WRLA Toolbox: October 10, 2013
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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

The WRLA Show Committee promotes this event as a buying show, encouraging building supply retailers throughout Western Canada to attend, stressing the value in meeting suppliers, seeing new products and taking advantage of the specials.

New this year, we would like to offer you the space to promote "Pallet Specials".
Reserve your spot now, as space is limited. Contact Caren if you would like our logo or have any questions at 800-661-0253 ext. 3 or
ckelly@wrla.org

It is no secret that one of the key components to our shows success is the "show specials". These "specials" drive attendance to the show and to your booths. Each year we hear of exhibitors having record sales and they attribute that to their specials.

                   CLICK HERE for the Complete Pallet Special Form

 


GROUP HOUSING and MEETING SPACE BOOKINGS
January 21 - 23, 2015 - Calgary, AB

The WRLA has enlisted the professional services of International Conference Services (ICS) Housing Bureau to assist in coordination of the delegate housing requirements for the 2015- 2017 WRLA Showcases.

If your company requires meeting space and group hotel blocks please refer to the following official list of preferred hotels. Group blocks will be assigned on a first come first serve basis so don’t delay.

View venue map, hotel summary and access group housing order form here:
http://www.wrla.org/about-the-show

2015 ITINERARY
Wednesday, January 21, 2015  Opening Night – Hyatt Regency
Thursday, January 22, 2015   
Buying Show – BMO Centre
Gala –
Hyatt Regency
Friday, January 23, 2015  
Buying Show – BMO Centre
Closing Night Party – Telus Convention Centre

Housing Policy:  The WRLA, producer of the WRLA 2015 Showcase, would like to remind all Show attendees and exhibitors that WRLA 2015 Showcase uses ICS (International Conference Services Ltd.) for show accommodations.  Any claims by any other organization stating that they are the official WRLA 2015 Showcase housing agency are untrue. Please feel free to contact slabossiere@wrla.org  for further information.

 



Online registration is now open for classroom training: Manual Estimating, Yard Operations, & Plumbing and Electrical basics.

Check out course details, dates and locations by visiting the WRLA website now.

CLICK HERE  to visit our website and learn more!

 

The audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2012-2013 are now available to all WRLA members. If you would like a copy, please contact Lannie Mertz, Manager of Finance and Insurance, at lmertz@wrla.org or 1-800-661-0253 ext. 4.

The audited statements will also be presented at the WRLA Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2014 during the Showcase in Saskatoon.
 

When is the last time you checked out WRLA T.V?



WRLA T.V is a great place to find out what's happening in your Industry! 
Breaking News | Industry Annoucements | Highlights from Industry Events |  AdvertisingNew Products |  Helpful Tips

 Tune your T.V's folks because you won't want to miss what's coming next!

CLICK HERE to Watch Now!



 


Got News?  Share it with us! 
And always watch for new videos and updates from the WRLA!

   

Help us get the word out about OUR Industry!

 
Industry News

TruServ Canada announced the retirements of four key managers at their National Buying Market this weekend. 
"We have several managers, with a long history in our Company, who will transition into retirement at the end October," said  Bill Morrison, President of TruServ Canada during the Market presentations. "It has been an honour to work with them."

Wilf Gerhardt, National Manager, Business Development, will retire after 43 years. His career started at Macleods in 1973,  he continued to excel and eventually became a store Manager. Wilf moved to the Winnipeg office in 1983 where he has held  several positions working closely with independent dealers across Canada. He has been a source of knowledge and  expertise for his co-workers and for many store owners over the years. Wilf’s responsibilities will be transitioned to Guy  Lichter, Director of Dealer Development & Support.

After 40 years with the Company, Donna Glasman will retire. Through the years she held various positions from Sales Promotions, assistant buyer, buyer for Homegoods, Merchandising Manager and in 1992 Manager, Marketing & Advertising. Through the last 20 years, leading the Marketing & Advertising team, Donna has been instrumental in building a strong and effective Marketing program for TruServ Canada Dealers. Donna’s responsibilities will be transitioned to Lora Deighton, Marketing/Communications Manager.

Terry Derraugh, Vice President of Merchandising, has played an integral role with the Company for the last 31 years. Like Wilf, he was a store manager, Director of Store Operations, Director of merchandising/Advertising and in 2002 became the Vice President of Merchandising. His long history in retail has served Terry and the Company well, his contributions are extensive. Terry’s responsibilities will be assumed by Greg Hollander, Merchandising Manager and Luc Roy, Merchandise Program Manager. 

Although not retiring, Serge Vezina, Director of Sales & Business Development – East, will be leaving TruServ Canada at the end of October. Serge joined TruServ Canada in 2011. He brought with him over 30 years of experience in recruiting and supporting independent retailers as the Senior Director, Dealers in Canada for RONA. 

 

 



OGC, OMNI & PROFITMASTER CANADA MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

ACCEO Solutions is proud to announce it has launched its Transaxion.ca site, which reunites the OGC, Omni and ProfitMaster Canada management solutions.

The new site presents our range of products and services specifically designed for hardware stores, lumber yards, building materials centres, garden centres and retail stores. It also allows you to find out more about our management software, our different modules, recommended equipment and training.

Visit:
http://transaxion.ca
The OGC, Omni and ProfitMaster Canada team

 


October 2, 2013 (Calgary, AB)
– TIM-BR MART Group today announced Randy Martin’s appointment as Vice President , Operations.

Formerly Vice President of Merchandise and General Manager for Western Canada, Martin joined TIM-BR MART in 2000, overseeing Chalifour and TIM-BR MARTS’ SPANCAN contracts and negotiations, as well as procurement. Martin brings to the role more than 35 years of experience in the building material and hardware industry, and has worked for public and private companies prior to joining the TIM-BR MART team.

Based in Calgary and supported by the Senior Leadership Team, Martin will report directly to the interim CEO.

In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART Group 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.

 

 
NRHA Tips: 4 Ways to Attract Customers to Your In-Store Services

  • Send your small engine repair tech to vendor training for updates on new equipment.
  • Encourage customers to get service work done early so you don’t have to deal with a backlog.
  • Try sending out postcards to your customers offering to waive the pickup and delivery charge if they get their lawnmowers serviced as early as February or March. That alleviates the rush on the service department.
  • Offer pre-season small-engine tune-up specials and a buy-one, get-one-free special on chainsaw sharpening to get landscapers into your store, where they will hopefully buy additional products.
  • Train Employees on Product Knowledge

When putting together a training plan for your employees, identify your key seasonal categories, and then identify any new products. Your employees need to have as much product information as possible to sell them. They also likely need a refresher course on basic product knowledge.

To provide your employees with more knowledge, many retailers invite vendors to come into the store and talk about their products. Vendors can tell you what products are selling well, what new products are coming on the market, and offer valuable tips on how to sell these products more effectively.

WRLA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NRHA
The goal of the North American Retail Hardware Association is to help independent hardware and home improvement retailers become better and more profitable merchants through a wide array of educational and training programs, financial management resources, and human resource tools that are all available online. WRLA members get unlimited access to a full range of training and management services when they join NRHA through the WRLA. 

Visit www.wrla.org or CLICK HERE for more information about NRHA.

 

Guests came from across Canada to attend Castle’s pinnacle event and included many local area shareholders, Castle board of directors, valued vendor partners as well as Castle’s very own dedicated staff; both past and present.

The catered affair included gourmet food stations, a live jazz duo; a 50th anniversary presentation and special guests. The presentations were kicked off by Master of Ceremonies; Ron Craighead; CBS National Business Development Manager and included warm remarks from Castle Chair; Vicki Hagel of Cook Street Castle who flew in from Victoria, BC for the festivities. Remarks of gratitude from long time Vendor Partners were shared with the crowd as well as a very special appearance by the forever spirited; Her Worship Mayor Hazel McCallion who is currently serving her 12th term in office for the City of Mississauga.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary a scholarship program was established for Castle members and their employees, as well as Castle staff and their families. The program recognized students with academic excellence and a passion to lead and inspire positive change in their communities. The recipients of the scholarships were honoured to highlight their achievements.

Castle was excited to present the winning cheque in their 50th Anniversary 50K Giveaway contest which was held this past summer at participating Castle Building Centres locations across Canada. It was the largest and the most publicized contest promotion in the history of Castle with over 125,000 ballots compiled from participating Castle locations. The winning name was drawn on September 16th; Sarah Klassen of Ingersoll, ON who filled in the winning ballot
 at Allen Building Center in Woodstock, ON, was the big 50K winner. Sarah and husband George were invited to the Open House to accept the winning cheque
on behalf of Castle.

The presentations wrapped up with an inspiring and heartfelt message and thank you from Castle President; Ken Jenkins. "We are looking forward to "life after 50" and our commitment to the success of our members will continue to be our priority. When you become committed to empowering success in others; great opportunities arise."









Stay tuned for a special edition of Castle Connections featuring images and footage from this memorable event this week.
 


Provincial home buying preferences:

  • The Atlantic provinces are practical home buyers, valuing location and having funds remaining for personal expenses.
  • Quebec home buyers want convenience for their commute and a move-in ready home
  • Ontario home buyers desire character homes, and move more often.
  • The Prairies prioritize their social lives when home buying.
  • Alberta is a family-focused province.
  • British Columbian home buyers want a great location and outdoor spaces.

For the Complete Survey details CLICK HERE

 
Calendar of Events


October 20 - 21, 2013
FCL Market
Saskatoon, SK

October 28 - 31, 2013
Manual Estimating Training
Red Deer, AB

November 1. 2013
Yard Foreman - Operations Manager
Red Deer, AB

November 2 - 6, 2013
Sexton Member Conference
San Francisco, CA
callak@sextongroup.com

November 4 - 8, 2013
Manual Estimating Training
Winnipeg, AB

November 25 & 26, 2013
Plumbing & Electrical Seminars with Bob Sutherland
Winnipeg, AB

January 22 - 24, 2014
WRLA Prairie Showcase
Prairieland Park - Saskatoon, Sk
ckelly@wrla.org

To view the complete Events Calendar  CLICK HERE

 
Member Updates


2013-2014 WRLA DIRECTORY & Product Source Guide

Page 118
CP Distributors
NEW CONTACT: Greg Fast
NEW EMAIL: greg.fast@cpdist.ca


 
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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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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