WRLA Toolbox: August 14, 2014
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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


WRLA Terry Yates Memorial Tournament
Tuesday, August 19, 2014, The Links at Quarry Oaks, Steinbach, MB
Registration 9:30 a.m.
Shotgun start 11:00 a.m.
Go to www.wrla.org Friday to view team listings.

WRLA 9th Annual Calgary Classic Golf Tournament 
Thursday, September 4, 2014, Sundre Golf Club, Sundre, AB
**SOLD OUT**

WRLA Kenosee Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 17, 2014, Kenosee Golf Course, Kenosee, SK




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!


 


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?
Have a special event coming up?  Having a big sale or store promotion?  TWEET about it!



Twitter 101: An Essential  Intro for your Business

   
You can find us on Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter!

 
Industry News

"Yves’ wealth of industry knowledge and progressive sales experience makes him a strong addition to the TIM-BR MART Group’s business development team. He has managed some of the largest distribution branches in the country and achieved consistent sales quotas throughout his career. With Yves’ expertise, I’m confident our sales team will be able to meet our members’ needs more efficiently and continue to increase our market share and industry presence," says Durocher.

In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART Group is the largest buying group for Independents in Canada. It is a member-owned organization serving building material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers and manufacturers. TIM-BR MART Group exists to help Canadian entrepreneurs involved in the sale of building materials and hardware be more profitable.

Contact:
Alexandra Kazan
Corporate Messaging Specialist
Office: 905-671-2424
Mobile: 416-577-5811
 


NRHA Monthly Program Communication – August 2014

Time Management Tricks for Small Business Owners

If you always feel behind—and think the only way to stay on top of your business is to work non-stop—try these time management tips.

  1. Itemize tasks. Make a list of things to do. This is the oldest trick in the time management book! Itemizing your tasks helps you visualize what’s on your plate and prioritize what needs to happen first, second, and so on. It will also create a sense of accomplishment each time you cross something off that list.

2. Turn off technology. Yes, technology helps you get more done in less time, but emails, alerts, texts, Tweets and whatever else you’re linked to can be distracting. Unless you’re waiting for time-sensitive information, turn off technology (including your phone) for a period of time each day to remove the distractions.

 3. Set boundaries. Schedule a period of time daily to work on a project. Once you’ve detached yourself from the never-ending buzz of technology, use that quiet time to work without interruption. The key is to put this time on your schedule—treat it like a meeting or appointment you have to keep, otherwise you’ll be tempted to ignore it.

 4. Schedule strategically. Forging relationships with customers—new or old—is crucial to your business. But attending every meeting or networking event can take you away from performing some of the vital functions of your business. If you’re networking, but not working on budgeting or mentoring new staff, that could be far more detrimental to your business in the long run. When invited to such events, think strategically and choose the ones that have the greatest potential for your business long-term.

 5. Quiet time. If you don’t normally get to work until 9 or 10 a.m., then you should rethink personal routines. Getting in early—before other staff or customers—will give you time to work when it’s quiet and without interruption. If you’re a professed night owl, perhaps staying late is what works better for you, but after a hard day dealing with everything and everyone else, you (and your mind) might not be up for hours of extra work.

 6. Get help. Are you a control freak? Most would say "no" to that, but the truth is, it’s hard to for many small business owners to delegate. You’re possessive—it is your business after all—and you want things done right. But failure to let go of tasks that the staff you hired are competent enough to perform can prove counter-productive.


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.

 
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
 
Member Updates
NEW RETAIL MEMBERS

Alpine Lumber
Box 70
628 Sparwood Dr.
Sparwood, BC    V0B 2G0
Phone 250-425-2411
Fax: 250-425-2397
Main Contact: John Perry
(RETAILER) TIM-BR MART

Lumberworld
3955 Quadra St.
Victoria, BC    V8X 1J7
Phone: 250-479-7151
Fax: 250-479-3743
Main Contact: Jarrett Flaig
(RETAILER) (CASTLE)

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Keystone Patio (Head Office)
Box 7
Warren, MB   R0C 3E0
Phone 204-322-5332
Fax: 204-322-5435
Main Contact: Randy Skulsky
(MANUFACTURER) paving stones, patio blocks and other concrete products

 

GRAB YOUR SHARPIE!


ADD PRODUCT SOURCE
The Luxwood Corporation
COMPUTERS & CONSULTING
ESTIMATING
SOFTWARE

Page 78
Thorsby, AB
NEW COMPANY NAME: Thorsby Home Hardware Building Centre
OLD COMPANY NAME: Hoffman’s Hardware Ltd.
NEW BOX NUMBER: Box 920
NEW CONTACT: Rose Oliver

Page 104
ADD - Alpine Lumber
Box 70
628 Sparwood Dr.
Sparwood, BC    V0B 2G0
Phone 250-425-2411
Fax: 250-425-2397
Main Contact: John Perry
(RETAILER) TIM-BR MART

Page 103
ADD - Lumberworld
3955 Quadra St.
Victoria, BC    V8X 1J7
Phone: 250-479-7151
Fax: 250-479-3743
Main Contact: Jarrett Flaig
(RETAILER) (CASTLE)

Page 120-121
Expocrete, an Oldcastle Company
St. Albert, AB

Expocrete, an Oldcastle Company
Acheson, AB

Expocrete, an Oldcastle Company
Balzac, AB
CORRECT EMAIL: jeaneen.galas@oldcastle.com

Expocrete, an Oldcastle Company
Winnipeg, MB

Expocrete, an Oldcastle Company
Saskatoon, SK


Page 127
ADD Keystone Patio (Head Office)
Box 7
Warren, MB   R0C 3E0
Phone 204-322-5332
Fax: 204-322-5435
Main Contact: Randy Skulsky
(MANUFACTURER) paving stones, patio blocks and other concrete products

 
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!


 
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