Past Events

On September 19, 2018, the CHHMA-COPA HR Group was updated on some recent legislation impacting employees and the workplace by HR consultant Viki Scott, President & Principal Consultant of Scott & Associates Inc.. Topics covered included:

– Managing Psychological & Episodic Disabilities in the Workplace
– Investigating Allegations of Workplace Harassment and/or Discrimination and/or Violence
– Managing the Impact of the Legalization of Marijuana and the Workplace

The CHHMA kicked off a new partnership with the Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC), Schulich School of Business, York University, on September 7, 2018 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) in Mississauga with a presentation by Gerry Lubanszky to a group of CHHMA and COPA members on the subject of ‘Combating Product Commoditization through Innovation.’

The SEEC partnership enables CHHMA members to take advantage of a 10% discount off any Open Enrolment Programs that SEEC offers as well as a special rate for any In-House and Customized Programs that SEEC tailors for any member company.

A group of CHHMA and COPA members successfully completed a valuable half-day Heartsaver® CPR AED training course on August 14, 2018 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) in Mississauga. Heartsaver® is the Canadian standard in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.

The 3 1/2 hour course was instructed by paramedic Pete Fairfull with the most up-to-date science from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

CHHMA and COPA members participated in a valuable seminar on June 18, 2018 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga on the topic of Public Speaking & Presentation Skills.

The workshop “The 5 Keys of Dynamic Public Speaking” (free as part of CHHMA membership) was put on by Laura Connor, founder of Connor Speaks, who offers a variety of speaking, consulting and coaching programs for organizations, business professionals and entrepreneurs.

The April 19, 2018 CHHMA seminar featured an excellent presentation by Paul Publow of Logistics Solutions Services Inc. (LSS) who discussed the current landscape in the distribution industry and the challenges that lay ahead for product suppliers.

Mr. Publow has over 45 years experience in the distribution and supply chain industry including time as a CEO of a major Canadian freight forwarding and transportation company. Paul has worked with thousands of companies and his wealth of industry knowledge has led to significant savings for many CHHMA members who have undertaken his services.

On April 3, 2018 during the CHHMA Spring Conference Luncheon, three more worthy industry veterans were inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame.

Yves Gagnon, President & CEO of Groupe BMR
Gerry Byle, General Manager of Kaz Canada
Vaughn Crofford, the longest serving President of the CHHMA

The 2018 CHHMA Spring Conference & AGM was held on April 3, 2018 at the Mississauga Convention Centre. Presentation topics provided attendees with key insights and forecasts on the economy (both domestically and globally); a look into the future on the megatrends and wild cards that lie ahead; and an understanding of millennials and how to successfully market to the single largest living generation of consumers.

Annual General Meeting

During the Annual General Meeting, new CHHMA President Sam Moncada discussed some of the new approaches and programs that the association is planning on undertaking in order to enhance value for members. Also during the meeting, elections were held to update board positions for the next 12 months.

Over 100 CHHMA members attended a tour of the Home Hardware Distribution Centre in St. Jacobs on March 20, 2018 which included presentations by their top executive team afterwards on some of the new plans and marketing efforts the company is undertaking as well as feedback on what they are looking for from their vendor partners.

Sponsored by Askuity on February 21, 2018 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga, the seminar covered the topic of Leveraging Data and how it can be utilized to better strengthen your relationship with customers and grow your sales. Victor Coscarella, Eric Green and Kate Ragotte from Askuity (a retail sales enablement platform that collects, cleanses and analyzes POS, inventory, ship-to data etc.) gave an excellent presentation on the type of data analysis & reporting that their company can provide brand owners and the benefits it offers to vendors.

Canadian Tire’s Michael Magennis was on hand on the morning of January 23, 2018 at the Mississauga Convention Centre to present to close to 80 CHHMA members at our latest Speaker Breakfast event. He discussed Canadian Tire’s “One Company, One Customer” strategy and corporate objective to be the #1 retail brand in Canada by 2022.

CHHMA members in attendance at September 20, 2017 seminar on “Critical Strategies for Winning in E-Commerce and Real Time Retail” were treated to an excellent presentation by Hannah Donoghue of RetailNet Group (RNG). Hannah covered some of the latest statistics, developments, innovations and forecasts in the ever-changing e-commerce/digital world.

The seminar touched upon the key drivers of change in today’s “real-time” retail/digital marketplace and how companies/brands can influence/engage consumers to drive sales for their products.

Naumi Haque, Strategy & Insights Manager at Google Canada, conducted a presentation to a group of CHHMA and COPA members on May 3, 2017 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga.

The seminar presented some great consumer and shopping behaviour research data (mostly Canadian-based) from Ipsos as well as from Google’s own internal studies which was also primarily Canadian-based too. Mr. Haque discussed how shopping in today’s omni-channel shopping world has become more varied and complex and what it takes to successfully engage your consumers to drive more sales.

On April 20, 2017, seminar hosted by the CHHMA & COPA at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga on the topic of “Increasing Profitability by Measuring & Understanding Value”.

The speaker was Todd Snelgrove, a leading expert in the field of value. Todd has over 15 years’ experience as a team leader on understanding, presenting, calculating, and procuring Total Cost of Ownership, and the new gold standard, Total Profit Added™ (TPA™). Todd outlined factors that go into measuring total cost and ways to figure out value for your products and services. He then discussed different pricing strategies and approaches you can take to drive sustainable profit.

The 2017 CHHMA Spring Conference & 48th Annual General Meeting was held on April 11, 2017 at the International Centre Conference Facility in Mississauga, Ontario. This year’s theme was “Managing through turbulent times. What do we do now?”.

For the 16th consecutive year, we have had the privilege to have a senior economist from TD Bank open the conference. This year, James Marple, Director & Senior Economist, TD Bank Group, outlined key issues with the U.S., Canadian and Global economies including GDP growth forecasts and challenges, labour markets, interest rates, Canadian dollar projections, impact of potential new U.S. policies on Canada and their likelihood of being implemented, concern over the Canadian housing market, as well as Trump-related and other domestic/global economic risks to keep an eye on.

Bill Sciacca, an author, speaker, consultant, entrepreneur & professor at Penn State University, gave an excellent presentation on marketing and selling to different generations and the need to connect with your customers.

During the CHHMA Spring Conference & AGM Luncheon, two worthy industry veterans were inducted into the Hardware & Housewares Industry Hall of Fame: Mr. Jacques Gatien, Les Promotions Atlantiques/Atlantic Promotions & Mr. Stew Valcour, Kent Building Supplies.

Members from the CHHMA and Canadian Office Products Association (COPA) attended a joint-association seminar on February 10, 2017 at the Richmond Hill Country Club on the topic of “Leading Self & Others through Change.”

The presenter was Peggy Grall – the ‘Change Coach’ and President & CEO of Peggy Grall & Associates. Peggy is a certified executive coach and former psychotherapist with 19 years experience in the areas of helping individuals and organizations make significant change. The seminar involved lots of interaction from the audience as the session explored why people resist change/the difficulties of making change, attributes of good leaders and several models on how individuals and organizations can go about implementing successful change.

The “Understanding Amazon! Customer or Competitor” Conference was held on January 25, 2017 jointly by the CHHMA and Canadian Office Products Association (COPA). The event was held at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) in Mississauga and members from both associations as well as some retailers (Canadian Tire, Staples and even Amazon Canada) enjoyed hearing from some expert speakers in their fields as they provided insight on Amazon, the digital marketplace, consumer buying behaviour, as well as new technology and services to help companies better compete.

Speakers included:

Tim O’Connor, the CEO & Founder of Retail Performance Solutions (RPS), presented a thorough examination of Amazon’s customer focused and disciplined approach to business as well as their new formats and shopping/pick-up options that they are testing and/or developing.

Gary Saarenvirta, CEO & Founder of Daisy Intelligence – a Toronto-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics company, gave a presentation on what exactly AI is and what the advantages and economical benefits are for both vendors/retailers to invest in such technology.

Alex Rink, CEO & Founder of 360pi – a trusted source of omnichannel product intelligence for retailers and brands, discussed some key online purchasing trends and tactics that are being used by Amazon and others in the digital marketplace.

Phil Chang, Head of Retail at Hubba Inc. – a product content management company and fastest growing B2B network connecting brands and retailers, talked about how the world of providing product info and content has changed and what today’s requirements are for selling online and what consumers are looking for.

Mr. Bernie Owens, President of TIMBER MART, spoke to a gathering of CHHMA members in Montreal on October 26, 2016. Mr. Owens clarified the relationships between TIMBER MART, Spancan and Orgill. He also shared with the audience the current organizational chart and who to contact for what. He also talked about drop ship programs and how vendors could better utilize the opportunity to sell more to dealers.

Mr. Owens discussed the culture of the new TIMBER MART, the changes that have taken place since he joined the organization and where he sees the organization and the industry going in the next few years. As a former vendor himself, he gave a few ideas to those present on how they can help support TIMBER MART and grow together.

Chelsea Gross, an analyst from RetailNet Group (RNG) in New York, provided a presentation on the future of E-commerce/Digital selling to members of the CHHMA and Canadian Office Products Association (COPA). The joint association seminar event was held on September 13, 2016 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) in Mississauga, ON.

RNG’s Global and Canadian outlook gave valuable insight into what E-commerce represents today in sales and where it is projected to go; what the key drivers are that are impacting E-commerce; and how digital is impacting consumers and the behavioural differences between generations.

The 2016 CHHMA Spring Conference & 47th Annual General Meeting was held on April 12, 2016 at the International Centre Conference Facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Once again, it was a day of valuable education and networking for those in attendance.

Keynote Speakers included:

Derek Burleton, Vice President & Deputy Chief Economist, TD Bank Group, provided explanation of the key factors impacting the Global, U.S. and Canadian economies over the past year and the forecasts going forward.

Michael Sloopka, the Negotiating Coach and President of Selling Solutions Inc. and negotiatingcoach.com, took the audience through his steps and tips for success when negotiating with a particular focus on implementing price increases.

Jeff Kissack, a senior actuarial consultant with Willis Towers Watson, is a media commentator on the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORRP) and the Canadian pension environment, gave attendees a better understanding of the new pension plan developments and what companies should be planning to do.

Sofie Andreou of Sofie Andreou & Associates, gave her insight on how to effectively develop and manage digital/social media marketing plans.

During the CHHMA Spring Conference & AGM Luncheon, three worthy industry veterans were inducted into the Hardware & Housewares Industry Hall of Fame:

– Mr. Bill Calisina, retired, Vice President & General Manager of Bissell Canada
– Mr. James Mumby, retired, former President & CEO of Dynamic Paint Products and
– Ms. Laurie O’Halloran, Founder, Publisher/Editor of Home Style Magazine

On February 25, 2016, a joint CHHMA-COPA “Transportation Trends for E-Commerce” seminar was organized by Canpar Courier and was held at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) in Mississauga.

Presentations included:

Frank Coccia, CFO for PUDO (Pick Up Drop Off), provided background and the benefits of this growing company that has developed a niche “convenience-store” model for parcel pick-up and delivery using easily accessible community locations (PUDO Points) such as convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores.

A panel comprised of Vijitha Bahadur, Project Manager, Canpar Courier, Mike Brooks, Logistics Supervisor, Amway Canada, Ron Pogson, Director of IT, Canpar Courier, discussed several topics including; consumer expectations and behaviour for online buying; ways you can attract e-commerce business; how best to set up your online presence; and technologies available to help you.

Jennifer Helps, Director of Corporate Accounts at Canpar Courier, presented stats on the e-commerce market in Canada/Globally, as well as strategies and partnerships (including PUDO, InPost and Penguin Pick-Up) that have enabled Canpar to successfully increase their e-commerce business 20X since 2010.

John Clarke, Chief Revenue Officer, InPost, gave his global insight into the e-commerce market and how Canada is performing and explained their company’s convenient 24/7 pick-up locker method that has led them to be the world’s leading automated locker network.

On February 10, 2016 members from the CHHMA and Canadian Office Products Association (COPA) took advantage of a free morning of financial/wealth management presentations at the International Centre Conference Facility in Mississauga.

Seven experts were on hand from TD Wealth, TD Commercial Banking, Connor, Clark & Lunn (CC&L) Funds Inc., Fidelity Investments and Scotiabank Global Banking and covered topics ranging from:

– corporate banking: new products & services, financing available to businesses
– tax smart investing: ways to defer and pay less tax, corporate class fund investing
– market neutral strategies and investing
– approaches to earn higher returns in today’s low interest rate world
– wealth planning for businesses & professionals: determining value of your company, tips on selling your business, financing options, succession planning

Members from the CHHMA and Canadian Office Products Association (COPA) were treated to a seminar on January 28, 2016, entitled “Decoding the Mysteries of Managing Millennials” at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga.

The speaker, Greg Schinkel of Unique Training & Development, an expert in the area of front line leadership and management, explained the myths and facts about the millennial generation and how as managers one can better communicate, motivate and engage them in the workplace as well as how to best deal with these individuals when selling to them.

The 17th Annual Industry Memorial Golf Classic took place on October 3, 2018 at the beautiful Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ontario on a comfortable fall day.

CHHMA members, non-members, invited customers, friends and family came out to golf and remember this year’s honourees – Les Coleman, David Deyell and Bob McKerlie as well as all the other past honourees. The event honours stalwarts from the Canadian hardware & housewares industry who have recently passed away.

The weather could not have been better for the 43rd Annual CHHMA Quebec Golf Classic on June 12, 2018 at the Club de golf Le Fontainebleau in Blainville, Quebec.

Just under 80 golfers from both the vendor and retail sides enjoyed a warm and sunny day of golf at this top-rated golf course with colleagues, customers, suppliers and peers from the industry.

It was a beautiful, sunny spring day on May 16, 2018 for the CHHMA & COPA Ontario Golf Tournament (49th Annual CHHMA Tournament) held at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario.

Members from both associations and invited retail guests were treated to a breakfast sponsored by 3M Canada, prior to heading out on both the North and South courses of this top-rated golf facility.

There was an excellent turn-out of CHHMA members and Canadian retailers on the evening of May 8, 2018 at the latest Maple Leaf Night cocktail reception in Las Vegas.

This CHHMA event offers a unique opportunity for members to mix and mingle with key Canadian retail executives in town for the National Hardware Show in a relaxed social environment while enjoying friendly conversation, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The event took place at the Mirage Hotel & Casino.

It was a packed room at the 69th Canada Night Reception held on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the InterContinental Hotel Renaissance Ballroom in Chicago. Overall attendance was up from last year and the room stayed full for most of the evening as Canadian vendors and customers from the Housewares Industry enjoyed friendly conversation, tasty appetizers, beverages including a Bloody Caesar Bar and live blues music.

The 16th Annual Industry Memorial Golf Classic took place on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at the Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ontario. CHHMA members, non-members, customers, friends and family came out to remember current and past honourees.

This event honours stalwarts from the hardware & housewares industry who have recently passed away.

This year’s honourees were: Michael Caplan, Walter Hachborn, Jack King & Peter Lynch

The first combined CHHMA & COPA Ontario Golf Tournament (48th Annual CHHMA Ontario Golf Tournament) took place on May 30, 2017 at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham.

After checking in and picking up an assortment of goodies, registrants enjoyed a BBQ lunch on the patio [sponsored by 3M Canada] with colleagues, customers and new friends. Spirits were high as a strong turn-out of golfers from both associations prepared to take on both the North & South courses.

The 42nd Annual CHHMA Quebec Golf Classic took place on May 25, 2017 at the Club de golf Le Fontainebleau in Blainville, Quebec.

After enjoying a tasty breakfast and an opportunity to catch up with friends from the industry, attendees took to this excellent course, which has hosted Championship Tour events in the past, on a pleasant afternoon for golf. Participants enjoyed some friendly competition and camaraderie with colleagues, fellow vendors and customers.

It was another fun evening on May 9, 2017 at Maple Leaf Night held at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as CHHMA members and Canadian customers wound down after the first day of the National Hardware Show with some friendly conversation, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

This event offers a unique opportunity for members to enjoy some face time with key Canadian retail executives in a more social and relaxed environment.

The 68th Canada Night Reception, held on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the InterContinental Hotel Chicago, celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary by serving Caesars, double smoked bacon, smoked salmon and an array of food including the traditional jumbo shrimp.

Over 340 attendees, including 131 retail guests from, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Canadian Tire, Cayne’s Super Housewares, Federated Co-op, Groupe CDREM, Home Hardware, Hudson Bay, Kitchen Stuff Plus, Loblaw, London Drugs and many more, enjoyed the jazz duo “Classical Blast” while mixing and mingling with the housewares community in town for the International Home+Housewares Show.

The 15th Annual Industry Memorial Golf Classic took place on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at the Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ontario.

Golfers were treated to a beautiful sunny day on the challenging course and enjoyed their time with colleagues, customers and friends from the industry. This event honours stalwarts from the hardware & housewares industry who have recently passed away.

2016 Honourees:

David Holden (Hamilton Beach Brands Canada)
Leonard Lee (Lee Valley Tools)
Warren Parr (D.H.Howden, TSC Stores)

It was a gorgeous sunny day on May 31, 2016 for the 47th Annual CHHMA Ontario Golf Tournament held at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham.

CHHMA members enjoyed the splendid weather on the course with colleagues and invited customers as they put their golfing abilities to the test. Afterwards attendees enjoyed an excellent lunch and some skilled and lucky participants walked away with competition hole and draw prizes.

The 41st CHHMA Quebec Golf Classic took place on May 19, 2016, at the club de golf Le Fontainebleau in Blainville, Quebec.

After enjoying breakfast and an opportunity to catch up with friends from the industry, attendees took their game to the top quality course which has been a host to Champions Tour events in the past.

It was another enjoyable evening at Maple Leaf Night held on May 4, 2016 at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

This event is held each year during the National Hardware Show and offers a unique opportunity for CHHMA members to enjoy some “Canadian bonding” over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with fellow members and Canadian retailers in town for the show. There was a strong showing of retailers who made it out to the event including Ace Canada, BMR, Canadian Tire, Federated Co-op, Home Hardware, Lowe’s Canada, Patrick Morin, Peavey Industries, RONA and Spancan.

The 67th Canada Night Reception was held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the InterContinental Hotel Chicago, and saw over 300 attendees, including 100 retail guests in attendance.

This traditional event gives the vendor community the unique opportunity to mix and mingle in a relaxed social environment with Canadian retail customers and industry colleagues in town for the International Home + Housewares Show.