WRLA Weekly ToolBox: July 12, 2012
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Welcome to the ToolBox, your portal to WRLA member news and information within the LBM market. We invite you to learn more about what's going on within your association and the companies whose products and/or services you utilize.

What's Going On

WRLA opens a new chapter in communications. Recognizing the opportunities the Digital Age presents us, we are excited to present WRLA-TV, an exciting video channel which offers another method for us to communicate with you, our valued member. Video is the most effective way to inform, educate and engage your target market, while differentiating and positioning your brand. 

The launch of WRLA-TV focuses on how customers see your business and features North American Lumber and their use of the Mystery Shopper Program. We encourage you to click on the iPad image to the right and view the premiere episode of WRLA-TV.   

WRLA-TV is designed to educate, inform and provide opportunities for the industry’s suppliers and leaders to leverage this medium for reaching and engaging our members. Whether in the office or on the go, stay informed of the latest industry developments and trends. Videos can be viewed everywhere at any time: 


• On the WRLA Website                                                                 
• On your website 
• In social media 
• In your tradeshow booth or PowerPoint presentation 
• With QR codes scanned to your smartphone


If you would like more information on advertising on WRLA TV or creating your own video, please contact: 
KIM DAVIES 
Project Manager, Naylor  
(800) 665-2456 ext. 423 
kdavies@naylor.com                                      
 

Reminder - Manitoba is running out of phone numbers! 

That is why, as of July 29, 2012, 10-digit dialing - the area code followed by the telephone number, will apply to all local communications in Manitoba.

The popularity of wireless phones and other communication devices means we will eventually run out. In anticipation of a shortage of phone numbers, Manitoba will have a new area code (431) starting in late 2012. 
 

The WRLA Terry Yates Memorial Golf Tournament will be held once again at the Links at Quarry Oaks in Steinbach, MB on Tuesday, August 21, 2012. This tournament is well attended with 212 building suppliers and retailers from across the prairies. Online registration is now available!  

Next in line is the 7th Annual WRLA Calgary Classic which takes place at the Sundre Golf Course in Alberta on September 6, 2012. A Mill Tour is available prior to the Golf Tournament at West Fraser Treated at 9:30am in Sundre.  Registration and sponsor forms are now available by following the link below.

Cap off the season in Kenosee at the WRLA Kenosee Golf Tournament on September 12, 2012. Register as a single or group and don’t miss the fun. 
Registration and sponsor forms are now available by following the link below.  

The proceeds from all tournaments will used for the WRLA Bursary and Scholarship Program. The WRLA is proud to support our future generation by hosting these important industry mixers where business and pleasure meet on the golf course.

Visit
www.wrla.org to register now!

 
WRLA MEMBER BENEFIT 



Spread the word to full and part-time staff, managers etc. 

Applications are now available, so CLICK HERE for more information

Bursary application deadline: August 10
Scholarship application deadline: October 5

Proudly Sponsored by:
      
 

Our Association's Greatest Honor!

The WRLA wants to recognize the individual who is or has been actively involved in the building supply industry, who has faced challenges and recognized opportunities, and who wishes to share best practices with the association. 

This individual has received the respect of fellow members of the association through contributions to the industry, the community, and the WRLA.


Deadline for receipt of Nominations: Friday, September 7, 2012
Nomination forms are available on by clicking here or contact Gary Hamilton at ghamilton@wrla.org or 800-661-0253 ext 1.
 
Industry News

Ply Gem windows and patio doors enhance architectural styling of 2012 Stampede Rotary Dream Home

  • Ply Gem supplied windows and patio doors from its new Pro Series line to the 2012 Stampede Rotary Dream Home built by Homes by Avi
  • Ply Gem Pro Series Windows offer a low-maintenance option that is energy efficient and durable
  • 2012 Stampede Rotary Dream Home pays homage to inaugural Calgary Stampede of 1912, marking the 100th anniversary of the event

Ply Gem® a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, with Canadian headquarters in Calgary, is a proud sponsor for the 2012 Stampede Rotary Dream Home built by Homes by Avi. Ply Gem has supplied 31 windows and patio doors to enhance the architectural styling of this Craftsman style house.

The 2012 Stampede Rotary Dream Home pays homage to the inaugural Calgary Stampede of 1912, marking the 100th anniversary of the event. The overall theme of the home’s floor plan is traditional with contemporary touches. The home’s 2,391 square foot interior features a blend of nostalgia with architectural modernism. The home, which will be located in the southeast community of Walden, is valued at $745,950. The Stampede Rotary Dream Home reflects Calgary’s roots in rodeo, railway and agriculture, and emulates these roots through the home’s design and architectural elements such as exposed brick, barn wood, aged metal details and worn leather. 

For the Stampede Rotary Dream Home, Ply Gem has supplied windows and patio doors from its new Pro Series line, available for the new construction and remodel markets in western Canada. The windows are designed with a top-sash grille pattern, which remains true to the traditional architectural elements of a Craftsman style home. The windows consist of multi-chamber PVC vinyl construction providing a low-maintenance option, in addition to improving the overall comfort within the home.

All windows supplied qualify for ENERGY STAR® in Canada and are certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for certified manufacturing processes along with attributes such as airtightness, watertightness, wind resistance, forced entry resistance and ease of operation. The windows and patio doors will provide the future homeowner with reliability and style, in addition to a low-maintenance option that is both durable and energy efficient. 

"Getting involved in the community plays a big role in our business," said Andrew Thompson, marketing manager, Ply Gem Canada. "Ply Gem is excited to sponsor this year’s Stampede Dream Home and to provide products that will not only enhance the true design, but help make this dream home more energy efficient and easy to maintain for the future homeowner."

Ply Gem Canada has been a previous partner of the Stampede Rotary Dream Home. This will be the 17th year the company has participated by providing Ply Gem products to be used in the construction of the home.

"Ply Gem is a tremendous partner for Homes by Avi," said Michael Jacobson, director of product development, Homes by Avi. "Their product offerings afford us design solutions to suit any architectural style, and we have had such positive response to the energy savings provided by Ply Gem’s High Performance Low-E glazing, that we have included it in our Homes by Avi Standard Specification."

To qualify for a home, recipients must purchase a lottery ticket. The entry period for purchasing lottery tickets is July 5 – July 15. All final prize drawings will take place on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 4:00 pm.

The Calgary Stampede is a non-profit community organization with a purpose of upholding the values of western heritage. It helps contribute to the quality of life in Calgary and Southern Alberta. The Stampede was formed in 1912 by Guy Weadick. The first Dream Home was in 1959. The Calgary Stampede is celebrating its 100th anniversary this July.
 


"We understand that our departure from ILDC represents a large and sudden change and are appreciative that our suppliers have rallied around with effective programs for the remainder of 2012.  Our members will not take a step back on any major LBM or Hardlines program, states Steve Buckle, General Manager of the Sexton Group Ltd.

The Sexton members have benefited greatly over the previous four years. However a lot has changed, the Sexton Group has grown substantially and it was time to address some challenges our members were having with some aspects of previous supplier agreements.

"Specifically, says Steve, Sexton members need choice of vendors within a category and require easy  to understand programs and market competitive pricing. They have asked for stability and consistency of product supply, rather than constantly changing suppliers based strictly on price. This is exactly what we intend to give them".

In a separate release Sexton and two partners announced the formation of BYCO, a buying group focused on gypsum, insulation and steel framing products.
 


Gary Barrault has joined the management team at North American Lumber in the role of Business Development Manager working from NAL's Winnipeg corporate office.




Greg Getty has joined AFA Forest Products Langley Division on the Commodity Sales team!

He can be reached by email at ggetty@afaforest.com or 604-513-4850
 

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. is pleased to welcome our newest independent member to the Castle family. Matix Lumber Inc. located in Headingly, Manitoba joins the over 280 LBM, commercial and specialty dealers that are part of the successful Castle independent network. Welcome to the Castle family. 

Ken Jenkins, President 
Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 

Matix Lumber founder Tony Matic is no stranger to the industry; in fact the Matic family name is rich in history and has long been associated with the lumber and building materials industry in Manitoba. Together with his daughter Sue Matic the inspiration for the development of Matix Lumber became a reality. Strategically located in Headingly, MB on the TransCanada highway; Matix Lumber will be a full retail building materials and hardware store catering to consumers and contractors in the Greater Winnipeg Area. 

Matix Lumber’s unique specialty product offering will include Honka Solid Wood Homes; upscale custom built log home designs which are both cutting edge in design and eco-friendly and will be available exclusively through Matix Lumber. Construction of the new Matix Lumber store is set to begin this coming September 2012.  Visionary thinking, industry experience and entrepreneurial spirit; a recipe for success. 
 

Enter Hardware Merchandising’s Outstanding Retailer Awards Now

Toronto, ON (July 3, 2012) – Dealers have less than a month left to enter Hardware Merchandising Magazine’s 2012 Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORAs), the industry’s only independent awards program dedicated to celebrating the achievements of hardware, home improvement and building supply dealers in Canada. 

There is no fee to enter and nominations are not required. Dealers may submit entries directly, or chain/buying group head offices may choose to prepare and submit the entries for them. 
This year’s competition closes on Friday, August 3, 2012. 

Complete information and entry forms are available at hardwaremagazine.ca/ORA. 

 
Chalifour Canada will hold its National Retailer Buying Expo October 27 & 28 at Place Bonaventure in Montreal.  

As a national distributor of hardware and building materials, Chalifour Canada will again host this event in Montreal, offering a broad range of products and services for retailers. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, over 650 vendors representatives are expected to showcase a wide selection of products, as well as incredible specials available only to those retailers who attend the Expo. 

A 100% Canadian-owned hardware, lumber and building material distribution company, Chalifour Canada Ltd. serves independent home improvement entrepreneurs in every province and territory. From five warehouses and offices in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, Chalifour Canada offers full transportation and logistics services, cutting-edge product ordering and inventory management technologies, plus a dedicated national sales team providing in-store retail support.  To learn more, visit www.chalifourcanada.com
 
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 6, 2012
Calgary Classic Golf Tournament
Sundre Golf Course, Sundre, AB

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

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

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

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

October 27 - 28, 2012
Chalifour National Buying Expo

Place Bonaventure, Montreal, PQ
www.chalifourcanda.com

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

November 28 - 29, 2012
Canadian Home Improvement Show

Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, Toronto, ON
www.canadianhomeimprovementshow.com


To view the complete Events Calendar CLICK HERE

 
Member Updates

New Retail Member

Windsor Plywood
P.O. Box 328
8219 Harper Dr.
Dawson Creek, BC    V1G 4G9
(250) 782-7926
Fax:  (250) 782-1707
Richard Cronier
(WINDSOR)


New Associate Member
Knauf Insulation (Head Office)
4805 Boulevard Lapinere, Suite 3000
Brossard, QC     J4Z 0G2
(450) 678-2220
Fax: (450) 678-0003
Toll Free:  (855) 562-8333
Dean Toews
(Manufacturer) insulation
 
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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Alliance Designer Products
Westman Steel Industries
Epicor Software Corporation - Formerly Activant
All Weather Windows Ltd.

If your company has news that you would like to see in The ToolBox, please email your news releases to news@wrla.org
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