Page 9 - Demo

www.lbmao.on.ca LBMAO Reporter - March-April 2026 9INDUSTRY NEWSTIMBER MART HOSTS A REIMAGINED BUYING SHOW, DELIVERING GREATER VALUE FOR DEALERS AND VENDORSWith over 1,100 dealers and vendors in attendance, TIMBER MART hosted its national buying show this year in its convenient hybrid format once again for the fourth year in a row, via its virtual cloud-based tradeshow platform, and at the Toronto Congress Centre. %u201cEach year, our Buying Show is reimagined and redesigned, and this year proved it%u2019s better than ever,%u201d said Bernie Owens, President & CEO of TIMBER MART. %u201cBetter for our dealers, better for our vendors, with an emphasis on deeper connections, stronger deals and confidentiality. This show is about bringing everyone together in a way that only TIMBER MART can, where independent dealers remain independently powered, yet are undeniably stronger collectively. Every element of the show is built around one goal: delivering the best possible value to our members.%u201dIn addition to the hundreds of TIMBER MART stores in attendance, 227 vendor booths filled the virtual and 65,000-square-foot show floor at the Toronto Congress Centre. The show floor featured a wide range of show displays and attractions, including a New Product Showcase and TIMBER MART%u2019s dealerexclusive pallet-buy area that presented a wide range of products for sale in pallet quantities. At the centre of the floor, the TIMBER%u00a0 MART area encompassed hubs for all of TIMBER MART%u2019s services and programs, including: TIMBER%u00a0 MART LBM distribution, dealer marketing, merchandising and banner support. On Tuesday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 11, TIMBER MART hosted dealer meetings where members were kept abreast of the group%u2019s activities. A welcome reception was held for attendees. A networking and recognition reception was held where select vendors were presented with awards for their excellence in customer service, dealer support, product value and operations.About TIMBER MARTFounded in 1967, TIMBER MART is one of the largest national member-owned buying group in Canada for the true independent entrepreneur. With hundreds of independent building-material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers and manufacturers located in every province across the country, TIMBER MART provides its extensive dealer network with a menu of competitive buying programs, comprehensive marketing services and personalized support to drive independent-business success. For more information, visit www.timbermart.ca and www.timbermartmember.ca.RONA Appoints New RolesBernie Gauthier has been appointed to the new role of Vice President of Business Development at RONA. Bernie takes on this new role, transitioning from his previous position of Vice President of Retail Operations. That is a post he had worked at since 2024. Previously he held the title of VP of Retail Operations at Home Hardware from 2022 to 2024. Sarah Belanger has been appointed the new RONA NEWS regional project manager for RONA Affiliated Stores in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Sarah rejoins RONA where she had previously worked as a District Merchandising Service Manager. Sarah spent over 15 years working in a variety of roles with Lowe%u2019s Canada. Her considerable experience will serve her well in this new role. Quincaillerie Gr%u00e9goire & Fils Inc.Acquired New RONA Affiliated DealersQuincaillerie Gr%u00e9goire & Fils Inc., located in Matane, Quebec, was acquired by two new RONA affiliated dealers on February 1. Pierre Ouellet and Marie-H%u00e9l%u00e8ne Gendron, two businesspeople who hail from this community, will take over from Carmen Gr%u00e9goire to run the store, which has been operating under the RONA banner since 1970. Featuring a 26,000-square-foot sales area and a lumber