Success, Made in Canada

from Yardstick - Fall 2022 - The Made in Canada Edition

WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase is Open for Registration

As the leaves begin to turn and we are entering fall, we can look back on another successful summer season across all our regions in the LBM Industry. There are many success stories we can share with each other about the gains we had in our regions, and the pride we continue to take in being an instrumental part of building the communities we all live in. With our membership residing in both small towns and large city centres throughout Western Canada they are given the opportunity to have a lasting impact. Now it is our time to continue to build on the growth that the LBM Industry has had recently throughout Canada and really promote what we are great at with a Made-InCanada focus.

The Fall issue is set to promote what Canada is, and what makes us succeed. As Canadians, we tend to take a gentle approach to our success and are at times afraid to share what is great about our people and our country. As we have seen over the last few years during supply constraints, we at times have relied too heavily on supply outside our borders and need to shift focus back to what is truly “Made-In-Canada” by the great people across our country. While we're at it, why not show our pride, and celebrate all the great products that are made right here. This issue will focus in on that, with some of the great products & services along with great people who truly promote what is great about a “Made-in-Canada” mindset.

One of the guiding principles that is outlined in our 5-year strategic plan is around advocacy and the promotion of our home-grown talent and products to the government. This November there will be a few prominent “Days at the Legislature” currently specific to Manitoba and Saskatchewan (other regions to follow), where members will be meeting with the government to discuss policy while promoting all of what makes our industry flourish. It will be a great time to discuss with our Provincial Leaders our “Madein-Canada” approach of how our industry creates good jobs, builds great products, while being a trusted partner in building our communities.

The 2023 WRLA Building and Hardware Showcase in Winnipeg is starting to take shape for this coming January, I truly look forward to the opportunity to see all of the “Made-in-Canada” on display. Also, I am planning to hit the road with Liz in the spring to visit members, and really look forward to connecting and seeing your shelves stocked with products made right in our own backyard. As a third-generation family member on the board of the WRLA, I look forward to carrying on the tradition of what is truly “MadeIn-Canada” by continuing to see great products, made by great Canadians from coast to coast. As well, your association will continue to attract, connect, educate, and advocate for all members to ensure we have a great future together in the LBM Industry.

Just a quick reminder, Liz and her team continue to look for members to join our various committees, if you are wanting to have an impact on your industry and help build it for the future, please reach out to Liz and see how you can get involved and give back to the industry that has given to so many of us.

Finally, I wish you all a successful finish to your year and look forward to connecting with you soon at the WRLA Building and Hardware Showcase in January in Winnipeg.