Page 10 - NovDec21 Reporter - web optimized

Industry NEWS Message from the CHAIR

home hardware announcements
some insights from lbmao past chair,

greg drouillard

Home Hardware's Community Garden
Home Hardware staff and community
volunteers rolled up their sleeves this
summer to support families in need
by harvesting hundreds of pounds of greg drouillard reg Drouillard, owner of Target Building Supply in • Is there an appetite for a deferred compensation
fresh produce from the Home Hardware Target Building GWindsor, is a past chair of the LBMAO. Greg has system that employees could utilize?
Community Garden. Supply, Windsor, ON been engaged at different levels within the industry • Profit Sharing system?
“I am incredibly proud of our staff and all and has participated in many boards including • How about every member of staff getting a
of the community volunteers who worked STAFDA in the U.S. as well as chair of the TORBSA birthday cake on their birthday for a bit of
so hard this year to provide close to 3,700 board of directors. recognition?
pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to local Greg has always tried to be a forward-thinking • Do we consider attracting part time employees?
charities,” said Scott Bryant, Vice-President, individual and, looking at his own business, he • Do we actively promote from within the
Human Resources, Home Hardware Stores has pondered some insightful questions on the organization as a first choice if they qualify?
Limited. “Working with the Community employer–employee relationship. • Do we hire to fit the culture?
Garden team on this initiative was • Should we add a company incentive by paying for
inspiring, and a true reflection of Home’s Greg’s insights: any related classes, association attendance, trade
commitment to supporting our community.” Limited. “The Community Garden initiative lead our programs,” says Kevin Macnab, Employee and Employer engagement as you know show attendance, etc. as a further benefit?
The garden, located across from Home and the camaraderie we felt as a team when President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores is changing…a lot! These are strange transition times • Do we pay for gym memberships to emphasize
Hardware’s Dealer Support Centre in St. we met multiple times a week to tend to Limited. “As we continue on our journey to with the Gen X and Millennials coming on strong - health and fitness? Quitting smoking class?
Jacobs, Ontario, spans over one acre in size. the garden was also a source of therapy and be the most trusted and preferred home from an age point of view at least. There • Social Media is a big and growing area of business.
One-third of the garden is dedicated to support during a challenging time.” improvement retail brand, Laura has the "Do we consider is a BIG difference in the generation Do we compensate and encourage learning this
harvesting donations for local food banks This is Home Hardware’s sixth leadership skills and knowledge we require training programs coming up and it is concerning. They broad subject? If a staff member can prove that
and personal garden plots are also provided consecutive year harvesting fresh fruits to deliver on our business and growth want more pay, more time off, more their idea can make or save the company money,
to Home Hardware employees so they can and vegetables for community members strategies.” continually for benefits paid for by their employers, etc. should there be an incentive so they can be
harvest fresh produce for themselves and in need. Since 2016, Home Hardware has Laura will be responsible for all activities A few thoughts in point form to rewarded somehow? Perhaps 10 percent of the
their family. donated more than 17,000 pounds of related to Home’s brand identity and staff? Do the ponder what I have been thinking even savings?
This year, fresh produce donations went produce to local charities. marketing strategy including flyers, brand/ vendors we from Target’s perspective.
to the food hamper program at Woolwich Some of the biggest-producing crops product management, traditional and • Do we consider training programs As Greg has thoughtfully put into words some
Community Services Food Bank in Elmira, as this year were beans, cabbage, cucumber, digital media, represent consider continually for staff? of the questions regarding employer-employee
well as the Meals on Wheels program run by zucchini, potatoes and beets. promotion, loyalty this important?" • Do the vendors we represent relationships, it is of interest to all of our businesses
Community Support Connections in Breslau. and CRM, Package consider this important? to establish a professional yet personal approach to
Both programs support making healthy Home Hardware Announces New Vice- Sales, Installed • I like the idea of staff non-work get togethers? Do working with our employees.
meals for at-risk community members. President, Marketing Sales, Architectural they? These are changing times and being able to adapt
“We are seeing increased need in our Home Hardware is pleased to announce Solutions and • RSP: Does the company regard this as a quickly and respectfully to the needs of your staff
community due to the long-term effects the appointment of Laura Baker to Vice- PRO Marketing. recruitment tool, a retention tool? Is it something regarding issues such as daycare, benefits etc. is
of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Kelly President, Marketing, effective Monday, “I am delighted perceived as valuable to the staff? becoming more important now more than ever!
Christie, Executive Director, Woolwich September 20, 2021. Laura is a retail to join Home • Are there incentives available for staff? Is this a
Community Services. “The incredible fresh marketing expert with over 20 years of Hardware to lead model for variable compensation? Is this what the
produce donations we receive from Home experience leading and growing world-class the marketing new generation wants? Expects?
Hardware’s Community Garden provide brands. Prior to joining Home Hardware, at such an iconic • Should we consider a referral incentive? If a
food security to many local families by Laura held a variety of marketing and Canadian brand, member of staff recommends someone who is
allowing them access to fresh, locally grown executive roles at Edward Jones Canada, especially during this time of growth and hired as a result, are they recognized somehow?
fruits and vegetables they could not afford Sleep Country Canada, and Tim Hortons. transformation,” says Laura Baker. “There • Should we create junior entry positions?
otherwise.” “Laura’s passion for retail, coupled with is a tremendous opportunity to leverage
“My heart is full knowing we’ve been able her ability to turn data-driven insights customer insights, channel performance
to help families in need access good quality into effective marketing strategies that data and brand insights to drive results on
produce,” said Julia Swijters, Community drive awareness, consideration, purchase Home Hardware’s exciting journey.”
Garden Organizer, Home Hardware Stores and loyalty make her well positioned to As part of the Leadership Team, Laura

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