O Canada

To learn more about the WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase, go to page 13 of this magazine or scan the QR code. See you at the show!

Having spent some time on the road recently, we have had several discussions around the economy—there is both pessimism and optimism for the state of the economy in the coming year. If interest rates continue to rise, we will continue to see some slowdowns in housing start and home buyers will continue to stand on the sidelines. Ultimately, we need interest levels to level off so that we can once again find some balance in the economy. Now we wait and see what December brings as this will provide a little insight into what’s on the horizon.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with our members in person as those discussions help the WRLA understand where we need to focus our energy and time in terms of programming. Having said that, I want to thank everyone that has taken the time to complete the labour study thus far. This information is critical for our industry.

In a few short months, we’ll be welcoming everyone to Winnipeg for our Building & Hardware Showcase, putting vendors, service providers, and retailers in the same room which builds sales success for all. While our Winter edition of Yardstick typically contains everything you need to know about the Showcase, we’re including a little sneak peek in this issue of one of the newest, most exciting inclusions to this year’s event—Tech Alley!

In our main feature this time around, we’re spotlighting some of our members for whom, though there were definitely challenges in the past few years, the supply chain was perhaps a little further down on the list. These are the companies that make, fabricate, or supply products right here in Canada. In our “Made in Canada” photo profile, you’ll meet several of these members, and hear stories of success built over generations, or in some cases, seemingly overnight. What unites these companies is what unites us all, wanting to make things better for their families, and the communities in which they live.

You’ll also get a chance to read about one of our members who are addressing the world’s power and fuel crunch with the very stuff that the prairies are made of—it doesn’t get much more “Made in Canada” than that! (Where there’s smoke, there’s potential).

There’s also an update on our ongoing Labour Study, and finally, some quick tips on phone etiquette that can make a difference in your retail operations starting right away.

WRLA is here for our members and working on behalf of everyone when we put together training courses to make the workforce more skilled, when we walk into the room with government officials and tell them what must be done to help this industry—and the communities we all support—recover and thrive once more.

There are some great programs and events coming up from WRLA in the next month or two, so I look forward to connecting with many of you in person!

Enjoy this issue!

Liz Kovach

PRESIDENT, WRLA