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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.
 If you or your office has not yet booked your hotel rooms for the 2015 WRLA Buying Show in Calgary, please do so now! The Hyatt is the host hotel.
Go to http://www.wrla.org/buying-show - on this page you will find links to the following:
- Venue Map
- Hotel Summary (with prices)
- Group Hotel Room Booking Form
Pick your top choice hotels, fill out the form answering all the questions and then forward to Zoey.
Exhibitor Contracts will be emailed out by May 16, so if you don’t get yours email Caren at ckelly@wrla.org
The 2015 WRLA Buying Show Interactive Floor Plan is available on http://www.wrla.org/exhibitor-information/floorplan so you can find your booth – please share with all your booth personal.
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Have you Renewed?
*Invoices and renewal papers have been mailed.*
Any Changes?
Return your forms as soon as possible so we may update our information!
*Membership Payment is now Past Due*
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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Take your skills to the next level
Store Managers * Supervisors * Purchasers * Marketers * Warehouse Manager
Enroll now in the Retail Business Management Studies Program
Sponsored by the WRLA.
Take one, two, or more modules - customize the program for your needs
June 2 – 17, 2014 Winnipeg, MB
REGISTER NOW for RBMSP
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 We encourage your participation in the enclosed survey as the more companies that participate, the more credible the data will be.
The information we request in the survey not only benefits those who participate, but also provides useful information to the Association in meeting the needs of our retail members. All survey information received from our members is confidential. Only the summarized information totaled from all responses will be distributed.
All companies who complete the survey
will receive a copy of the results FREE ($99 value).
Start Survey Now - CLICK HERE
Questions? Contact Krista Scherpenzeel at 1-800-661-0253 ext. 2 or kristas@wrla.org
Thank you in advance for your participation!
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Want to get involved with WRLA NexGEN?
Be part of the conversation
Visit www.wrla.org/nexgen Today!
Contact Krista Scherpenzeel at 1-800-661-0253 ext. 2 or kristas@wrla.org
for more information on NexGEN Program.
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 We're currently collecting Industry Memorabilia!
WRLA Members if you have any Company or Industry memorabilia such as Photos, Stories, Old Marketing Pieces, News Clippings or other documents dating as far back as you can remember we'd love to see them!
Please contact Caren Kelly at ckelly@wrla.org for more information.
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Watch for New Episodes Coming Soon!
WRLA TV is a great place to find out what's happening in your Industry!
Breaking News | Industry Announcements | Highlights from Industry Events | Advertising | New Products | Helpful Tips
CLICK HERE for our Media Kit and to find out 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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Did you know?
In most insurance policies Cyber & Privacy Breach are not covered?
Are you exposed to data breach and cyber liability?
Do you store, hold or even pass on to third parties personal information about clients, customers or employees (includes electronic as well as paper files/data)? If you do, you will have an exposure to the legal and regulatory ramifications of a data breach.
CLICK HERE to Learn more!
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Protect the health of your family with MAYO CLINIC Expertise via MyCare Health Benefit Option!
What Is MyCare Health Benefit Option* (HBO)?
MyCare HBO provides Plan Members with access to Mayo Clinic expertise throughtheir team of over 3,700 experts for medical diagnosis so the best treatment and recovery plan are not delayed.
CLICK HERE for the complete details!
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"On behalf of the Dealer-Owners at close to 1,100 Home Hardware stores across Canada, I’d like to congratulate Trevor on receiving such a high honour from the industry. His leadership, commitment to team work, community involvement and superior customer service make him a true role model for home improvement retailers everywhere."
- Terry Davis, CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited
ABOUT ‘YOUNG RETAILER OF THE YEAR’:
- The award recognizes outstanding performance and encourages talented young people to pursue a career in the retail hardware business.
- Established to identify and promote the next generation of independent home improvement retailers by recognizing retailers 35 years of age and younger across Canada and the United States.
- Winners are chosen based on professional activities and highlights in areas such as career and community involvement, hardware industry education and extracurricular activities.
- The annual award is given to eight retailers in North America.
ABOUT TREVOR KOWALCHUK:
- Trevor was awarded for the ‘Young Retailer of the Year’ award for: his business acumen, fostering strong employee engagement, marketing leadership and significant community involvement, including participation in the Special Olympics, the Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club’s car derby.
- Under Trevor’s leadership, Brandon Home Hardware Building Centre has grown to achieve outstanding success including a 63% increase in plumbing sales and a 54 % increase in flooring sales over two years.
- In 2009, Trevor saw a new opportunity for the company and merged with a Home Hardware Building Centre to create the current Brandon Home Hardware Building Centre property, becoming a Dealer-Owner alongside Louise Pilon. In 2012, Trevor became the sole Dealer-Owner.
- In 2011, Brandon Home Hardware Building Centre underwent an extensive expansion of the building, parking lot repavement and operating system upgrade with Trevor at the helm of design and development.
About Home Hardware Stores Limited
Proudly celebrating its 50thanniversary in 2014, Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada’s largest Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative. Founded in 1964 by 122 independent Dealers, the 100% Canadian owned and operated cooperative now includes close to 1,100 stores under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners, with annual retail sales of more than $5.4 billion. Through the Home Hardware network, Dealer-Owners have access to a world-class distribution system and 100,000 quality brand name and private label products at competitive prices. Home Hardware Stores Limited received designation as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. More information about the company is available at www.homehardware.ca.
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Although it doesn’t seem like it right now, the hot, humid days will arrive soon. That means your customers will be looking for ways to stay cool. Here are four products that can boost sales in your cooling category this season.
- Air circulators
Unlike the traditional tabletop fan that moves air in a single direction, air circulators move air around an entire room. These products are also more expensive than traditional fans, so train your employees on their benefits so they can upsell.
- Mini-splits
This ductless heat pump system can provide hot or cold air and is perfect for cooling an individual room. The mini-split is less expensive to operate than a gas furnace because it operates on electricity. Installing one is also not a project most do-it-yourselfers will tackle. Have a list of recommended installers that you can give your customers.
- Repair items
Many homeowners, in order to save money, are more likely to repair their air conditioners themselves than hire someone. Make sure you have some universal repair parts on hand. Offer this as a point of differentiation between yourself and the big boxes, as most of them either do not carry repair parts or have a limited offering.
- Wi-Fi thermostats
Programmable thermostats can save consumers money in the summer as much as in the winter. The latest development in this product is Wi-Fi control capabilities. Consumers can control the temperature of their homes from their smartphones or tablets. To best show your customers how it works, install one of the thermostats in your own home. Then you can show your customers how you can control your home’s temperature from your store with the smartphone app.
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. CLICK HERE for more Information.
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Tuesday June-10-2014
Use Coupon code CGO15 to get 15 % off, if you register before May 12th, 2014
DESCRIPTION
Canada is the United States' largest trading partner. The United States and Canada have been working on the "Beyond the Border Action Plan" to strengthen and expedite trade and travel between both countries. This webinar will assist U.S. companies who export goods to Canada to learn the newest updates in procedures and regulations. It will also assist companies in maintaining current procedures and implementing internal controls to reduce or avoid penalties.
Who Will Benefit:
Exporters, Manufacturers, Export Order, Customer Service, Accounting, Shipping/Receiving, Sales/Marketing, Engineering/Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Freight Forwarders, Customhouse Brokers, Consultants, Attorneys, Customs compliance personnel.
To learn more about the speaker and Register Online
CLICK HERE
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June 2 - 19, 2014
Retail Business Management Studies Program
www.wrla.org/education-a-training/education-calendar
June 18 - 20, 2014
Castle Western Buying Expo
Calgary, AB
August 14 – 16, 2014
Orgill Fall Market
Chicago, IL
www.orgill.com
August 19. 2014
WRLA Terry Yates Memorial Golf Tournament
Steinbach, MB
September 4. 2014
WRLA Calgary Classic Golf Tournament
Sundre, AB
September 10 - 13, 2014
BSIA 2014 Westcoast Building & Hardware Show
Whistler, BC
www.bsiabc.ca
September 17. 2014
WRLA Kenosee Golf Tournament
Kenosee Lake, SK
To view the complete Events Calendar CLICK HERE
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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 averages 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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Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and events with our engaging new communication channel.
Have you watched the latest episode on our WRLA TV channel? Don't wait to take full advantage of this terrific media channel, one of the many benefits of your WRLA membership!
Check it out here!
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