IMPORTANT NOTICE: When booking your hotels for the 2017 WRLA Buying Show in Calgary please use our housing bureau, and be aware of scams and junk email that you may receive. Continue reading for the 2017 WRLA Buying Show Hotel information.

On August 27th, 2016, WRLA members and Ride founders Vince Croker of Doortech Mfg and Doug Gaudry of Olympic Building Centre rode to Moose Jaw Saskatchewan from Winnipeg Manitoba to help raise awareness, and to encourage better communication between parents and teenagers regarding substance abuse. All funds raised are being finalized and will be donated to TWO-TEN RECOVERY. Plan to attend in 2017 and keep up the good fight!

Since 1990, the WRLA has demonstrated its commitment to continuing education by offering scholarships to WRLA member employees and their dependents. Over $30,000 in Bursary and Scholarship funds per academic year may be awarded to selected applicants. The 2016 Bursary program is now closed. We are accepting Scholarship applications, for details on how to apply click learn more below.

The WRLA and the industry has lost a great friend and colleague. On August 23, 2016, Larry Martens from Ply Gem Canada passed away after a courageous battle with Cancer. Larry worked for Ply Gem for 43 years. He also attended every WRLA Buying Show, having been one of the original exhibitors at our first Prairie Showcase in 1993. "He was beloved by the building materials industry as a man of great integrity and relentless devotion to his customers. Larry built great relationships throughout his career. He loved the industry." Kevin Olson, Director, Dealer Channel, Ply Gem Canada. Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra and son Chris.

Altona, MB, September 6, 2016 – Altona Home Hardware has opened up shop in the Altona Mall on 2nd Street. The brand new store features 7,000 square feet of retail space and is a first for the community. Grand Opening Celebrations for the store begin with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony open to media, town officials and local business owners on September 7, followed by a 3-day sales event geared toward customers from September 8 to September 10.

Spruce Grove, AB, September 7, 2016 – McLeod Home Building Centre in Spruce Grove, Alberta is marking a major milestone this week. The McLeod family has been serving the community’s home improvement needs for 100 years. Their hardware store has earned the distinction of the oldest business in town and that kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident.

This August, Sexton Group moved its offices to a more spacious environment. We are now located at 1345 Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 2P2. The new office is an open concept with no private offices. "We are a collaborative group and the open office will enhance communication. For some of us it’s a big change, but after a couple of weeks everyone seems to be settling in well". Stated Steve Buckle

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 30, 2016) – Las Vegas was the center of all things hardware last week as thousands of home improvement retailers came together for the Orgill, Inc. Fall Dealer Market, held Aug. 25-27 at the Sands Expo Convention Center. All-time attendance records were set for an Orgill Fall Dealer Market with attendees traveling to Las Vegas from all 50 states, all 10 Canadian provinces and 50 countries worldwide. Canadian retailers showed their support of Orgill’s recent expansion into Canada, as the number of Canadian retailers on hand in Las Vegas was more than double the amount who attended the Fall Dealer Market last year.

Michael Oswald Caplan September 20, 1931 – September 6, 2016 Delta, BC, September 7, 2016 – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Task Tools’ founder, Michael Caplan, shortly after 9 pm on September 6th, 2016. He will be deeply missed by his wife Bearl; son Craig (Jennifer); daughter Hilary (Scott); grandchildren Braeden, Sienna, Mikyla, and Annika; sisters Corinne and Valerie (Jake); stepsister Jane; and many other nieces, nephews and extended family members. Michael was predeceased by his younger brother, Perry.