WRLA Toolbox: July 31, 2014
Archive/Subscribe | Printer-Friendly | Send to a Friend | www.wrla.org | WRLA-TV | YardStick

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



Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at The Links at Quarry Oaks, Steinbach, MB


WRLA 9th Annual Calgary Classic Golf Tournament 
**SOLD OUT**

WRLA Kenosee Golf Tournament


Thank you for supporting the WRLA Bursary and Scholarship Fund!

 

Housing Policy/Disclaimer:

The WRLA, producer of the WRLA 2015 Buying Show, would like to remind all Show attendees and exhibitors that WRLA 2015 Buying Show uses ICS (International Conference Services Ltd.) for show accommodations. 

*Any claims by any other organization stating that they are the official WRLA 2015 Buying Show housing agency are untrue. 

Please go to www.wrla.org/buying-show for hotel booking information.
 

What do you want to see featured on the next episode of WRLA T.V?


   

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!


 



Congratulations...

Joel Siebert

General Manager, Mountain View Building Materials - Calgary, AB

Eric Palmer
Canadian Sales Operations Manager, JELD-WEN Windows and Doors - Winnipeg, MB

         
Both Joel and Eric submitted written testimonials about their experiences in the Building Supply Industry, they told us their hopes for the NexGEN program and shared thoughts on the direction for the future of our Industry!  They were selected from a group of individuals who applied for the chance to win an All Access Pass to the 19th Annual Hardlines Conference, including Travel & Accommodations, and most importantly the opportunity to sit on a panel of Young Professionals and Represent the WRLA in Industry discussions.  Please join us in congratulating both these young men!

 


The 2014 -2015 WRLA Annual Directory will be in the mail by the end of July

 
Each membership will receive one directory.
Additional copies are available to members only at a cost of $60 each.

CLICK HERE to Order ADDITIONAL COPIES

 

Want to maximize your online presence?
Find jobs, recruit employees, get sales leads, network... the possibilities are endless with Linkedin for your business!

6 Simple Steps: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-LinkedIn


   
You can find us on Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter!

 
Industry News

LOYALTYONE, CO. AND RONA INC. MAINTAIN NATIONAL, LONG-TERM AGREEMENT EXTENDING 22-YEAR PARTNERSHIP

TORONTO, ON July 2, 2014 – RONA Inc. and LoyaltyOne, Co., owner of the AIR MILES Reward Program, announce that they have entered into a multi-year renewal of their long-standing arrangements which allow RONA to issue AIR MILES reward miles and accept AIR MILES Cash redemptions at more than 500 stores across Canada that operate under RONA banners.

AIR MILES Collectors earn reward miles on all purchases made at RONA retail banners at a rate of 1 reward mile for every $20 spent, and can take advantage of bonus offers and promotional multipliers on products at more than 500 RONA retail stores. All holders of RONA commercial or consumer credit cards can double their AIR MILES reward miles every time they use their cards. AIR MILES Collectors who have opted-in to the AIR MILES Cash feature can also instantly redeem their reward miles at the cash register at a rate of 95 reward miles for $10 off their purchases.

"As Canada's number one home improvement retailer, we are proud to be associated with AIR MILES, Canada's premier loyalty program. For more than 20 years, we have continuously offered the AIR MILES program to our customers,'' says Claire Bara, Marketing Vice President at RONA. "We know our customers are avid AIR MILES Collectors who recognize the value of the program. Our partnership allows us to offer our AIR MILES customers key incentives, unique promotions and add value to their shopping experience and allows us to better understand and anticipate their needs."

"RONA was one of the original Sponsors that launched with the AIR MILES Reward Program more than two decades ago, and continues to be an important part of our continued success," says Andy Wright, President, AIR MILES Reward Program. "More than 20 years later, our two companies maintain a close partnership and work together to fulfill the same objective - to reward customers for their continued loyalty."

RONA retail banners in the agreement include all RONA-branded banners. For more information on RONA offers and other AIR MILES Sponsors, visit www.airmiles.ca

 


Nearly 90 percent of consumers check online reviews to learn more about a product, service or business, yet most businesses owners don’t know how to leverage the power of a positive review or mitigate the negative effects of a poor one. Use these tips to take the right steps when dealing with online reviews:


1: Highlight the Positives. It’s important to learn how to take advantage of positive online reviews beyond what pops up on a Google search or Yelp posting. By collecting and organizing reviews, you can re-purpose them for other marketing collateral, website content or social media.    

2: Wait to Respond. When a legitimate negative review appears, it’s not uncommon to get a little defensive. To take the edge off your anger, wait a day before responding. In that cooling off period, you’ll calm down and have the chance to think about or even investigate the reason for the negative review. This will help you formulate an action plan before responding to the poster.  

3: Respond Gracefully. If you feel a negative review is false, respond gracefully but set the record straight. If you deserve the negative review, respond with how you are taking action to fix the problem and ask the reviewer to send you an email. By taking the discussion offline, you can resolve the issue with that individual personally.  

4: Don’t Forget. If you’ve addressed a negative review successfully and ultimately appeased the customer, it would be easy to forget about it and move on. Instead, keep revisiting the issue to ensure your solution was truly successful for a year or more. Not doing so could mean another bad review from the same customer telling others you didn't keep your promises.  

5: Keep Track of Platforms. Although Google is the most popular location for reviews, users must have a Gmail or Google account to post reviews, so it’s important to check other web browsers, such as Yelp, to keep up with what those customers have to say.


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.

 




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!

 
Calendar of Events

August 14 – 16, 2014
Orgill Fall Market
Chicago, IL

August 19, 2014
WRLA Terry Yates Memorial Golf Tournament
Steinbach, MB

September 4, 2014
WRLA Calgary Classic Golf Tournament
Sundre, AB

September 4 & 5, 2014
RONA Dealer Market
Montreal, QC

September 10 - 13, 2014
BSIA 2014 Westcoast Building & Hardware Show
Whistler, BC

September 17, 2014
WRLA Kenosee Golf Tournament
Kenosee Lake, SK

September 20 -23, 2014
Home Hardware Fall Market
St. Jacobs, ON

September 27 - 29, 2014
TruServ Fall Market
Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB

October 22 & 23, 2014
2014 Hardlines Conference
Sheraton Toronto Airport and Conference Centre 

October 22 & 23, 2014
Plumbing & Electrical with Bob Sutherland
Winnipeg, MB

November 6 - 10, 2014
Sexton Member Conference
Nashville, Tennessee

To view the complete Events Calendar  CLICK HERE
 
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 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 

 
WRLA Videos

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!


 
LinkedIn Facebook Twitter WRLA-TV
Alliance Designer Products
Westman Steel Industries
iRecycle Inc.
Castle Building Centres

If your company has news that you would like to see in The ToolBox, please email your news releases to news@wrla.org
©2015 Western Retail Lumber Association. All rights reserved.

To change your contact information email wrla@wrla.org

Advertise

We would appreciate your comments or suggestions. Your email will be kept private and confidential.