WRLA News

What's Going On

All WRLA member locations will receive one complimentary copy of the WRLA Directory & Product Source Guide in July 2012.

?WRLA Member enquiry?
Contact Susan at the WRLA office at 800-661-0253 ext. 0 or slabossiere@wrla.org

Bank of Canada Unveils New $20 Note Design

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty and Governor Mark Carney today unveiled the new and more secure $20 polymer bank note at the Bank of Canada’s head office, on Wellington Street in Ottawa. To raise public awareness about the new note, the building’s north-east corner now features seven-storey high images of both sides of the polymer $20.

As with the previously issued $50 and $100 polymer bank notes, the main reason for issuing a new $20 is to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats. The new polymer notes are also more economical and have a smaller environmental footprint.

"The Bank’s goal is to maintain Canadians’ confidence in our money as a secure means of payment," said Governor Carney after the unveiling ceremony. "This new $20 note fits the bill."

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox.asp?aid=176406&issueID=25592 to view the full article online.

Industry News

PrimeSource Building Products Canada Ltd. Partnering with TIM-BR Mart as a Key Supplier

PrimeSource Building Products Canada, North America's largest purveyor of nails and fasteners is partnering up as a key supplier for TIM-BR Mart, a leading edge buying group in Canada.

PrimeSource has expanded its distribution to footprint in Canada to provide national distribution coverage from coast to coast. "This part of our strategic growth plan enables PrimeSource to provide increased service to our growing customer base, and fulfills the need of just-in-time requirements for our customers" says Michael Gibson, Regional Vice President, PrimeSource Canada.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/pdf/PrimeSource_TBM_External_Announcement_-_April_5_2012_(2).pdf to view the full article online.

Home Hardware Dealer Receives Top Gun Award

Ron Cicuttini, Dealer-Owner of three Home Hardware locations in Ontario, received the prestigious Top Gun Award from the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) at a ceremony in Las Vegas yesterday.

Currently in its sixth year, the Top Gun program recognizes four of the industry’s most influential independent retailers who work with best-in-class operations and go above and beyond the retailing norm. The honorees share a common set of traits that have elevated their business to the highest levels – each exhibiting an acute understanding of their markets, their brands and the operational insights needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

Ron received this year’s Top Gun award for his exceptional strategic vision and business acumen that enabled him to grow his first Home Hardware store, which he began operating at the young age of 23, to three locations in Ontario - University Home Hardware in Dundas; Weeks Home Hardware in Waterdown and Brantford Home Hardware in Brantford. Ron attributes his success to Home Hardware’s unique business model.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox.asp?aid=176399&issueID=25592 to view the full article online.

AFA Forest Products is pleased to announce

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Andy Wood recently joined AFA Forest Products Inc. Based in the Langley BC division, Andy brings extensive industry knowledge and experience to our team.

Andy's primary responsibility will be handling the treated lumber program, supporting our white wood sales, followed by a number of new specialty product programs that will be launched over the coming months.

Please click here to read the complete story

RONA Reports Growth in First Quarter 2012

Boucherville, Quebec, May 9, 2012 – RONA inc. (TSX: RON, RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, today reported its financial results for the 13-week period ending March 25, 2012, and provided an update on the progress of its business plan. All figures in this release are in Canadian dollars and presented according to IFRS accounting standards.

click here to read the complete article

Home Hardware Dealer recognized as NRHA Young Retailer of the Year

Home Hardware Dealer-Owner Tyler Knight of Knights’ Home Building Centre in Meaford, Ontario, has been recognized as a Young Retailer of the Year by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) at a ceremony in Las Vegas.

Currently in its sixteenth year, the Young Retailer of the Year Program acknowledges outstanding managers and owners of North American, independently-owned hardware and building supply stores. Nominees must be 35 years of age or younger, and are judged on their career advancement, professional accomplishments, future goals, education and community involvement. Knight is one of three winners in the ‘over $2 million in sales’ category and the only Canadian honouree.

"On behalf of the Dealer-Owners of more than 1,080 Home Hardware stores across Canada, I’d like to congratulate Tyler on this remarkable accomplishment," said Paul Straus, President and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Tyler’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and keen business sense are what make him such a great fit with the Home family and we’re proud to have him serve as an example to the new generation of Home Dealers."

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox.asp?aid=176400&issueID=25592 to view the full article online.

Mike Holmes, Building Safety Month and International Green Construction Code

Energy & Green Building Week of the 2012 Building Safety Month campaign kicks off today with a focus on the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), the first model green code for constructing and remodeling buildings. The IgCC will make buildings more efficient and reduce waste. It is expected to have a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare.

"With the new International Green Construction Code, we’re going to see more builders offering energy-efficient packages and upgrades," said Mike Holmes, trusted contractor, HGTV celebrity and 2012 Honorary Ambassador for Building Safety Month. "We’re going to see more homeowners choosing renovations that will bring their homes to higher performance levels and make them more durable."

For the full release, chick here. For more information, contact Barbara Harrison, info@icc-foundation.org or 850-385-7233 X105.

The Toolbox

Western Retail Lumber Association