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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.
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
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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.
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It is important to complete all the paper work clearly and correctly upon returning to the WRLA Offices.
IMPORTANT: Should you choose to renew via Credit Card, please include all required information (i.e. card name, number and exp. date)
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at 1-800-661-0253
Thank you!
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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!
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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 | Advertising | New Products | Helpful Tips
CLICK HERE for our Media Kit and more Information on how you can advertise on WRLA T.V!
CLICK HERE to Watch Now!
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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!
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*EARLY BIRD DEADLINE TODAY*
Guarantee your FREE lunch by registering TODAY (Oct. 17th, 2013).
In addition, receive lower seminar prices and your badge in the mail before the show!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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 Wilf Gerhardt (Top Left), 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 coworkers 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 (right) 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 (left), 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 (right), 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.
TruServ Canada is proud to serve independent retailers across Canada and has benefited by the expertise and knowledge of these long-term employees. "They will be missed," said Morrison, "but we have a solid group of people moving up the ranks to take over for those who will retire at the end of October."
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October 8, 2013 (Calgary, AB) — TIM-BR MART Group today announced that Doug Skrepnek has resigned from its Board of Directors. Mr. Skrepnek, of WSB Titan Group in Vaughan, Ont., served on the Board as a representative of the gypsum specialty Dealers, or GSDs. TIM-BR MART Group extends its thanks to Mr. Skrepnek for his years of service to the company.
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.
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Provincial home buying preferences:
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The Atlantic provinces are practical home buyers, valuing location and having funds remaining for personal expenses.
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Quebec home buyers want convenience for their commute and a move-in ready home
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Ontario home buyers desire character homes, and move more often.
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The Prairies prioritize their social lives when home buying.
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Alberta is a family-focused province.
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British Columbian home buyers want a great location and outdoor spaces.
For the Complete Survey details CLICK HERE
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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.
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
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2013-2014 WRLA DIRECTORY & Product Source Guide
Page 113
BW Creative Railing Systems
NEW CONTACT: Rob Mitchell
NEW EMAIL: rob@bwcreativerailings.com
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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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