Why Join

Why Should You Join?

Are you a building supply retailer or vendor based in Western Canada? Whether you’re just starting out, run a third-generation business or find yourself often working within the hardware and building supply industry, there are many reasons why you may want to become a Western Regional Lumber Association member. We have a large and diverse membership base and continue to grow every year.


Networking

One of the top reasons that our members join and stay on is the opportunity to connect with one another, form business partnerships and tap into a wide network of knowledgeable industry people. WRLA hosts and supports a variety of networking events throughout the year. Our flagship event is the WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase that takes place annually. We also host WRLA golf tournaments and NexGEN student activities for our members.


WRLA Golf Tournaments

WRLA is planning four golf tournaments in 2024. [More]

These events are a chance for WRLA members to connect in person while enjoying a game or two of golf. The green is the perfect place to develop new relationships and continue building the ones made from previous years.

In addition to the WRLA golf tournaments, our members host a golf tournament in Kenosee in support of educational grants and programs. This is another great opportunity to meet with other members and network while contributing to vital educational initiatives in our industry and enjoying the fresh air.

Learn more about the WRLA Golf Tournaments

WRLA understands that business is built upon the strength of relationships and we are here to help our valued members connect to each other in meaningful ways. Each event provides a unique opportunity for you to connect with your customers, vendors and fellow members.

All the services and activities that which the WRLA facilitates are for our paid, current WRLA members only. A company must be approved for WRLA membership and in good standing to access our annual show and attend other events throughout the membership year. [Less]


Industry News and Updates

WRLA provides its members with regular news and updates for the lumber and building supply industry. Through Yardstick, the WRLA eNewsletter, the annual industry directory, and access to an industry career opportunity board, as a WRLA member you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge.

WRLA eNewsletter

The WRLA updates come directly to your inbox weekly. This brief update provides quick and current industry news, WRLA membership updates and reminders for important deadlines. To subscribe, click here.

Yardstick, Industry News Magazine

Yardstick is published and delivered to members quarterly. This industry magazine provides leading information on business practices, industry trends, innovative technology, arising legal and legislative issues and new products and services that impact the lumber and building supply industry across Western Canada.

Annual Industry Directory & Product Source Guide

Our Industry Directory and Product Source Guide is the most comprehensive information source available for the building supply industry. This guide is a must-have year-round reference resource for retailers and vendors. [More]

Each current WRLA Member location receives one (1) complimentary published directory valued at $60 + GST. If you or your team require more copies, simply contact us and we will invoice you at $60 + GST per each additional directory and send them directly to your office.

WRLA Member information is not distributed to non-WRLA members nor sold to third parties.

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Education, Training & Professional Development

Investing in your and your employees’ success is investing in your company’s success. Education is fundamental to maintaining our high industry standards. WRLA offers a wide-range of educational courses and certificates, updated procedural policies and educational grants so members can continue being the best in the industry. [More]

For more information about the programs offered with WRLA, click here. [Less]

Educational Training

Education and training are essential components in hiring and retaining quality employees. Professional development is also proven to increase your ROI. Keep your employees safe by registering them for BRANDT Operator Safety Training Courses. [More]

We offer the following courses:
• Manual Estimating LEVEL 1 (Decks and garages)
• Manual Estimating LEVEL 2 (Residential construction)
• Manual Estimating LEVEL 3 (Advanced Estimating)
• Principles of Yard & Warehouse Operations

Find our course outline here.

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Education Grant Program

We are currently restructuring the education grants program. Stay tuned for more information on how members can benefit from the WRLA education grants program. Keep an eye out for the 2024 Grant Application in April 2024.

Occupational Health and Safety Policy

This procedure manual is a guide and resource only. It’s a good idea to keep the attached file as the master template document to refer to after modification. The fields to insert your company name and information are underlined. Read the document carefully and modify accordingly to your specifications.


Group Insurance Plans & Wellness Resources

Our members' health is important to us. WRLA provides members with cost-effective means to ensure they and their employees have employee benefit plans, insurance programs and overall access to wellness initiatives. [More]

Get more information on the insurance and health and wellness programs available to our members here. [Less]

WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase

The WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase is the place to do business, learn about the future of the industry and the advocacy work WRLA is involved in, and connect with other members – this annual convention facilitates business development for the lumber and building materials industry. [More]

The Show is where suppliers, service providers and retailers gather in the same room to conduct millions of dollars of business, learn together and grow their businesses together. It is the biggest event of the WRLA calendar and it brings together thousands of industry professionals.

This event takes place in January, making it the first industry show of the year for Western Canada. Mark your calendar for our 2021 event: January 21 and 22.

There are plenty of business development opportunities during the course of the show, including an awards night event (open to all registered attendees), education sessions, speakers, live product demonstrations, lunches, breakout areas and more.

Retailers can see new products, get a head start on the year's buying and meet with vendors in person. Associates and affiliates have many opportunities to connect with potential customers and develop existing business relationships.

Learn more about the WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase

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Discounts & Special Offers

As a WRLA member, you have access to different discounts and special offers. These money-saving initiatives were developed to help you save money so it can be used to help your business continue to grow. Some of these offers including reduced shipping costs and fuel costs. [More]

Learn about the discounts and special offers here. [Less]

ATTRACT. CONNECT. EDUCATE. ADVOCATE.