Page 6 - LBMAO - Reporter Jan-Feb 2023 - web optimized

Message from the Past PRESIDENT

here's to 2023!

TREVOR SMALL he Christmas celebration has ended at our home, employees that hours have changed and that there is a
LBMAO President Tand we were able to spend some time on a holiday way to work here and have a balanced work/home life?
celebrating the New Year. My wife and I have some The area we spent this holiday was still experiencing
special friends in the building industry that we have some product shortages. Supply chain issues that
spent New Years with for the past 30 plus years. COVID developed during COVID are still apparent for some
changed those annual plans, so it was great to spend items. While the building industry is getting back to
some time with those friends. We also got to see how normal, I am still told that some shipping issues will
tourism has changed post-COVID. There are lots of remain until well into 2023.
changes – both good and bad. The building industry has not escaped some
The tourism industry has had a variety of issues negativity that arrived with COVID. Newscasts
trying to return to the levels previously known. We broadcasting the crazy heights that lumber prices
have all seen the issues that our reached turned off potential customers and made many
airports and airlines have gone reconsider future projects. Many customers thought we
"This holiday through in 2022. A nightmare were ripping them off. Now that lumber prices have
provided the experience for many travellers who dropped, no news cameras are providing updates on
just wanted to get away. The images the new low prices. I would love to see CP24 arrive at
opportunity of packed airports, massive piles of one of our dealers to talk about OSB sheathing at $18-
to discuss the abandoned luggage and people stuck 20 per sheet and 2x4 studs selling for less than $5 per
sleeping on uncomfortable airport piece. How do we get the new low-price message to
issues that are benches, broadcast on the news customers?
make prospective travellers wary of I am looking forward to 2023 with a very cautious
challenging for flying. When they do it is often with but hopeful eye. Our economy is facing headwinds.
their business. only carry-on luggage which causes The additional burdens of high interest rates and high
problems in the plane. We had none of inflation will make customers warry of spending.
Just like the those problems this holiday, but there Many have invested in their homes over the past three
tourism area, were others on our flight that had no years, and it has resulted in increased housing values.
luggage for days. I was thankful that That increase in housing is causing those who are not
retail sales for I had packed an extra pair or two of homeowners to sit on the sidelines and wait until this
building materials underwear in my carry-on bag. No one market cools. I am hopeful that the quick rise in interest
wants to see what happens after a few rates results in a market that slowly turns in favour
has changed post days without spares. of buyers rather than a rapid crash of the market. We
COVID." This holiday provided the need to be able to get some affordability to the housing
opportunity to discuss the issues that market so young people can participate.
are challenging for their business. Just My wish for all our members is for a healthy, safe
like the tourism area, retail sales for and fun 2023. As I get older, I understand that time
building materials has changed post-COVID. Some of spent with family and friends is limited. Everyone has
the good things that have resulted are redefining store schedules that they need to keep. Here’s hoping that
hours. Retailers have discovered that being open 70- you got everything you wanted this holiday and enjoyed
90 hours per week does not grow sales. Those former some time spent recharging your batteries.
long hours make finding quality staff members difficult.
There has been a certain amount of burn-out that has
happened because of COVID. Getting and retaining
quality staff has never been more of a challenge than
it is now. How does this industry promote to potential

6 LBMAO Reporter -January-February 2023 www.lbmao.on.ca