REFLECT AND CONTINUE ON

By the time this edition of the WRLA Yardstick hits your shelves, we will have had plenty of time to reflect on the first live show we have hosted in over 2 years. Not hosting the WRLA Showcase for 2 years meant going without sharing stories with our out of province acquaintances, without face to face interactions, without catching up with industry friends at after-show functions, without hustling for orders on the show floor, without an awards night for industry recognition, and no heartfelt speeches from Industry Achievement award winners.

As I write this, I have had time to reflect on this year’s show, and I can confidently say, I was extremely glad Liz and her WRLA team were able to make it happen! I spent a good deal of time on the show floor from set up Monday and Tuesday, to while the show was happening on Thursday and Friday, and the excitement from all who were in attendance was palpable! Maskless smiles, hugs, and handshakes could be seen at every turn. The affection shared between friends and competitors carried on long into the nights…every night, and it was so great to see!

Being business owners of stores that are often the cornerstones of our communities, the past two years have been both exceptional and difficult at the same time. To be able to come together on common ground in Winnipeg, be with others who have shared the same successes and struggles over the past couple of years, and share anecdotally how each of us adapted and persevered in almost every aspect of our day to day operations was a blessing!

On my behalf, I left Winnipeg, and the 2022 WRLA Showcase invigorated, full of new ideas and strategies, and a renewed appreciation for my friends and peers in our industry! I look forward to connecting with you all in the coming summer months at Golf Tournaments, and other WRLA Hosted events, and at the very least, in Winnipeg for the 2023 WRLA Showcase.

Thank you to all the vendors who attended, the effort you put into your booths, the people you brought and the enthusiasm you exuded did not go unnoticed. Thank you to all the retailers who attended, the vendors and manufacturers appreciated your attendance very much! Lastly, thanks to Liz, the Board, and her team for all their work securing a truly first-class venue for the show and festivities. For those who were unable to attend this year, you do not want to miss next year!