WRLA Toolbox: November 8, 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

Don't delay register today for your name badges and evening events!

If you are an Exhibitor CLICK HERE to Register NOW!

If you are a Retailer CLICK HERE to Register NOW!   

Exhibitors: Click here to read the Top 5 Rules & Regs - please pass on to all booth personnel

Thank you!

 

Register your people for the Plumbing and Electrical with Bob Sutherland course to be held in Winnipeg November 22 & 23, 2012.

REGISTER ONLINE AT www.wrla.org  

 

Welcome to the first episode of WRLA TV, a new video series to enhance our communication with our membership. Today Mark Kennedy, North American Lumber VP of Operations, shares the business benefits of using the WRLA's Mystery Shopper Program, and we reveal the new ways we're connecting with our members.
 
Industry News


November 2, 2012 (London, ON) – Chalifour Canada received the award for the design and marketing of their "Power Strategies" complete merchandising and marketing solution. The strategies provide a comprehensive turnkey solution to independent hardware and building material dealers, including: planograms; in-store displays; complete point-of-purchase packages; dedicated customer service; quality products, in-stock; and on-time deliveries with a 98% fill rate.

The annual International Davey Awards honour the achievements of companies who derive their strengths from big ideas, rather than big budgets. The Davey Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA). The IAVA is a 200+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. Current IAVA membership represents a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms, including: Conde Nast, Coach, Disney, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Estee Lauder, HBO, Monster.com, MTV, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Victoria’s Secret, Wired, Yahoo! and many others.

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  

 


October 31, 2012 (Calgary, AB) – Canadians will test their shooting accuracy, power, speed and skill while doing good for their community. Everyone who plays the game will direct their Sharpshooter points to their local or favourite minor hockey association to help earn ballots towards the grand prize. A random draw from all ballots will result in ten hockey associations being asked to submit a 500-word proposal outlining why their local charity should receive $50,000 and their hockey association should receive $10,000 (collectively the $60,000 grand prize).

"TIM-BR MART’s Hockey Canada partnership is about community engagement and helping support grassroots minor hockey across the country," says Jon Irwin, Vice President, Retail Services. "The best part about Sharpshooter is that when Canadians play the game, hockey associations and charities focused on the health and well-being of children win big."

First prize is $60,000, with $50,000 going to an eligible charity, and $10,000 going to a hockey association. There are also four secondary prizes of $10,000, consisting of a $5,000 charitable donation and a $5,000 donation to a hockey association, in addition to weekly prizes.

Players can access the game in two ways. Through the Sharpshooter Facebook page, contestants "like" Sharpshooter, enable the game, and register by choosing their favourite minor hockey association. Beginning November 8, players can play a mobile version on their iPad, iPhone, iPod and iTouch devices by downloading free App from the App store.

The contest will be open until January 8, 2013, with the prize winners announced February 12, 2013.
In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART is a $2 billion+ member-owned organization serving over 750 building material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers and manufacturers across Canada. The organization exists to help Canadian entrepreneurs involved in the sale of building materials and hardware be more profitable. To learn more about TIM-BR MART, visit www.timbrmart.ca  

 

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC, Nov. 5, 2012- SOPREMA, which has its North American head office located in Drummondville, has owned 50% of CONVOY shares since 2001. With this full acquisition, the company adds another key component to its business strategy. Remaining true to its corporate philosophy, SOPREMA will encourage CONVOY to evolve as an independent entity.

Founded in 1972, the CONVOY company was established in British Columbia, and then expanded across Canada and the United States. The company now has 39 sales points and 735 employees. Its 2011 revenue was about $550 million.

This acquisition will allow SOPREMA to strengthen its means pertaining to product offering and to add to its expertise, business development and human capital.

SOPREMA is entrusting CONVOY leadership to Ms. Alma Garnett, who brings 25 years of experience in the field of building materials to the company. Ms. Garnett previously worked for Hunter, a subsidiary of Carlisle, specializing in thermal insulation.

About SOPREMA
SOPREMA is an international manufacturer specializing in the development and production of waterproofing products for the building and civil engineering sectors. SOPREMA operates in over 90 countries. The parent company is based in Strasbourg, France, where it has been since 1908. Since starting operations in Canada in 1978, SOPREMA has manufactured and installed millions of square metres of waterproofing membranes across the country. Each year, hundreds of building professionals choose SOPREMA for the quality of its products and the expertise of its work team.

For further information:
Mr. Dominic Jacques
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
SOPREMA
E-mail: djacques@soprema.ca  
www.soprema.ca  

 

Mississauga, ON – October 31, 2012  The award was presented last week at the 17th annual Hardlines Conference in Toronto. Owner Vince Cavallo and store manager Max Careri have successfully transformed a 40 year old family business into a state-of-art, one-stop shop for building materials and hardware complete with home decor centre and first class service. After moving the business to a new location only three years ago and having to compete with the over populated box store competitors; Lumberland began to create a niche by selling the "complete" project and this differentiation has proven to be a winning recipe.

This Brampton Castle Building Centres location offers the traditional lumber, building material and hardware product assortment for contractors and home builders but also features an innovative and consumer-friendly design centre. The centre features over 100 kitchen and bath vignettes catering to design conscious clientele with a selection of high-end contemporary designs, sleek faucets, countertops, tile and finishes.

As an independent Castle member; Lumberland enjoys the benefits of a well-respected retail brand with the strongest buying program in the industry for the independent. Castle members like Lumberland; have the freedom to evolve and make innovative decisions in real-time; when it really matters, resulting in maximized profits and success.

Congratulations to Vince Cavallo and staff of Lumberland North.

The Hardlines award was the first-ever for Retail Innovation and was named in honour of Marc Robichaud who passed away earlier this year in Meteghan Centre, NS at age 36. Marc too was an independent retailer who was considered a pioneer of innovative retailing.

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Mercieca
Director of Communications
Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.
jmercieca@castle.ca

 
Calendar of Events

Nov 22-23, 2012
WRLA Plumbing & Electrical with Bob Sutherland
Canad Inn, Winnipeg, MB
www.wrla.org/education-a-training/education-courses  

Nov 28 - 29, 2012
The Canadian Home Improvement Show
Toronto, ON
www.canadianhomeimprovementshow.com

January 23 - 25, 2013
2013 Prairie Showcase Buying Show & Convention
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK
www.wrla.org/prairie-showcase  
Contact: ckelly@wrla.org

February 21 - 23, 2013
Orgill Dealer Market
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
www.orgill.com  

March 21 - 23, 2013
2013 TIM-BR MART National Buying Show
Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON
Contact: catherine.brownlow@timbrmart.ca  

 

To view the complete Events Calendar  CLICK HERE

To view the complete Education & Training Calendar CLICK HERE

 
Member Updates

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Bold Posts Ltd.
85 Chapalina Square SE
Calgary, AB T2X 0L6
Phone: 403-612-4696
Phone Toll Free: 855-800-2653
Fax: 403-770-8593
Main Contact: Cody Reimer
cody@boldposts.com  
www.boldposts.com  
(Agent) pre-cast concrete fence post

Chemque, Inc
266 Humberline Drive
Rexdale, ON     M9W 5X1
Phone: 416-679-5676
Toll Free Phone: 800-268-6111
Fax: 416-679-0511
Main Contact: Edson Fariello
Fast2k@chemque.com  
www.fast2k.com  
(Manufacturer) (Distributor) fast 2K fence post backfill

 

Watch WRLA's latest video update!

 In this month's video: 

  • Ringers Telephone Mystery Shopping Program

  • Prairie Showcase 2013

  • Upcoming Plumbing & Electrical Workshops

Click here to watch our latest video

 
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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