WRLA Toolbox: September 4, 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

44th ANNUAL WRLA INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Our Association’s Greatest Honor!
The WRLA wants to recognize the individual who is or has been actively involved in the building supply industry, who has faced challenges and recognized opportunities, and who wishes to s h are best practices with the association. This individual has received the respect of fellow members of the association through contributions to the industry, the community, and the WRLA.

Deadline for receipt of Nominations - Friday, September 5th, 2014

Nomination forms are available on our website
www.wrla.org/about-wrla/industry-achievement-award
or
contact Gary Hamilton at ghamilton@wrla.org or 800.661.0253 ext 1
 

STILL TIME TO REGISTER!
 
WRLA Kenosee Golf Tournament

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



For those who participated in the 2014 WRLA Terry Yates Memorial Golf Tournament 
please take a moment to tell us what you thought!


Be sure to share the link with your teams and guests!
 



Plumbing and Electrical with Bob
IMPORTANT - Bob Sutherland will retire at the end of the year and will no longer take this traveling course to Western Canada. This is your last chance to attend Bob's unique and valuable hands on plumbing and electrical training program for those with novice and intermediate experience.
October 22 - Winnipeg, MB – Plumbing with Bob Sutherland
October 23 - Winnipeg, MB –Electrical with Bob Sutherland

Manual Estimating 
October 20 & 21 -Leduc, AB – Manual Estimating – Level 1
Estimating Fundamentals – Decks & Garages
October 22 & 23 -Leduc, AB – Manual Estimating – Level 2 
Estimating for Residential Construction

November 3 & 4 -Winnipeg, MB – Manual Estimating – Level 1
Estimating Fundamentals – Decks & Garages
November 5 & 6 -Winnipeg, MB – Manual Estimating – Level 2 
Estimating for Residential Construction


Online Registration links are also available on the Education Calendar at http://www.wrla.org/education-a-training/education-calendar

 
Get your Application in Today!


Scholarship Deadline: Friday, October 3rd, 2014


For more information on the 2014/15 WRLA Bursary & Scholarship Program visit:
http://wrla.org/education-a-training/bursaries-and-scholarships

 
Attention 2015 WRLA Buying Show Exhibitors 

Booth invoices have been emailed and are due no later than September 30, 2014.  If you have not received your booth invoice or have any questions, or if you wish to cancel, please email Caren at ckelly@wrla.org  

If you would like to pay your booth invoice via Credit Card (Visa or Master Card only), please contact Lannie in accounting at 800-661-0253 ext. 4 or lmertz@wrla.org.

All Exhibitor information is available by following this link http://www.wrla.org/exhibitors which includes the interactive floor plan.  If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste or type into your web-browser.

Online registration for name badges and evening event tickets will be available on the WRLA website by September 15th.

 

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.
 

Find out how you can advertise on 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 to Watch our latest episode Now!


 
Industry News

We continue to hear about the on-going issue of data breach. Target, UPS, and a number of US and Canadian Government departments have been affected. Now Home Depot is the latest high profile target to be affected with customer data believed to be on sale through underground web-sites, not to mention countless other smaller organizations that do not make the headlines. 


PROTECT YOURSELF
Data Breach & Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage

The WRLA and partner HUB International are proud to offer Data Breach & Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage.  It goes without saying, better safe than sorry.



Want to learn more?
Check out the links below for more on Home Depot's latest Security Breach
 

Our incredible lineup of speakers includes Greg Hicks from Canadian Tire, Tony Steier from Federated Co-operatives, Vicki Hagel from Castle, and Paul Beeston from the Toronto Blue Jays. Learning, networking and the Outstanding Retailer Awards, October 21 & 22 at the Toronto Sheraton Airport Hotel. 
 
 

CLICK HERE to Watch

CGC Sheetrock® UltraLight Panels are the culmination of years of R&D and field testing; leveraging a wide array of unique patented technologies. While competitors have followed, none has achieved the performance or weight characteristics of UltraLight; a testament to our exacting standards and commitment to quality. Today, we offer a broad portfolio of lightweight products that support our customers

 


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

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 20 - 23, 2014
Manual Estimating Courses
Leduc, AB
www.wrla.org

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

November 3 - 6, 2014
Manual Estimating Courses
Winnipeg, MB
www.wrla.org

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!


 
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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
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