TIM-BR MARTS Awarded as 2011 Newsmaker of the Year
 The role of the building supply buying group is changing dramatically as independent dealers face increasingly tough competitive challenges. One buying group stood out over the past year for its commitment to change. That’s why TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. was selected as HARDLINES’ 2011 Newsmaker of the Year. Each year, HARDLINES, the information service for the retail home improvement industry, presents its Newsmaker of the Year Award, sponsored by the National Hardware Show, to a company based on its performance that has made a significant impact on the industry. This year, TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. was recognized as consistently making a newsworthy impact. The company has been expanding rapidly, with growth among both traditional retail yards and commercial dealers, and now boasts more than 700 members nationwide. However, the single biggest move TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. made over the past year was to acquire CanWel Hardware Division from CanWel Building Materials. TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. quickly renamed the business Chalifour Canada, creating its own hardware distribution business. To complete Chalifour’s reach across the country, TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. later acquired the distribution business of its group member, IRLY Distributors Ltd., making that Surrey, BC-based facility the Western arm of Chalifour Canada. "HARDLINES is proud to recognize TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. for its efforts to make a difference in home improvement retailing," said Michael McLarney, Editor of HARDLINES and Managing Director – Canada for the North American Retail Hardware Association. "The acquisition of CanWel Hardware marked the tipping point in a series of bold initiatives that made TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. a worthy recipient of the 2011 HARDLINES Newsmaker of the Year Award." Tim Urquhart, President and CEO of TIM-BR MARTS Ltd., was on hand at the conference to accept on behalf of his company. "This award is a testament to what can happen when a group truly listens to what its members need," he said. "Our activities throughout the past year are a reflection of our commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit, the success of the independent, and to the partnerships we have with our vendors." Other efforts to enhance TIM-BR MARTS Ltd.’s range of services have included the launch of its own dealer show in spring 2011. TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. has been actively building its brand, as well. Leveraging its Hockey Canada sponsorship, the World Junior Hockey Video Challenge returns this year and lets teams video their team spirit showing why they love hockey the most. The grand prize is a trip for the entire winning team to the World Junior tournament in Edmonton. The Newsmaker of the Year Award was presented at the 16th Annual Hardlines Conference, Oct. 27, 2011. The Award is sponsored by the National Hardware Show. For more information, contact: Michael McLarney, Editor of HARDLINES; 416-489-3396 or mike@hardlines.ca. |
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