are played by our audience, leaving them one-click away from your website‘s landing page.

For more information about these opportunities, click here for the media kit or contact:

Kim Davies
Project Manager
(800) 665-2456, ext. 423
kdavies@naylor.com  

 
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