H&L Connect | Issue #17

On the cover:

CONTENTS H&L CONNECT

New Look! New Vibe.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our redesigned H&L Connect! We are thrilled to present you with a fresh and vibrant publication that aims to bring you the latest news, updates, and insights from across our Family. Packed with valuable content, engaging stories, and exciting features, this newsletter is designed to foster a sense of community, celebrate our achievements, and keep you informed about the diverse range of happenings within our company. So, take a moment to read and don’t forget to tell us what you think! Drop us a line at corporateaffairs@hardwareandlumber.com

I want to express my appreciation for your dedicated efforts to make H&L win in all the areas in which we compete in. We are not just a group of companies, but rather a community, united by a shared vision and bound by a common purpose… Family!

The principles of winning as a Family are simple: trust, communication, respect, and a constant desire to learn and improve. Trust is our foundation, enabling us to rely on one another and work towards a common goal. Communication is our lifeline, fostering understanding and transparency. Respect is our compass, acknowledging and appreciating our differences and unique perspectives. And our commitment to learning and improvement is our engine, driving us towards our goals with relentless resilience.

As we forge ahead, let's remember these principles and put them at the heart of our actions. Remember, we win as a team or not at all. So let's continue to work together, grow together, and achieve greatness together.

Manners & Respect

Marcus Richards Managing Director

Annistagia Bennette, Shevaughn Steele, Sherry-Ann Allen; Trishana Brown; Javaun Green and Alicia Irving of H&L Rapid True Value.

3 BIG MOVES

The Opening of H&L Town Centre.

Our new store concept, which brings our five banner brands under one roof, has been a big hit with the Ocho Rios community. Located on Main Street, Ocho Rios, with over 72,000 square feet, the H&L Town Centre features H&L Rapid True Value, H&L Agro, Regency Blinds, H&L Wholesale, and Brown Box. This new store concept is the template for the evolution of how we will deliver the best brands and services to our trade and retail customers.

Brown Box Charts the Course for Success.

The debut of our new courier company Brown Box marks H&L’s entry into a new business segment. Using our established track record and decades of experience in logistics power to help online shoppers bring their purchases to their door. In addition to being a forwarding service for clothing, small technology, and personal care items Jamaicans typically purchase online, Brown Box also ships large items like furniture, large appliances, and equipment.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today we are a trusted and renowned name in building, home improvement, agriculture, and logistics with 17 locations but 95 years ago; we were a single haberdashery and marine supply store at 1 Darling Street in Downtown Kingston. A lot has changed, but one thing hasn't: our commitment to service, our customers, our family and the community.

Welcome to the Family Centurion Concrete Products!

If you’re from Clarendon, then you know Shagoury's Blocks! Well, there is a new chapter unfolding for this well-known name in block making - it is now Centurion Concrete Products and the newest member of the H&L Family.

We are excited to build on Shagoury’s exceptional reputation as the number one provider of concrete products in Central Jamaica. We’ll deploy the best technology and processes to improve operations, engage new markets, and develop new products.

From left: Marcus Richards, Managing Director; Josef Bogdanovich, Director; Carey Lue Pan, GM Brown Box; Olive Downer Walsh, Deputy CEO, Kerry Edwards, GM H&L Rapid True Value and Erwin Burton, Chairman.

The team at Brown Box was happy to explain the deals on offer to new and existing customers at the launch of H&L’s courier company, held at the H&L Rapid True Value Store in Lane Plaza.

From left: Carey Lue Pan, Josef Bogdanovich and Kerry Edwards at the H&L 95th Anniversary Church Service on February 19, 2023.

H&L SUMMA FIX

Three brands heat up summer

For the first time, three of our banner brands— H&L Rapid True Value, H&L Agro and Regency Blinds—have come together for a consumer promotion, and by early indicators, this will be big.

Dubbed H&L Summa Fix, the promotion runs now through August 13 with $1.5 million in prizes, comprised of 25 weekly prizes of $20,000 H&L Cash and the grand prize of $1 million cash.

An H&L Loyalty Exclusive, entries for the promotion are earned based on customer spend: one entry if the spend is between $5,000 and $10,000; two entries if the spend is between $10,000 and $15,000; and three entries if the spend is more than $15,000. Plus, Wednesdays are bonus days in which customers get double entries. Eligible spend is calculated before GCT.

The H&L Summa Fix is available in stores and online, and was also distributed to the public through the Daily Gleaner and the Star newspapers.

The H&L Family will also win big as the store that records the highest H&L Loyalty Card transactions during the promotion will win $100,000; the highest H&L Loyalty Pro transactions will win $40,000; the store with the highest transactions will win $35,000; and the store with the highest H&L Loyalty average basket size will win $25,000. The campaign for the promotion features a jingle by noted DJ, Bambino, along with print and digital ads.

"Summa Fix will captivate our customers and elevate our brand engagement. The promotion serves as a powerful catalyst, encouraging customers to actively engage with three brands, driving foot traffic, sales, and ultimately, brand loyalty,” said Donnett Smith, Brand Manager. “Let's make this summer promotion an unforgettable experience for our customers while propelling H&L to new heights of success!"

Three the hard way. H&L Rapid True Value, H&L Agro and Regency Blinds team up for one big promotion.

H&L Agro store, showing off its Summa Fix.

THREE CHEERS FOR THREE YEARS! CELEBRATING H&L SHOP FOR GOOD

As we mark the third anniversary of our "Shop for Good" initiative, we reflect on our tremendous impact in partnership with Food For The Poor. Since its inception, this programme has been instrumental in improving people's lives across Jamaica. By donating 1% of sales on hardwareandlumber.com to Food For The Poor, we have shown that even small actions can create a lasting difference.

The "Shop for Good" initiative was born out of our desire to contribute positively to society. We recognized our immense potential as a company to make a tangible impact on the lives of others. By supporting Food For The Poor's mission to alleviate poverty and provide essential resources and sustainable projects to those in need, we knew we were aligning ourselves with an organisation that shared our vision for a better world.

Food For The Poor has tirelessly worked to ensure that our donations are channelled effectively to the communities that need them most. Their commitment

“We are immensely grateful to H&L and its customers for their ongoing support. Their dedication to our cause is inspiring, and their contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve “

Kivette Silvera Executive, Food For The Poor

to transparency, accountability, and making a sustainable difference has been inspiring. Their focus on nation building and sustainability resonates deeply with us, as it perfectly captures the essence of our partnership.

In the past three years, thanks to the H&L team and customers, we have raised an incredible amount to support Food For The Poor's initiatives. They have contributed to the construction of schools, the provision of clean drinking water, and the creation of livelihood opportunities for families. Through our efforts, we have brought hope and transformed lives.

Marcus Richards, H&L's Managing Director, expressed gratitude for the programme's success.

"The 'Shop for Good' initiative is special in our hearts. It symbolizes our commitment to social responsibility and reminds us of our power to effect positive change. We are proud of our accomplishments in the past three years and look forward to continuing our

partnership with Food For The Poor to create an even more significant impact.

Reflecting on the partnership, Food For The Poor's Executive, Kivette Silvera, highlighted the importance of collaborations like "Shop for Good." She said, "We are immensely grateful to H&L and its customers for their ongoing support. Their dedication to our cause is inspiring, and their contributions have made a

Shop for Good Project: Central High School Greenhouse

This project aims to tackle limitations in the school's agriculture curriculum and alleviate the economic pressure of providing a daily meal for its vulnerable students, especially those on welfare programmes. Approximately 40 per cent of the school's population is on the government's welfare programme: PATH. Other students not on the PATH programme also require assistance via other established feeding programmes operated and funded by the school.

Project snapshot:

n Construction of a 1,500 sq. ft. greenhouse with rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation systems.

n Supply of farming inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and seedlings.

n Provision of training and technical assistance to teachers and students.

n Monitoring and evaluation.

significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we are changing the narrative of poverty, one step at a time."

The "Shop for Good" initiative continues to thrive, and we encourage everyone to spread the word and encourage customers to join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a better future for all.

Central High School is a beneficiary of the H&L Shop for Good Programme in which 1% of online purchases go to Food For the Poor. The school will soon have a new greenhouse that will serve as a learning hub, an income generator as well as a food source.

SNAP THAT! H&L AT WORK

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1. The H&L team joined the Forestry Department on their ambitious and admirable Labour Day initiative to plant three million trees in Heartlands, St Catherine.

2. When we say work, we mean work!

3. The Regency Blinds showcase at the 2023 staging of EXPO Jamaica at the National Stadium in Kingston.

4. Deputy CEO Olive Downer-Walsh engages guests at JMEA Expo 2023.

5. Market Development Assistant Devroy Rowe (left), accompanied by The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, shares his expertise with patrons at the Kingston and St Andrew Agro Fest at the Ministry’s headquarters in Hope Gardens.

6. Marketing officer Richard Grant conducts a tutorial on the importance of Coffee Multifeed Fertilizer and general crop care at the Jamaica Agricultural Society’s orchid show and sale.

7. Deputy CEO Olive Downer-Walsh at the H&L Agro orchid sale.

8. Orchids on display at the annual H&L Agro orchid sale.

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SNAP THAT! H&L AT WORK

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1. The H&L Agro team representing at the 2023 RJR Cross Country launch in downtown Kingston.

2. The RJR Cross Country Launch 2023 in downtown Kingston was a chance for H&L to interact with customers on the go and offer useful tips.

3. H&L Agro in collaboration with RADA gives back to the farmers who were affected by the heavy rainfalls in Bull Savannah, St Elizabeth.

4. The H&L Agro team journeyed to Irish Town, St Andrew, where they joined forces with Duwest Caribbean and Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) to discuss nutrition, pest and disease management in coffee production with local farmers.

5. The H&L Agro team at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s St Bess Agri Fest, which was held at the Social Development Commission Complex in St Elizabeth on June 9.

6. The first staging of the H&L Agro Farm & Garden Market was a success, if only for the opportunity to meet and greet customers.

7. Showing off H&L’s top-quality orchids that were available for purchase at our 2023 staging of the H&L Agro Farm & Garden Market.

8. H&L staff member Brittany Campbell presents a gift to Ms Thomas at a customer appreciation promotion at the H&L Rapid True Value Mandeville branch.

9. Odean Bradshaw, Manager, H&L Agro Wholesale conducts a farmer training session.

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LESA BENT - LEADING IN THE COMMUNITY

Lesa Bent, Branch Manager at H&L Rapid True Value Mandeville, is the new Director, Marketing Communications at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Lesa will bring her many years of experience at H&L to the role of promoting the chamber and being its liaison with other chambers throughout the country.

Having started out as a Team Leader at the Mandeville branch before being promoted to assistant manager and then branch manager, Lesa is ready to take on the additional responsibilities of being the face of H&L in the community.

As a chamber member, H&L supports community events and participates in meetings. When the chamber held its AGM recently, Lesa was elected to the post of director of marketing and communications. Although it is an additional responsibility, Lesa says it will have a positive impact since the H&L name will be more visible, with her repping in the community at fund-raisers and events. “As someone born and bred in Mandeville, this is something I am honoured to do,” she says.

Lesa Bent, (third left) Branch Manager, H&L Rapid True Value and newly elected Director of Marketing and Communications at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, was joined at a recent Chamber event by (from left)  Gavin Robinson, Manager, Ecommerce; Simone Spence Johnson, President of the Chamber; Orett Walker, Paint Specialist; Heather Wellington, H&L Agro Mandeville Branch Manager; Sean Gooden, Operations Manager; and Kerry Edwards, H&L General Manager.

READY FOR REGGAE SUMFEST

Reggae Sumfest promises to be tougher than teak, and stronger than steel this year, as H&L becomes a major sponsor. H&L Agro, H&L Rapid True Value and Regency Blinds have teamed up with presenting sponsor Caribbean Airlines to support the most anticipated music festival in Jamaica as it celebrates its 30th anniversary with a star-studded line-up of artistes as usual. Family members will also have the chance to win tickets to Reggae Sumfest shows.

As part of the sponsor line-up H&L donated supplies for the third annual clean-up of Catherine Hall beach, in the vicinity of the entertainment centre in Montego Bay, St James, where Sumfest will once again be staged. The H&L team joined organisers, other sponsors and volunteers in the massive clean-up on Saturday, June 17, helping to collect almost 2,500 pounds of garbage from the beach.

Josef Bogdanovich (centre), CEO Downsound Entertainment, producer of Reggae Sumfest, thanked the H&L crew for participating in the Festival's annual Beach Clean Up.

From left: Donnett Smith, Derron Lewis, Chelsea Baker, Lisann Barnes, Donville Brown, Claudia Mckenzie , Daniella Mignott, Darien James, Kadia Brown, Marcus Richards.

Check @hlrapidtruevalue on Instagram for a chance to win tickets to Reggae Sumfest

PAINTING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Enhancing Learning Environment.

The True Value Foundation and the H&L Foundation recently made paint grants to 10 schools to transform the learning environment into an engaging space for both students and teachers. Duhaney Park Primary received its paint donation just in time for Labour Day. As a bonus, several staff members joined the school community to breathe new life into classrooms, hallways, and common areas with a fresh coat of paint. "We are incredibly grateful to True Value Foundation and H&L Foundation for their remarkable donation of

paint for our school," said Coleen Reid-Grant, Principal of Duhaney Park Primary. "It is through partnerships like these that we can truly enhance the educational experience and inspire our future artists, innovators, and leaders."

The paint donation is part of the ongoing commitment of both True Value and H&L through our respective foundations to empower local communities and ensure access to quality education for all children.

H&L Rapid True Value brought some colour to the Labour Day project at Duhaney Park Primary School.

Paint for Brighter Future 2023 Beneficiaries

n Cross Primary School

n Duhaney Park Primary School

n New Day Primary & Junior High

n Mico Practising Primary & Junior High School

n Lister Mair Gilby High School For The Deaf

n Golden Valley Primary And Infant School

n New Green Primary & Infant School

n Esher Primary School

n Miracle Tabernacle Basic School

n Aabuthnott Gallimore High School

n Southborough Primary School

Students of New Green Primary School show their appreciation for the paint donation. Jahvaun Hall, Jada Powell, Angelee Laylor, Ronielia Grandison, Kadino Warren, Naheriah Smith.

JUST LOOK AT THEM NOW

At H&L, we celebrate our team's achievements. It's about the journey of growth, the tenacity of our colleagues, and the embodiment of our shared values. Here, we spotlight some of the people who have ascended to new heights and continue to set the bar high for excellence within our H&L Family.

Kerry Kay Grant

Reconciliation Officer – Finance & Accounts

“The best part of my job is the relationships I have developed with my co-workers. You wouldn't believe the many perspectives and even the levels of entertainment each member of my team brings to our conversations each day.”

Kerry Kay’s first job at H&L was that of cashier at H&L Rapid True Value Portmore.

Shauna-Kay Douglas

Junior Buyer, Category Management

“As a Junior Buyer is I can experience the root of the product and services Hardware & Lumber offers to our clients. Without the root we have no production, no goods or service to offer. I enjoy strengthening my team by performing my task well for us to remain H&L strong both locally and internationally. I love that we are a family away from home, that way teamwork becomes the norm in our working environment.”

Shauna-Kay joined us as a sales associate in 2019.

Senior Sales Associate – H&L Rapid True Value Lane Plaza

“I am passionate about my personal growth, learning new things, helping people and making a difference in people’s lives.”

Who would have thought that when Tevaughn started with us as a summer intern through the National Youth Service, he would still be with us today, delighting customers with his knowledge and inspiring his co-workers.

Branch Supervisor – Brown Box (Mandeville)

“H&L has an excellent culture that fosters camaraderie and sets a comfortable work environment in which to operate”.

Julien joined H&L in 2015 as Senior Customer Service Representative.

Shevaughn Steele

Julien Reid

Javaughn Gordon

Merchandising Team Leader

Marketing, Merchandising & Corporate Affairs

“I'm excited about the future, especially self-development and self-improvement. I'm always looking to challenge myself and learn new things in the merchandising field.”

Javaughn started at H&L in 2016 as a Sales Associate at H&L Rapid True Value Mandeville. Today, he plays an integral role in defining our in-store experience.

PROMOTIONS

Leah Ranger

New Role: Manager, Operations, Brown Box

Former Role: eChannels Solutions Officer

Shantell Duffus

New Role: Customer Service Centre Agent, eChannels

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

Shauna Kay Douglas

New Role: Junior Buyer, Category Management

Former Role: Customer Service Centre Agent

Keisha Manning-Walford

New Role: Technical Sales Associate, H&L Agro Ocho Rios

Former Role: Senior Sales Associate

Amoi Anglin

New Role: Senior Sales Associate, H&L RTV Spanish Town Rd

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

Harold Hamilton

New Role: Senior Sales Associate, H&L Agro Kingston

Former Role: Sales Associate

Peter Plummer

New Role: Customer Service Agent/Ocho Rios, Brown Box

Former Role: Sales Associate

Shannise Lewis-Thompson

New Role: Customer Service Agent/Mandeville, Brown Box

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

Danique McIntosh

New Role: Branch Supervisor, H&L Agro Montego Bay

Former Role: Senior Cashier

Tamikea Codling

New Role: Credit Officer Finance & Accounts

Former Role: Senior Accounts Payables Officer

Albert Henry

New Role: Customer Service Agent/Mandeville, Brown Box

Former Role: Sales Associate

Kasheka Barnett

New Role: Senior Accounts Payables Officer, Finance & Accounts

Former Role: Accounts Payables Officer

Julien Reid

New Role: Branch Supervisor (Mandeville), Brown Box

Former Role: Assistant Branch Manager - H&L RTV May Pen

Romaine Jackson

New Role: Item Maintenance Clerk, Category Management

Former Role: Sales Associate

Swashnair Dixon

New Role: Item Maintenance Clerk, Category Management

Former Role: Technical Sales Associate

Keon McLean

New Role: Senior Sales Associate, H&L RTV Ocho Rios

Former Role: Sales Associate

Donashay Johnson

New Role: Sales Associate,H&L RTV Montego Bay

Former Role: Part-Time Sales Associate

Javaughn Gordon

New Role: Merchandising Team Leader (Mandeville), Marketing & Merchandising

Former Role: Sales Associate - True Value Paints

Ocian Davis

New Role: Sales Associate - Paints, H&L RTV Mandeville

Former Role: Sales Associate

Chester Brandon

New Role: Sales Associate - Paints, H&L RTV Sovereign

Former Role: Sales Associate

Kerene Blackstock

New Role: Senior Cashier, H&L RTV Lane

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

Shevaughn Steele

New Role: Senior Sales Associate, H&L RTV Lane

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

Dejron Small

New Role: Forklift Operator, H&L RTV Ocho Rios

Former Role: Warehouse Associate

Tashana Martin

New Role: Sales Supervisor, H&L RTV Mandeville

Former Role: Reconciliation Clerk

Kerry Kay Grant

New Role: Reconciliation Officer, Finance & Accounts

Former Role: Accounts Payables Officer

Shannise Lewis-Thompson

New Role: Branch Supervisor (Lane), Brown Box

Former Role: Customer Service Agent

Asha Harrison

New Role: Branch Manager, H&L Agro Kingston

Former Role: Technical Support Officer

Belinda Suckrajh

New Role: Branch Supervisor, H&L Agro Kingston

Former Role: Senior Cashier

Sherine Clarke

New Role: Accounts Payables Officer, Finance & Accounts

Former Role: Junior Buyer

Annique Cummings

New Role: Senior Cashier, H&L Agro Kingston

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

Jody-Ann Pink

New Role: Reconciliation Clerk, H&L RTV Mandeville

Former Role: Cashier/Sales Associate

O'Shanelle Powell

New Role: Junior Buyer, Category Management

Former Role: Inventory Clerk

Brittany Campbell

New Role: Customer Service Agent (Mandeville), Brown Box

Former Role: Sales Associate

Petreece Smith

New Role: General Ledger Officer, Finance & Accounts

Former Role: Customer Service Centre Agent