Welcome to the ToolBox, your portal to WRLA member news and information within the LBM market.
We invite you to learn more about what's going on within your association and the companies whose products and/or services you utilize.
See the best moments of the 2014 Showcase on WRLA TV!
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WRLA TV is a great place to find out what's happening in your Industry!
Breaking News | Industry Announcements | Highlights from Industry Events | Advertising | New Products | Helpful Tips
CLICK HERE for our Media Kit and to find out how you can advertise on WRLA T.V!
CLICK HERE to Watch Now!
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"I will use what I learned to make my job more efficient and to give me more confidence in the future."
Register online Today for Manual Estimating!
Go to www.wrla.org to read course details!
Leduc, Alberta - Register Now
April 7 & 8 Level 1: Estimating Fundamentals
April 9 & 10 Level 2: Estimating for Residential Construction
April 11 Level 3: Advanced Estimating
Winnipeg, Manitoba - Register Now
April 14 & 15 Level 1: Estimating Fundamentals
April 16 & 17 Level 2: Estimating for Residential Construction
Course and Travel Rebates available!
CLICK HERE
Hear what they're saying about these valuable courses...
"Stan’s way of estimating is unbelievable; it really is simple and very accurate."
"A great course! I look forward to using my knowledge"
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We're planning our Spring Events Now - Don't miss out, send us your contact information!
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And don't miss the discussions on Linkedin - Join the WRLA NexGEN Group
For more information on the NexGEN Program visit
www.wrla.org/nexgen
or contact Krista Scherpenzeel toll free at 1-800-661-0253 or kristas@wrla.org
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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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Vinyl and Metal Clad Vinyl Windows designated ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient
EDMONTON, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - For the second year in a row, All Weather Windows has received the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation on almost 400 window products. The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation recognizes the most efficient products among those that qualify for ENERGY STAR in the current calendar year. These exceptional products represent the leading edge in energy-efficient models.
"All Weather Windows is dedicated to creating a wide range of truly exceptional products for our customers." said Tracy Nadiger, Director of Marketing. "Whether you're building a new home or renovating an old home, we have the best selection of the highest-performance products. From hardworking vinyl windows to colourful metal clad exterior windows, we can help."
This is the second year that Natural Resources Canada has awarded the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation. Criteria is set or reviewed each year per product category by Natural Resources Canada. All Weather Windows was also named ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year in the Fenestration Products category in 2013, 2011 & 2010, and Participant of the Year in 2012.
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"We wish Terry all the best in retirement and want to thank him for all that he’s done for our company during his 35-year career," said Karen Colonias, CEO of Simpson Manufacturing.
"Roger and Ricardo are proven leaders, and their deep knowledge of our company, customers and industry will be instrumental in driving growth and maintaining our strong culture," added Colonias.
Dankel, (50), will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the company’s sales, customer support and distribution. Arevalo, (57), will be responsible for the operational leadership of the company’s product lines and related support functions. Dankel started his career at Simpson Strong-Tie in 1993 and has served as sales manager for the southeast branch since 1997. Arevalo joined Simpson Strong-Tie in 1999 and has served as Vice President of Engineering since 2008. Both Dankel and Arevalo will work from the company’s home office in Pleasanton, Calif.
"I’ve had the privilege of working with the most talented employees and customers in the industry, and I know Roger and Ricardo are the right leaders to take on these roles and guide Simpson Strong-Tie into its next chapter of growth," said Kingsfather.
About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
For more than 55 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. Considered a leader in structural systems research, testing and innovation, Simpson Strong-Tie works closely with industry professionals to provide code-listed, field-tested products and value-engineered solutions. Its structural products are recognized for helping structures resist high winds, hurricanes and seismic forces. The company’s extensive product offering includes engineered structural connectors, fasteners, fastening systems, lateral-force resisting systems, anchors and products that repair, protect and strengthen concrete. From product development and testing to training and engineering and field support, Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to helping customers succeed. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.strongtie.com.
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Making a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
In preparation for a new selling season, take time to do some maintenance of your store—from your customers’ perspective. Be your own "mystery shopper" by pretending you are a customer visiting the store for the first time. Make a list of what you notice that doesn’t work for you, then prioritize the list based on necessity and budget to create a master to-do list for each department. It’s also a great idea to ask friends or family to perform this type of audit for you, so you’ll get a true sense of how a customer sees your store.
Give yourself enough time to finish each item on your list, factoring in customer service and stocking. If your store is large enough, give department managers their own lists and encourage a little friendly competition. Reward the department that finishes its list first to your standards with a pizza party or other treat.
The following checklist can be used any time you are preparing your store for a new season:
- Dust shelves, sweep floors, re-paint walls and replace lights. Start to prep seasonal areas to make the transition from holiday merchandise to outdoor living and lawn and garden.
- Make sure there are no sharp items, loose cords or boxes protruding from shelves.
- Check shelf labels and price stickers to be sure they are neat, clean, complete and current.
- Check displays for empty packages and items that are in the wrong place. Empty packages should be removed and inventory checked.
- Check displays for shopworn or torn packaging and remove it. Customers view damaged packaging as old or damaged goods, which contributes to a perception that the store is not current in its product selection.
- Make sure displays are full and organized. Review inventory order quantities and make sure displays are never empty. Assemble bulky items such as grills, mowers and hose reels, place them on the sales floor and dust them regularly.
- Don’t forget to pay attention to your backroom, where clutter has a tendency to accumulate. When your spring merchandise comes in, you want to make sure there’s room to unload it and organize it before placing on the sales floor.
WRLA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NRHA
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 or CLICK HERE for more information about NRHA.
April 4 - 8, 2014
Home Hardware Dealer Market
St. Jacobs, ON
April 6 - 7, 2014
Federated Co-Op Market
Prairieland Park,
Saskatoon, SK
April 14 - 17, 2014
TruServ Canada Spring Buying Market
Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB
To view the complete Events Calendar CLICK HERE
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Support your association and broadcast your business to hundreds of decision-makers in the lumber industry. Advertising opportunities are still available in several WRLA publications:
The YardStick: The YardStick is sent to more than 1,200 members firms every other month. Advertising in the largest issue of The YardStick, the Prairie Showcase edition, is a great way to reinforce your marketing message with hundreds of decision-makers who regularly read this magazine while supporting WRLA. Ads booked within the print edition automatically appear (linked to the website or email of your choice) in the digital edition, which is read by more than 500 visitors each issue. Exclusive online ad positions are also available within every digital edition.
The Toolbox: Delivered directly to the inboxes of more than 1,200 lumber managers and professionals, this weekly e-newsletter offers consistent access to the individuals who rely on your products and services to run their businesses.
Directory & Product Source Guide: WRLA is the largest retail lumber association on the Prairies, with its membership representing 85% of the industry. All of our members are included in this annual directory and all keep this publication handy year-round. Make sure your business stands out in this resource by purchasing a display advertisement.
WRLA.org: Our website averages more than 3,000 visits per month! Advertising space is available on the home and sub-pages of WRLA.org. Ads rotate on the home page and sub pages, expanding your exposure to site visitors at an affordable price.
WRLA-TV: Introducing the NEW WRLA-TV Banner Sponsorship. Our online TV and banners offer your brand high visibility on the WRLA homepage. Your branding and action oriented banner is featured every time WRLA-TV’s videos are played by our audience, leaving them one-click away from your website‘s landing page.
For more information about these opportunities, click here for the media kit or contact:
Kim Davies
Project Manager
(800) 665-2456, ext. 423
kdavies@naylor.com
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Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and events with our engaging new communication channel.
Have you watched the latest episode on our WRLA TV channel? Don't wait to take full advantage of this terrific media channel, one of the many benefits of your WRLA membership!
Check it out here!
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