2011 summit inspires change

VOLUME 11
CHANGING TIDES
AUGUST 2011
2011 SUMMIT INSPIRES CHANGE
Canada’s largest flooring convention,
the 2011 Shnier Summit held at
the World Trade and Convention
Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was
thoroughly enjoyed by the over 400
attendees. The 11th annual Summit,
held from June 14th to
16th, featured guest
speakers including
the very entertaining
Rick Mercer, the host
of CBC Television’s #1
rated show, The Rick
Mercer Report, keynote
addresses by Shnier
associates such as
Ed duDomaine, Shnier
President and CEO, an
incredible showcase
of flooring products
and merchandising, show specials,
giveaways, recreational activities
that highlighted the natural beauty
of the East Coast of Canada, all of
this topped off with a Shnier Rocks!
Kitchen Party!
The Thursday morning general
session was kicked off with an
inspiring opening themed video and
the singing of the national anthem.
Master of Ceremonies, Tony Quinn
kept the agenda flowing throughout
the event with his lighthearted humour.
Ed duDomaine, Shnier President and
CEO, delivered an inspiring keynote
address under the Summit “Changing
Tides” theme, while reflecting on the
importance and history
of the East Coast
Summit location to the
formation of Canada.
video clips and highlights such as his music of Troy MacGillivray and Signal
interview at Harvey’s with former Hill, as the final game of the Stanley
Cup played on the big screens.
PM Jean Chrétien.
Customers then attended workshop
sessions which included a Retail
Sales Training session hosted by
CPSA trainer; Paul Kidston, and a
Succession Planning workshop by
Tom Deans, Intergenerational Wealth
Expert & Best-Selling Author of Every
Mr. duDomaine’s Family’s Business.
speech was followed
Although many of the afternoon’s
by an enlightening
planned activities were rained
presentation on the
out, spirits were not dampened
importance of the
as organizers worked diligently to
Internet and Social
provide everyone with alternate
Media by Shnier’s
rain plans such as trips to local
Director of Marketing
attractions such as the Alexander
and IT, Chris Schneider.
Keith’s brewery and Peggy’s Cove.
Following Mr. Schneider was a That evening guests were greeted at
launch presentation of Shnier’s the convention centre with a genuine
new Commercial division, Division9 East Coast kitchen party complete
(or D9 for short) by Mike Pascoe, with folk dancers and fresh lobster.
Shnier National Commercial Sales
The festivities continued late into the
Manager. The morning was capped
evening with guests dancing to the
off with a keynote presentation
by Rick Mercer who took the
delighted audience through his many
years of adventures in Canadian
television; which included several
WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
Thursday morning featured the
annual Shnier customer awards
presented by Paul Green, Shnier
Director of Sales. This was followed
by the continuation of the previous
day’s workshops. The Summit
closed on Thursday morning with
a sale raffle for several prizes,
including the grand prize of Sharp’s
newest 60” Aquos Quattron LED
HDTV won by Neil Piltzmaker
from Giant Commercial Carpet in
Ottawa, Ontario.
The Summit closed with a light
hearted presentation by Paul Green,
Chris Schneider and the Calgary sales
team announcing Banff, Alberta as
the location of Shnier’s
2012 Summit.
2011
GUEST
SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
RICK MERCER
TO OUR
LOYAL
CUSTOMERS
CHRIS SCHNEIDER, Director of Marketing, SHNIER.
DIGITAL
MARKETING
WE SINCERELY THANK YOU!
Our 11th annual Shnier Summit has now
passed, as we say our formal goodbyes to
historic Halifax. In so doing, we give thanks
to all of those that made this event possible
– our customers, suppliers, associates and
shareholders alike. For this year, we again
set records for attendance, participation and
support of our onsite sale.
Shnier’s Summit goal each and every
year has been and remains still to inform,
educate, present, entertain, socialize and yes
make available for sale a few preselected
items of interest.
To our various award winners, our sincere
thanks. To the numerous prize winners,
our congratulations.
As difficult as our marketplace climate may
seem at times to be, the event revealed the
fact that there are still many opportunities
available, as there is a spirit to pursue them.
Next year we again venture westward to
the Banff Springs Hotel, a place unequalled
for its natural beauty and stately structure.
PAGE 2 SHNIER NEWS-MAGAZINE VOL 11
Remember to log the dates in your calendars,
June 6th to 8th, 2012.
Again, on behalf of all Shnier associates, our
thanks for your business, your support and
ongoing friendship.
ED duDOMAINE
PRESIDENT & C.E.O SHNIER, GESCO L.P.
Chris Schneider presented on the importance of
digital marketing and social media in the flooring
industry today. The internet dominates all other
media including TV, and we as Canadians
spend more time online than any other nation
in the entire world! When online, consumers
are rapidly gravitating to social networks
like Facebook. As flooring store owners and
retail sales people we must realize a very
important distinction between ourselves and
the flooring consumer; which is - “we are not
our customer”. Whereas we are predominantly
male, the flooring consumer is predominantly
female. She is also younger on average. The
flooring consumer is indeed researching and
shopping online, and sharing her experiences
and recommendations via social networks.
Shnier, through the FloorsFirst program,
is actively engaged in new media toward
promoting our brands and directing traffic to
dealer member stores.
Shnier has the top ranked portfolio of consumer
websites in the flooring industry in Canada with
an average of one website visitor every second
of the day! Dealer members benefit through
exclusive listing in the dealer locator. Dealers
also have the ability to have Shnier build and
host a custom store website featuring all of the
content found on all Shnier sites. FloorsFirst is
actively engaged on Facebook and YouTube. The
FloorsFirst Spring and Fall sale event campaigns
now feature Shnier funded digital advertising
and promotion including highly targeted email
blasts, website banner ads, pay per click Google
AdWords, and targeted Facebook advertising.
Shnier has also recently enhanced the
showroom experience through the introduction
of the FloorsFirst flooring guide magazine this
past Spring and the new showroom décor kit
complete with room scene posters and DVD.
Our marketing direction is toward keeping you
a step ahead through innovative advertising
and promotion only available through your
association with Shnier.
WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
The 2011 Summit keynote speaker, celebrated Canadian comedian Rick Mercer, treated
attendees to humourous anecdotes from his top-rated, award-winning CBC show, The
Rick Mercer Report. Rick shared insight into many of his infamous rants, fake newscasts,
commercial parodies, and comic encounters including his “Talking to Americans”
segments. He touched on many key issues important to Canadians; while using his quick
wit and sense of humour making for an entertaining and memorable presentation.
WORKSHOP SPEAKER
PAUL KIDSTON
Paul Kidston provided vital information to Summit attendees through
his “Retail Sales Accelerator” seminar. He stressed that sales people
are frontline ambassadors of customer satisfaction and highlighted
unique characteristics of top performing sales reps. Paul’s skills training
was designed for busy retail locations and attendees appreciated his
relevant advice.
TONY QUINN
Master of Ceremonies Tony Quinn kept the Summit on
track with his fast-paced comedy. His quick wit and
improvisation kept attendees laughing throughout the
Summit. Tony interacted with attendees during his time
on stage and gave everything a personal touch.
WORKSHOP SPEAKER
TOM DEANS
As a specialist in business wealth protection strategies for business
owners, Tom Deans led an important seminar on succession planning.
He combined humour and his own family business experiences to show
Summit attendees how to protect the retained earnings in their businesses
and plan for future succession.
NEW YORK CITY &
BERMUDA CRUISE
2 - nights in New York at The Waldorf Astoria - Waldorf Towers
Boutique Hotel - home to celebrities, royalty & every American President.
Includes Welcome Reception & City Tour.
5 - night Bermuda Cruise on The Explorer of the Seas (All Inclusive):
The cruise itinerary will include 2 full days at sea affording participants time to
enjoy the “cruise ship experience” as well as two days (overnight stay in Bermuda).
For more details and to register, please contact Helen Tsougios.
Email: [email protected] Telephone: 1.800.970.2000 ext 2215
WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
SHNIER NEWS-MAGAZINE VOL 11 PAGE 3
FOR MORE PICTURES & VIDEO, VISIT WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
FOR MORE PICTURES & VIDEO, VISIT WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
2010
CUSTOMER
AWARDS
COMMERCIAL SESSION
Division9, (D9) Shnier’s new specialized commercial division, was very
pleased to have a first-ever presence at the Summit. “It was great to see
the commercial design community interacting with our retail dealer network
this year.” said Mike Pascoe, Shnier’s National Commercial Sales Manager.
“The commercial market isn’t new to Shnier, but now more than ever, we are
more heavily invested, engaged and focused on the A&D community. Shnier’s
expanding D9 sales team is driven to lead in the commercial flooring market
under our new brand identity and business approach.”
GRAND PRIZE
60” SHARP QUATTRON HDTV
MIKE PASCOE,
National Commercial Sales manager
Neil Piltzmaker, Giant Commercial
Flooring - Ottawa, ON
2ND PRIZE - 21.5” APPLE iMac
Trevor Ritchie, Ritchie’s Carpet Warehouse
Moncton, NB
ANGELO IABONI,
Strategic Accounts Manager, Ceramic
DIAMOND
award winners
TAYLOR FLOORING
WACKY’S FLOORING GROUP
D9 showcased a highly unique and creative commercial products display
booth designed and built by Angelo Iaboni, Shnier Commercial Contract
Development Manager. The booth featured a select and carefully chosen
range of Shnier’s most dynamic products across every flooring category.
Products were showcased on large format panels resulting in a truly striking
and arresting esthetic.
PLATINUM
award winners
CONTEMPA CARPET CO. LTD.
D9 conducted two CEU workshops; one on cork flooring and the other on
resilient and wood, allowing attendees to earn continuing education unit
credits. Keynote speaker Don Gabor provided knowledge on how to better our
social and business networking and communication skills.
FLOORS PLUS
CITY CARPETS (2006) LTD.
3RD PRIZE - TAYLOR MADE BURNER
& IRON SET WITH STAND BAG
Adrienne Spivak, T.W. Zegil Ltd
Thunder Bay, ON
5 - 16GB APPLE iPad’s
Anita Bauer, Bauer Flooring - Rocky Mountain House, AB
Vivian Grossi, Grossi Tile - St. Catharines, ON
Kevin Hewitt, Mid Town Flooring - Renfrew, ON
Dan Tonner, CR Floors - Campbell River, BC
Nick Negahban, Canadian Carpet & Tile - Burnaby, BC
5 - Winners Choice
Tassimo Coffee Maker, Nintendo 3DS,
or a $250 Clearwater Lobster Gift Certificate
Bronte Szelagiewicz, Speers Road Broadloom - Oakville, ON
Jasbir Hundal, Fairdeal Carpets - Surrey, BC
Steve Grossi, Grossi Tile - St. Catharines, ON
Luc Vincent, Vincent Building Supply - Bonnyville, AB
Larry Woodland, Wacky’s Flooring - Dartmouth, NS
PAGE 6 SHNIER NEWS-MAGAZINE VOL 11
DON GABOR
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
In his fast-paced and hands-on breakout session, Don Gabor, networking expert
and best-selling author of How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends,
showed us how to increase our odds of connecting with prospects, clients and
customers wherever we find them.
CALVIN ASHTON
GOLDaward winners
SANDS COMMERCIAL FLOOR COVERINGS
ACTION FLOORING LTD.
PRESTIGE FLOORING
VINTON CENTER CARPETS
SURFACE DESIGN & DECOR
PACIFIC COAST FLOORING
TITAN FLOORING
AFTER EIGHT INTERIORS
SELYANS FLOORING
ORLEANS CARPET
CEU SPEAKER - CORK
Calvin talked about the uses of cork, sustainable harvesting
practices, the benefits and different types of cork and its many
commercial applications.
SILVERaward winners
A C FLOORING LTD.
WOOD RIDGE FLOORING LTD.
SCHERBA’S GREAT FLOORS
AURORA DECORATING
YORKDALE HARDWOOD FLRG
CARRIE DEWOLFE
CEU SPEAKER - RESILIENT & WOOD
As territory manager for Armstrong Commercial in New York
and Vermont, Carrie talked about green products, commercial
hardwood applications, and linoleum.
WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
WWW.SHNIERSUMMIT.CA
PARAMOUNT FLOORING
AWARD FLOORING
HOURIGAN’S
ABBA FLOORCOVERINGS
CANADIAN CARPET & TILE
SHNIER NEWS-MAGAZINE VOL 11 PAGE 7
ADVENTURE AWAITS!
JOIN US JUNE 6TH - 8TH, 2012 IN Banff, Alberta.
go to SHNIERSUMMIT.CA for more information!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2011 SUMMIT SPONSORS: