Page 4 - Nov-Dec 2022 Reporter

Message from the CHAIR

happy holidays from the board of

directors!

rebecca gravelle ow, hard to believe 2022 is finally coming for him to start this next stage of his life, but he
Wood Works of Wto an end. Another whirlwind year, but we will be missed. Having run the Association for over
Renfrew Ltd, Renfrew made it through! Although there may have been 20 years, he is a wealth of information and a great
some lows - as we’ve faced continued supply advocate for our industry. It will be a big change
chain challenges, staff recruitment and retention for all of us to see him go. Though we’re certain he
difficulties, extreme weather events across the won’t be completely gone, as he has agreed to help
country, and more - we are also fortunate to have Trevor in his transition and I’m sure we’ll see him out
had some incredible highs as well. We’ve had a and about at some of our events! Thank you Dave for
continued demand in our industry, a more familiar your steadfast dedication to the Association and its
pricing environment, not to mention lifted COVID membership for so long; we know how important
restrictions. We’ve been able to do more this year all the members are to you and we will continue to
than we have in a long time and, I don’t know about serve them as you have.
you guys, it has certainly been good for As I write this, my area is getting its first snowfall
my mental health. Getting back to in- of the season! My stores have put out our holiday
"Like many groups, person events has been so beneficial decorations, and it’s really starting to feel like
for me personally, as well as for our winter. I love this time of year, and I’m really starting
the Association industry. to feel the magic of the season. I also recognize that
Like many groups, the Association
was finally able to was finally able to return to in person this time of year can be hard for a lot of people, so
I am hopeful you are all able to experience the joy
return to our usual our usual events! With four golf of the season this year. I am thankful that this year
tournaments, the Cool Car Ride and our we will be able to celebrate with more family and
events! Thanks so training courses this November, we are friends, and truly appreciate what we have. Not to
much to everyone thrilled we were able to do all these in mention lots of turkey and pumpkin pie!
person once again. Thanks so much to I continue to be amazed at our industry’s
who was able to everyone who was able to support us ability to adapt, and not just by running successful
support us by by attending. And we are even more businesses but also being meaningful members of
excited to see what we can do for 2023. our communities. Here at my stores, we are running
attending." Going into next year, there is a lot of a Holiday Food Drive for the local Food Bank, and
buzz on the Board as we welcome a new hopefully we are able to lend a hand to those in
President of the Association - Trevor need however we can.
Small! We are so happy to welcome Trevor to the My wish for you all is that 2023 brings happiness,
Association, and are confident he is going to bring health, and prosperity. And, as always, if there’s ever
something special to the LBMAO. I was able to spend anything I or the Association can do to help you,
some time with Trevor at the Hardlines Conference please don’t hesitate to reach out!
in October; and I know he is committed to seeing a
successful and meaningful LBMAO going forward. Sending my warmest wishes for a safe and happy
We are hopeful this change will bring some positive Holiday Season,
advancement to the Association!
And I’d also like to say a BIG thank you to Rebecca Gravelle
outgoing President Dave Campbell. Dave is heading
into retirement, and it is bittersweet. We are excited

4 LBMAO Reporter -November-December 2022 www.lbmao.on.ca