Ultimate Windows and Doors (Fredericton) have been supplying and installing windows and doors for over a decade throughout the province of New Brunswick. They carry a wide selection of windows, interior and exterior doors, millwork, siding, composite decking, roofing and building accessories.

In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART Group is Canada’s buying group of choice for independents. 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. For more information, visit www.timbermart.ca

 Whether it's because they're easier to lift, carry and install, or because of the potential productivity gains and safety enhancements, there are a lot of reasons to learn more about the most robust portfolio of lightweight panels available. See why all lightweight is not created equal at cgcinc.com/sheetrock-ultralightwest

The Platinum Club achievement is only the latest in a series of awards and recognition's for All Weather Windows. Last year, Alberta Venture named the company the best overall workplace (750+ employees) in its annual Alberta's Best Workplaces showcase. Other accolades include the Canadian Home Builders' Association (Edmonton region) Supplier of The Year Award, the Durham Region Home Builders' Association Outstanding Supplier or Manufacturer Award, the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers Workplace Innovation Award and being named one of Achievers' 50 Most Engaged Workplaces for three years in a row. 

Established in 1993, Canada's Best Managed Companies is one of the country's leading business awards programs that recognizes Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel on how they address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth. 

"Companies that earn Platinum Club status in the Canada's Best Managed Companies program are true leaders in the Canadian marketplace," said Jon Hountalas, Executive Vice-President, Business Banking, CIBC. "They exemplify strong vision and leadership, a sustained commitment to growth and innovation, and ongoing dedication to their corporate values." 

This year's winners of the Canada's Best Managed Companies award, along with the Gold Standard winners, Requalified and Platinum Club members will be honored at the annual Canada's Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto on March 31, 2015. 

All Weather Windows is Canada's largest privately owned window and door manufacturer. Launched in 1978 in a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Edmonton, Alberta, the company has since expanded to nine branches and over 1,000 dealers nationwide. Our two leading-edge manufacturing plants in Edmonton and Mississauga produce a full range of award-winning window and door products for dealers, builders, contractors and homeowners. All Weather Windows has also been a platinum sponsor of Habitat for Humanity for over seven years.  Visit: www.allweatherwindows.com/ for more information.

"It gives me great pride to see our members experience growth and expansion through dedication, commitment and strong work ethic. We congratulate the Emmerson family; another fine example of how Castle’s business model of freedom, profitability, and unparalleled buying power is paving the way to continued growth and prosperity for our membership." Ken Jenkins, President

Emmerson Lumber is well-known in Haliburton County for servicing local contractors, DIYer’s and cottage country folk with all their Lumber, Building Materials and Hardware needs. In addition; Emmerson Lumber also offers a wide selection of docks and equipment as well as a full service cottage and kitchen design team.

Cottage Country Building Supplies will be managed by Ryan Emmerson who has worked alongside his Dad Kim in the family business for the past 10 years. Ryan, who recently became a Father himself is excited about this new phase in his life.

"I feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity to expand Emmerson Lumber's growth. This really is a unique opportunity, in a key location allowing us to bring our knowledge and expertise to an under serviced market." Ryan Emmerson, General Manager

The family will now operate the new 3.5 acre location on Mirror Lake approximately 20 minutes away and will service the communities of Vankoughnet, Dorset and Minden. Cottage Country Building Supplies will offer the same comprehensive brand name home improvement product assortment as well as a team of knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Both locations will be virtually connected to enable shared inventory and account access between both locations.

An official grand opening celebration is being planned for late spring. Congratulations. 

Here are some great takeaways: 

• Get personal. Social media can result in positive engagement with customers and build their loyalty. Don’t simply share product information and promotions on social media platforms. Draw attention to your business by sharing stories and images related to the industry. By posting a mixture of product-related information and more personal content, your customers will likely feel more connected to your store. Consider sharing throwback photos from your store’s history, pictures of your staff or interesting how-to advice.
• Prioritize customer service. More often than not, when customers have problems with a business, their first step is to complain on social media. Clearly you want to avoid angry customer reviews, but if they happen, respond quickly and provide a resolution. It is recommended to respond to all queries within 12 hours. Be sure to promote the positive customer-experience posts your retail operation receives by sharing them on your social channels.
• Social and mobile go together. Nearly 85 percent of Americans say that mobile devices are a central part of their everyday lives. Be aware that a large percentage of your customers are almost perpetually using their mobile devices and browsing social media platforms. It is recommended that you provide instant purchasing options for the mobile shopper as well as offering product deals online that cater to your customers using their mobile devices.

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/membership/membership-benefits or CLICK HERE for more information about NRHA.

HARDLINES is pleased to announce the call for entries for the 2015 Outstanding Retailer Awards. 

The Awards, which recognize the finest retailers in the hardware and home improvement industry, are national in scope and all Canadian home improvement retailers and managers who have operated under their current ownership for at least two years are eligible.

Dealers may submit their entries directly to HARDLINES or their chain or buying group head offices may select their best dealer(s) and prepare their entries for them, in collaboration with the dealer. Head offices may enter more than one store per category. In addition, vendors may identify specific outstanding retailers for entry. ORA submissions are due July 31st, 2015.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the ORA Categories

Visit www.oras.ca for more details