Page 4 - Demo

4 LBMAO Reporter - January-February 2026 www.lbmao.on.caBARBARA SCHERINGLBMAO Chair of the BoardCashierPRO Retail Systems Inc., North BayRAMBLINGS FROM YOUR CHAIRLETTER FROM THE CHAIRIt is that time again. I need to put my brain in gear and attempt to write an interesting letter for The Reporter. For some people, the ability to put pen to paper and produce an inspiring work of art is as natural as breathing. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people! Maybe we should make writing skills a requirement to become a board member. Maybe I should have paid more attention in my creative literature classes in school! As I didn%u2019t, please forgive me for providing a sales pitch on upcoming events. I hope that the new year is off to a good start for everyone. Your board of directors and the staff at the LBMAO have been working nonstop, putting together the 2026 events, and working on your suggestions from the AGM at Deerhurst in November. Check out the events page on our website for details and registrations but be sure to book February 26th for Snowmobile Day in Haliburton Forest! Anyone working at a lumber desk would benefit from a trip to Mississauga for some estimating training in the first week of March. Yes, this was planned not to interfere with March Break! There is even a day dedicated to Yard & Warehouse Operations at the end of the week. By the way, our fantastic LBMAO staff will be taking up residence in the same building as we hold the training! Trevor and Gloria may stop in and introduce themselves to those attending the training. We do have our exciting new LBMAO Buying Show coming up at the Toronto Congress Centre on April 9th and 10th. Our suppliers have been snatching up booth space, and we are anticipating a sell-out! Registration is now open for all retailers in the hardware and building supply sectors. Before the trade show, on April 8th, we are offering several 75-minute training sessions and lunch at the Delta Hotel Toronto Airport & Conference Centre. The hotel is located across the street from the Toronto Congress Centre, and we have set aside a large block of rooms for our attendees.Of course, we need to offer some relaxation and fun as well! There will be a Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner at the Delta on April 9th with entertainment provided by Yuk Yuk%u2019s. This promises to be a great evening, so book your table soon! I look forward to seeing you there. Once this event has taken place, I will be busy trying to improve my golf game! As courses in the North Bay area tend to open later in the season, I may be doing some travelling to get my practice shots in and, as people who have golfed with me in the past hope, several golf lessons. One of the joys of retiring from a very rewarding career, is that I have the time to do this. As I am out and about, I will make a point of stopping to say hello to our members. Since it is snowing again, I will sign off and get back to shovelling. See you soon!