SEE YOU IN JANUARY IN WINNIPEG

Where did 2022 go? What a year it has been with another roller coaster felt right throughout the LBM Industry with many highs and lows. As I put together this note, and by the time it hits print, a lot of us will be getting closer to, or already through, our year-end, navigating through our lessons learned in 2022 and our plans for opportunities in 2023. It is a great feeling knowing our industry has been an instrumental part of the growth and prosperity of our communities over the last 12 months as we continue to our new normal. This has allowed us to be a big part of growing our economy and creating good jobs right in our own backyards.

I am very excited about this year’s winter issue as it is giving our industry the opportunity to promote the incredible women within it who are instrumental parts of its success. As part of an organization that promotes inclusion and the ability for all to work their way up with a career in the LBM Industry, it is very exciting to see the WRLA take this opportunity to highlight the great work that all these influential members are contributing to the growth of our industry.

Secondly, this issue will highlight our upcoming 2023 WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase that will be taking place this January in Winnipeg. This past March, the WRLA Showcase came back with a bang after the pandemic, and the level of excitement during and after the show, along with the great feedback the association received, has ensured we are on the right path to again connect and educate members for another memorable show in 2023. So, if you have not yet got your registration in, I highly recommend you reach out to Liz and her team to get registered, as it will be a great event.

This past November, the association hosted and attended with members two days at the Legislature, one day in Manitoba and the other in Saskatchewan. It gave our members the opportunity to discuss key issues and concerns directly with Ministers & multiple MLAs at the Provincial level on several topics from supply-chain, trade, immigration, and other topics important to our members and industry. The response we got was incredibly positive in opening further dialogue in the future and ensuring the government knows they have a trusted partner they can call on when developing policy. We will continue this dialogue with all levels of government, and will be reaching out in the future, as we continue to discuss policy at other Provincial Jurisdictions as well as at the Federal level. Please keep an eye on your e-mail for further details from Liz as they come out.

Finally, I look forward to seeing you all this January in Winnipeg and having the opportunity to hear from you how business has been in 2022, the success you had, what roadblocks you have faced, and what role the WRLA can play in ensuring a successful 2023 for all. Our vision will continue to be the avenue to Attract, Connect, Educate, and Advocate, and we will continue to serve our membership in all of these areas to ensure a healthy and prosperous LBM Industry for years to come.

See you in Winnipeg!

Andrew

CHAIR, WRLA

It is never too late to register for the 2023 Showcase! Scan the QR code on the right to register.

WRLA IS ON THE AIR!

This past October, WRLA launched our new podcast! (It is currently called “The WRLA Podcast,” but stay tuned as we set an upcoming contest to pick a new name!)

Connecting with our members is one of WRLA’s four main pillars. It’s why we post on social media, and it’s why we send newsletters and eblasts to your inbox, and why we publish Yardstick magazine four times a year.

So why a podcast when there are so many other ways that we’re talking to our members?

Good question!

The answer is that a podcast, especially our podcast, gives us the opportunity to zero in on an interesting story at length and hear from the WRLA team, our members, industry experts, and more in an informal, conversational way.

In our first episode, we sat down with WRLA Board Chair Andrew Reimer, who talked about the WRLA, but also gave us some insight into being the third-generation Reimer to work in the Building Materials Industry. Our second episode, “Always be learning,” was a great deep dive into education and why we at WRLA believe so strongly in providing access to enhanced knowledge and training. Guest Martine Yzerman, one of the newest members of the WRLA team and our resident expert in education and training, had some thought-provoking insights about why it’s so important to keep learning.

One of the best things about the new podcast is how portable it is! In November, we featured our first live on-location episode from the Women in Trades conference in Winnipeg, where our host, WRLA president Liz Kovach, interviewed Carol Paul, Executive Director of Manitoba Construction Sector Council.

We’re endeavouring to put out new shows every other Saturday. You can find our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other podcast app you might prefer. Make sure to subscribe to get new shows as soon as they’re out!

If you’ve got suggestions for podcast topics or would like to be considered for an upcoming interview, send us an email at marketing@wrla.org

Lowes Canada Makes A Big Move

Big changes ahead for Lowe’s Canada and Rona! WRLA will continue to be there to support our members through these changes, and wish all locations continued success and growth!

Nov. 3, 2022—Lowe’s Companies, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Canadian retail business to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in retail, consumer and distribution-related investments, for $400 million in cash, and performance-based deferred consideration.

Based in Boucherville, Quebec, Lowe’s Canadian retail business operates or services approximately 450 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores in a number of complementary formats under different banners, which include, Lowe’s, RONA, Réno-Dépôt and Dick’s Lumber.

“The sale of our Canadian retail business is an important step toward simplifying the Lowe’s business model. While this business represents approximately 7 per cent of our full year 2022 sales outlook, it also represents approximately 60 basis points of dilution on our full year 2022 operating margin outlook,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO.

“We remain confident in our short and long-term outlook for the U.S. business, underscored by improved sales trends and strong profit flowthrough in the third quarter, as well as our expectations for solid business performance for the remainder of 2022. By executing this transaction, we will intensify our focus on enhancing our operating margin and ROIC, taking market share in the U.S. and creating greater shareholder value,” Ellison continued. “I want to thank our entire Canadian team for their hard work and dedication to our customers. We look forward to working with Sycamore Partners in executing a seamless transition.”

“We are honored to partner with Lowe’s to establish Lowe’s Canada and RONA as a standalone company headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “We look forward to working with the company’s management team to build on its 83-year history as a leading Canadian home improvement business serving families, builders, and contractors in their communities across the country.”

“We are excited to work with Sycamore Partners on this next chapter of growth for our business,” said Tony Cioffi, president of Lowe’s Canada. “Together, we will remain committed to supporting our associates, our Canadian-and Quebec-based vendors, and our dealer network.”

Lowe’s Announces Sale of Canadian Retail Business to Sycamore Partners lowescanada.ca/en/news/lowes-announces-sale-of-canadian-retail-business-to-sycamore-partners-

2022 Wrla Education Grant Recipients

There have been many ups and downs in a year that started with our first in-person WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase in two years. Thanks to the efforts of our members, it’s been more up than down for us at WRLA, and for 28 students—it’s about to get even better!

The 2022 Educational Grant Recipients have been selected and will soon receive a cheque from WRLA to help further their education. Open to all members, their employees, and their families, this program is designed to help individuals increase their knowledge and skills. In addition to helping cover university and college expenses, some of these grants will go directly to employees looking to level up their skills and help them advance in their careers. When we add our support to this kind of “up-skilling,” everyone benefits, as more knowledgeable employees can positively benefit the business’s bottom line!

This is the 22nd year of our educational grants program. Funding for these grants comes directly from the proceeds of our very popular golf tournaments. WRLA thanks everyone who sponsored and/or attended our tournaments. Your participation is why we can deliver on our promise to continue the grant program for 2022.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients:

• Aanalben Rutvijkumar

Bhatt

• Autumn Neufeld

• Barett Edenburn

• Brady Turner

• Carly Jo Olzewski

• Carter Robinson

• Cassidy Gaalaas

• Eina Tayag

• Hannah Beveridge

• Jessica-Rae

Brummelhuis

• Kaeleigh Kachmarski

• Kayla James

• Kristen Yacey

• Lauren de Graaf

• Liza Michelle Sy Jarme

• Logan Pelland

• Madison Tessier

• Magdalene Oleynick

• Matthew Joseph Cliffe

• Mikaela Lukie

• Nolan Coughlan

• Robert Preville

• Sam Bullerwell

• Sydney Codrington

• Taylor Kiel

• Tighe Strauss

• Ty Younge

• Yvette Chester

WE ESTIMATE THAT IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK!

There’s something about getting together in person that can make the learning process that much more meaningful.

This October, WRLA held in-class sessions in Leduc, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba. The latter took place right at WRLA head office, and it was great for our team to see so many of our members’ employees each day as we came in!

Students came together for five-day sessions that covered Estimating 1 (Decks and Garages), Estimating 2 (Residential Construction), and Principles of Yard and Warehouse management.

Based on how well attended these sessions were, we are looking forward to our next in-class sessions in 2023. We’re also planning a new slate of webinars to make sure that wherever you may be, you’ll have access to learning that can help upgrade your skills and knowledge.

Your next opportunity to get together with us for exceptional learning opportunities will be during the 2023 WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase. Make sure to sign up soon to take advantage of these valuable sessions!