The Toolbox
Western Retail Lumber Association
WRLA Toolbox: October 10, 2013
What's Going On
The WRLA Show Committee promotes this event as a buying show, encouraging building supply retailers throughout Western Canada to attend, stressing the value in meeting suppliers, seeing new products and taking advantage of the specials.
New this year, we would like to offer you the space to promote "Pallet Specials".
Reserve your spot now, as space is limited. Contact Caren if you would like our logo or have any questions at 800-661-0253 ext. 3 or ckelly@wrla.org
It is no secret that one of the key components to our shows success is the "show specials". These "specials" drive attendance to the show and to your booths. Each year we hear of exhibitors having record sales and they attribute that to their specials.
CLICK HERE for the Complete Pallet Special Form
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GROUP HOUSING and MEETING SPACE BOOKINGS
January 21 - 23, 2015 - Calgary, AB
The WRLA has enlisted the professional services of International Conference Services (ICS) Housing Bureau to assist in coordination of the delegate housing requirements for the 2015- 2017 WRLA Showcases.
If your company requires meeting space and group hotel blocks please refer to the following official list of preferred hotels. Group blocks will be assigned on a first come first serve basis so don’t delay.
View venue map, hotel summary and access group housing order form here:
http://www.wrla.org/about-the-show
2015 ITINERARY
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Opening Night – Hyatt Regency
Thursday, January 22, 2015 Buying Show – BMO Centre
Gala – Hyatt Regency
Friday, January 23, 2015 Buying Show – BMO Centre
Closing Night Party – Telus Convention Centre
Housing Policy: The WRLA, producer of the WRLA 2015 Showcase, would like to remind all Show attendees and exhibitors that WRLA 2015 Showcase uses ICS (International Conference Services Ltd.) for show accommodations. Any claims by any other organization stating that they are the official WRLA 2015 Showcase housing agency are untrue. Please feel free to contact slabossiere@wrla.org for further information.
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![](https://www.naylornetwork.com/WRL/assets/education%20banner400.jpg)
Online registration is now open for classroom training: Manual Estimating, Yard Operations, & Plumbing and Electrical basics.
Check out course details, dates and locations by visiting the WRLA website now.
CLICK HERE to visit our website and learn more!
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The audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2012-2013 are now available to all WRLA members. If you would like a copy, please contact Lannie Mertz, Manager of Finance and Insurance, at lmertz@wrla.org or 1-800-661-0253 ext. 4.
The audited statements will also be presented at the WRLA Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2014 during the Showcase in Saskatoon.
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We wish to advise you that the pet insurance program offered to WRLA members and their employees under the STRATA Select Voluntary Benefits program will be changing from Petsecure to Petplan. As a plan member, you have the option of staying with Petsecure, or you could apply for the Petplan program. To stay with Petsecure, there is no action that you need to do. Your coverage will simply continue. To apply for Petplan, please see the following information by clicking Learn More...
Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/pdf/Letter_to_WRLA_plan_members_on_Petsecure_program_-_FINAL_Sept_27,_2013.pdf to view the full article online.
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Got News? Share it with us! And always watch for new videos and updates from the WRLA!
Help us get the word out about OUR Industry!
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Industry News
TruServ Canada announced the retirements of four key managers at their National Buying Market this weekend.
"We have several managers, with a long history in our Company, who will transition into retirement at the end October," said Bill Morrison, President of TruServ Canada during the Market presentations. "It has been an honour to work with them."
Wilf Gerhardt, National Manager, Business Development, will retire after 43 years. His career started at Macleods in 1973, he continued to excel and eventually became a store Manager. Wilf moved to the Winnipeg office in 1983 where he has held several positions working closely with independent dealers across Canada. He has been a source of knowledge and expertise for his co-workers and for many store owners over the years. Wilf’s responsibilities will be transitioned to Guy Lichter, Director of Dealer Development & Support.
After 40 years with the Company, Donna Glasman will retire. Through the years she held various positions from Sales Promotions, assistant buyer, buyer for Homegoods, Merchandising Manager and in 1992 Manager, Marketing & Advertising. Through the last 20 years, leading the Marketing & Advertising team, Donna has been instrumental in building a strong and effective Marketing program for TruServ Canada Dealers. Donna’s responsibilities will be transitioned to Lora Deighton, Marketing/Communications Manager.
Terry Derraugh, Vice President of Merchandising, has played an integral role with the Company for the last 31 years. Like Wilf, he was a store manager, Director of Store Operations, Director of merchandising/Advertising and in 2002 became the Vice President of Merchandising. His long history in retail has served Terry and the Company well, his contributions are extensive. Terry’s responsibilities will be assumed by Greg Hollander, Merchandising Manager and Luc Roy, Merchandise Program Manager.
Although not retiring, Serge Vezina, Director of Sales & Business Development – East, will be leaving TruServ Canada at the end of October. Serge joined TruServ Canada in 2011. He brought with him over 30 years of experience in recruiting and supporting independent retailers as the Senior Director, Dealers in Canada for RONA.
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![](https://www.naylornetwork.com/WRL/assets/transaxion%20pic350.jpg)
OGC, OMNI & PROFITMASTER CANADA MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
ACCEO Solutions is proud to announce it has launched its Transaxion.ca site, which reunites the OGC, Omni and ProfitMaster Canada management solutions.
The new site presents our range of products and services specifically designed for hardware stores, lumber yards, building materials centres, garden centres and retail stores. It also allows you to find out more about our management software, our different modules, recommended equipment and training.
Visit:
http://transaxion.ca
The OGC, Omni and ProfitMaster Canada team
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October 2, 2013 (Calgary, AB) – TIM-BR MART Group today announced Randy Martin’s appointment as Vice President , Operations.
Formerly Vice President of Merchandise and General Manager for Western Canada, Martin joined TIM-BR MART in 2000, overseeing Chalifour and TIM-BR MARTS’ SPANCAN contracts and negotiations, as well as procurement. Martin brings to the role more than 35 years of experience in the building material and hardware industry, and has worked for public and private companies prior to joining the TIM-BR MART team.
Based in Calgary and supported by the Senior Leadership Team, Martin will report directly to the interim CEO.
In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART Group is a $2 billion+ member-owned organization serving over 750 building material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers and manufacturers across Canada. The organization exists to help Canadian entrepreneurs involved in the sale of building materials and hardware be more profitable.
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October 8, 2013 (Calgary, AB) — TIM-BR MART Group today announced that Doug Skrepnek has resigned from its Board of Directors. Mr. Skrepnek, of WSB Titan Group in Vaughan, Ont., served on the Board as a representative of the gypsum specialty Dealers, or GSDs. TIM-BR MART Group extends its thanks to Mr. Skrepnek for his years of service to the company. In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART Group is a $2 billion+ member-owned organization serving over 750 building material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers and manufacturers across Canada. The organization exists to help Canadian entrepreneurs involved in the sale of building materials and hardware be more profitable.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox-v6.asp?aid=237393&issueID=25656 to view the full article online.
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October 5, 2013 (London, ON) – With more than 120,000 sq. ft. of the hottest buys and pallet deals of the year, Chalifour Canada’s third annual Retailer Buying Expo took place October 4 and 5 at Place Bonaventure, in Montreal, QC, with a full house of over 1,800 retailer and vendor attendees gathered from across Canada for the show. To read more and find out the Chailfour Canada Retailer and Vendor Award Recipients click Learn more below.
Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/pdf/Chalifour_Show_Press_Release_2013REVISED.pdf to view the full article online.
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In-store services like screen and glass repair, as well as blade sharpening and small engine repair, are likely already going strong this summer. Here are some ideas to keep customers coming in for services and repairs as the weather turns cold! Click Learn more below to read September Tips from NRHA!
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox-v6.asp?aid=237326&issueID=25656 to view the full article online.
![](https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/thumbnails/Castle_Open_House150.jpg) The Castle 50th Anniversary Open House was held on Thursday October 3rd at the "The Atrium" in Mississauga at 100 Milverton and oh what a night it was! The event was the climax of an incredible 50th anniversary year and commemorated the incredible milestone of 50 years of excellence while celebrating those who have ultimately contributed to Castle’s success. For the full press release and more photos from the event click learn more below!
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox-v6.asp?aid=237332&issueID=25656 to view the full article online.
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Provincial home buying preferences:
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The Atlantic provinces are practical home buyers, valuing location and having funds remaining for personal expenses.
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Quebec home buyers want convenience for their commute and a move-in ready home
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Ontario home buyers desire character homes, and move more often.
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The Prairies prioritize their social lives when home buying.
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Alberta is a family-focused province.
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British Columbian home buyers want a great location and outdoor spaces.
For the Complete Survey details CLICK HERE
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Calendar of Events
October 20 - 21, 2013
FCL Market
Saskatoon, SK
October 28 - 31, 2013
Manual Estimating Training
Red Deer, AB
November 1. 2013
Yard Foreman - Operations Manager
Red Deer, AB
November 2 - 6, 2013
Sexton Member Conference
San Francisco, CA
callak@sextongroup.com
November 4 - 8, 2013
Manual Estimating Training
Winnipeg, AB
November 25 & 26, 2013
Plumbing & Electrical Seminars with Bob Sutherland
Winnipeg, AB
January 22 - 24, 2014
WRLA Prairie Showcase
Prairieland Park - Saskatoon, Sk
ckelly@wrla.org
To view the complete Events Calendar CLICK HERE
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Member Updates
2013-2014 WRLA DIRECTORY & Product Source Guide
Page 118
CP Distributors
NEW CONTACT: Greg Fast
NEW EMAIL: greg.fast@cpdist.ca
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