I don’t know about you, but I for one have had to work very hard over the past four years.
Arguably the hardest I have ever worked in my life.
There have been longer hours in the office, extended time spent with customers and numerous networking events in the evenings. And it’s been like that almost every week.
The economy has challenged all of us and I believe we have responded well.
Business has never been more competitive, but we have all achieved some victories despite these obstacles. Companies across Canada have re-invented, re-structured, re-branded and re-vitalized. They have pretty much ‘re-d’ everything. And they have downsized, adapted, discovered, protected and fought hard to survive. So, well done.
Now it’s time for a break so come out to the CKCA National Forum and pat yourself on the back and support the kitchen cabinet industry. A great event is being prepared that no one should miss. So let’s get together, not only to gain perspective and chart a path for the future, but also to celebrate all the storms we have weathered and the hard work we have done... after all we deserve it.
The CKCA National Forum will be held Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, in the heart of the country in Winnipeg, Manitoba where manufacturing has a long and rich history. We have arranged for exciting factory tours, and musical entertainment and social events have also been planned. Cabinet manufacturers and key stakeholders in the industry will participate in this outstanding, world-class event that will provide current information from renowned speakers and experts in their respective fields.
In the pursuit of excellence, Canada’s own Mark Heese, a three-time-Olympian, will provide an inspiring keynote address and motivational workshop on how to achieve and maintain everyday greatness.
Dr. David Crowe, chief economist and senior vice president at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), will give an important presentation on the state of the U.S. economy, particularly housing and the significance it has on a potential recovery. Cabinetry supply specialists will give presentations on what is new in their respective worlds with the latest iformation and products. To wrap up the Forum, we will offer the manufacturers’ roundtable discussion that has been a tradition for the CKCA. Expect interesting and beneficial discussion about the real issues that happen in the field, at the factory and during equipment purchases and get solutions on how to deal with them.
The CKCA expects an action-packed, full-featured event that will benefit you as a cabinet manufacturer and strengthen the industry as a whole.
As a way to get the buzz going about the CKCA National Forum, an early bird draw for an all-inclusive Montreal Hockey package is being offered for those who register before Dec. 15, 2012. This includes flights, hotel accommodation and tickets. If hockey is not back... we will think of something of similar value. Here’s hoping. But what will be for sure is that the CKCA National Forum is game on. See you there... For more information visit www.CKCA.ca
Richard Kaufmann is Vice-President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association. He is also Vice President & General Manager of Pacific Rim Cabinets, located in Delta, British Columbia. He can be reached at rkaufmann@pacrimcab.com
MARK HEESE has travelled the world as a fulltime beach volleyball professional, representing Canada at more than 200 international tournaments, including three Olympic Games. His unique approach to com- petition and high performance allowed him to cultivate a personal belief system that not only helped him become the most accomplished beach volleyball player in Canada, but also one of the best in the world.
DAVID CROWE is Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Dr. Crowe is responsible for NAHB’s forecast of housing and economic trends, survey research and analysis of the home building industry and consumer preferences as well as microeconomic analysis of government policies that affect housing.
