Page 6 - NovDec21 Reporter - web optimized

Message from the PRESIDENT Message from the CHAIR

the lbmao app is arriving soon! some insights from lbmao past chair,

greg drouillard

david campbell E arlier this year, the board of directors We are in the beta test stage of the app and are greg drouillard reg Drouillard, owner of Target Building Supply in • Is there an appetite for a deferred compensation
LBMAO President commissioned the search for a developer to tweaking some of the bugs prior to making it available Target Building GWindsor, is a past chair of the LBMAO. Greg has system that employees could utilize?
produce an app to replace the current hard copy to members. We would normally have our hard copy Supply, Windsor, ON been engaged at different levels within the industry • Profit Sharing system?
directory. We determined that the app directory out by late June but the development of this extensive and has participated in many boards including • How about every member of staff getting a
will need to be customized to meet the needs of our app has taken longer than anticipated due to the STAFDA in the U.S. as well as chair of the TORBSA birthday cake on their birthday for a bit of
members; and the amount of data that we have in large amount of data and to ensure robust search board of directors. recognition?
the directory that will have to be transferred to the capabilities. We expect it to be available in late fall. Greg has always tried to be a forward-thinking • Do we consider attracting part time employees?
app such as products, contacts, locations, etc. is not Once our members have had an opportunity to use individual and, looking at his own business, he • Do we actively promote from within the
feasible for a standard app platform that uses a cookie the app, I am sure they will find it to be much more has pondered some insightful questions on the organization as a first choice if they qualify?
cutter base format. efficient that the hard copy version! employer–employee relationship. • Do we hire to fit the culture?
The advantages of moving the hard copy directory • Should we add a company incentive by paying for
to an app based format versus are: Greg’s insights: any related classes, association attendance, trade
1. The app is downloaded onto your smart phone Employee and Employer engagement as you know show attendance, etc. as a further benefit?
- either android or iPhone - so you don’t have is changing…a lot! These are strange transition times • Do we pay for gym memberships to emphasize
to rely on finding that hard copy directory with the Gen X and Millennials coming on strong - health and fitness? Quitting smoking class?
somewhere in your car or office. It's from an age point of view at least. There • Social Media is a big and growing area of business.
with you wherever you go! "Do we consider is a BIG difference in the generation Do we compensate and encourage learning this
"The hard copy 2. The hard copy directory is out of training programs coming up and it is concerning. They broad subject? If a staff member can prove that
date as soon as it is printed. The app want more pay, more time off, more their idea can make or save the company money,
directory is out of is updated frequently so is more up-to- continually for benefits paid for by their employers, etc. should there be an incentive so they can be
date as soon as date. staff? Do the A few thoughts in point form to rewarded somehow? Perhaps 10 percent of the
3. It is a private app and only ponder what I have been thinking even savings?
it is printed. The accessed by a password that is issued vendors we from Target’s perspective.
app is updated to each member upon renewal • Do we consider training programs As Greg has thoughtfully put into words some
of their membership. Additional represent consider continually for staff? of the questions regarding employer-employee
frequently so is passwords can be purchased for this important?" • Do the vendors we represent relationships, it is of interest to all of our businesses
consider this important?
more up-to-date." sales representatives or other staff • I like the idea of staff non-work get togethers? Do to establish a professional yet personal approach to
working with our employees.
members.
4. Search engines will be incorporated they? These are changing times and being able to adapt
into the app using google maps to search • RSP: Does the company regard this as a quickly and respectfully to the needs of your staff
locations, contacts and products. recruitment tool, a retention tool? Is it something regarding issues such as daycare, benefits etc. is
5. Each member business listed in the app perceived as valuable to the staff? becoming more important now more than ever!
directory will have a link to their URL which • Are there incentives available for staff? Is this a
takes the user to the member’s website so model for variable compensation? Is this what the
they can promote products and services. new generation wants? Expects?
6. Retailers can search for products and services; • Should we consider a referral incentive? If a
and supplier distributors will be able to use the member of staff recommends someone who is
app directory to search by name, company or hired as a result, are they recognized somehow?
location for customer information. • Should we create junior entry positions?
The primary disadvantage of the digital app format
is that it cannot be downloaded onto your desktop
computer but will only be accessed by downloading
from the Android Store or iPhone store onto your
mobile device.

6 LBMAO Reporter - September-October 2021 www.lbmao.on.ca 4 LBMAO Reporter - September-October 2021 www.lbmao.on.ca