Page 4 - Nov-Dec 2025 REPORTER

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

LOOKING BACK ON 2025

AND AHEAD TO 2026

BARBARA SCHERING

LBMAO Chair of the Board
CashierPRO Retail Systems Inc., North Bay

s 2025 comes to a close, it’s a good time to pause and reflect customers with excellence. Innovation and collaboration continue
Aon another eventful year for the lumber and building materials to drive our industry forward—whether through digital tools,
industry in Ontario. From unpredictable weather and shifting improved logistics, or a renewed focus on customer experience.
market dynamics to renewed enthusiasm for in-person gatherings, Planning for 2026 is well underway, with details being added
our sector continues to show its resilience and adaptability. The to our website as they’re finalized. The highlight will be the
strength of our association lies in the people who make up this LBMAO Buying Show and Training Day, taking place April 8–10.
industry—dedicated, resourceful, and always ready to lend a hand. We’re excited to be able to offer supplier members the chance
By the time you read this, the heart-wrenching loss to the to present their products to retailers in a neutral, collaborative
L.A. Dodgers will have faded—but what a series it was! It was environment—something Ontario dealers have been missing
wonderful to see Blue Jays fans across Canada proudly and for far too long. Registration opens in January, and I encourage
passionately supporting their team. everyone to participate. Don’t forget to register for the dinner and
While I’ve never been a fan of the “fall back, spring forward” entertainment as well. The evening should be one to remember!
time changes, that extra hour of sleep after Game 7 was certainly The Buying Show will be more than just a trade event—it
welcome. Someday, we may finally see the end of daylight-saving represents a renewed commitment to connecting suppliers and
time—but until then, we’ll continue to adjust as best we can. retailers in meaningful ways. Our goal is to create an environment
It’s hard to believe another year has flown by. As I begin where ideas can be shared freely, new products can be discovered,
my second year as your Chair, I want to sincerely thank you for and lasting partnerships can grow. It’s also an opportunity to
your support over the past year. The 2025 golf tour was a great celebrate what makes our Ontario network unique: our spirit of
success, even with a few challenges along the way—including the collaboration and our shared drive to strengthen the independent
rescheduling of the Sudbury tournament after heavy flooding. I dealer base.
was fortunate to attend all four tournaments and enjoyed each Ahead of the show floor opening, we’ll be hosting a Training
one—mudslide in Gananoque included! (New soft spikes are on my Day featuring a range of educational sessions. It promises to be an
list for next year.) excellent event for both professional development and networking.
Mother Nature treated us kindly this year, providing ideal On a personal note, 2026 will mark a new chapter for me, as I
conditions for both our February snowmobiling event and our June move away from full-time employment. I’m looking forward to
Cool Car Ride. These annual social gatherings are an important part travelling, reading, and enjoying Ontario’s great outdoors. As
of what our association offers—opportunities to connect, share I make my way across the province, I hope to visit more of our
experiences, and build relationships. We’re always looking for members—without the usual deadlines or time pressures! I’ll be
fresh ideas, so please share your suggestions for future events. staying on as Chair for the remainder of my term and look forward
This past year reminded us that even as markets fluctuate, the to remaining involved with the association for as long as you’ll
demand for strong relationships and trusted partnerships remains have me.
constant. Many of our retailers faced challenges in staffing and
sourcing materials but found creative ways to keep serving their Continued on page 22...

4 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2025 www.lbmao.on.ca