Page 6 - Nov-Dec 2022 Reporter

Message from the Past PRESIDENT

as the world turns

david campbell s I sit here writing my last editorial as the now great accolades about the trainer and the quality of
LBMAO Past APast-President of the LBMAO and moving into the courses.
the retirement phase of my life, I reflect back on
I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a
President
my tenure with the Association. wonderful group of people on our board over
As with any business, you progress through the past twenty years, as well as building strong
good times as well as dealing with the challenges; friendships with our staff. Teamwork has always
but it’s the challenges that provide the most been the basis of good relationships with our
satisfaction, being able to turn them into positive members and staff alike. We have had some great
outcomes. moments at different events such as the AGM, golf
In 2002 when I came on as President, the tournaments, bike and car rides and snowmobiling.
Association was aligned with the Canadian Retail Our networking events have always been well
Hardware Association (CRHA) supported, enjoyable activities. Working with the
in hosting a trade show at the other Associations across Canada has also been
"I've been Congress Centre in downtown a rewarding experience as the dynamics of each
fortunate to have Toronto. During the course of the region brings a new perspective on the benefits for
show, I took the opportunity to members.
worked with a consult our vendors who were My replacement, your new President Trevor
wonderful group exhibiting at the show and received Small, has a strong background in retail; and, as a
their direction to break away vendor, he has the drive and contacts to grow the
of people on our from the CRHA show and go back Association. I would ask that members and non
board over the to a building materials focused members alike give Trevor the same courtesies that
show. After consulting with the were provided to me on my visits to stores and at
past twenty years, board, it was agreed to establish our many networking events.
as well as building a show committee, hire a show This industry has been rewarding to me and my
management company and move family. The friendships I have developed over the
strong friendships forward with the Canadian Home years with retail members and suppliers has always
with our staff." Improvement Show. been humbling; we are all blessed to be in a sector
The first show, which we hosted in which relationships are still an important factor.
in London, Ontario, was a success in
attracting building supply retailers On that note, I sign off!
and key suppliers. After 3 years
in London, we moved the show to Mississauga Dave Campbell
at the Congress Centre. Gradually, as the show
waned with fewer retailers attending, the board
recognized that the buying groups were attracting
their own members to their own private shows.
We recognized that competing for retailers with
our buying group members would not provide the
attendance to justify the vendor participation in
our show.
The LBMAO has focused on providing training
for its membership that can be utilized by both
retailers and suppliers. Our estimating and health
and safety courses are widely used and we receive

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