DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 3
Summer Edition
July / 10 / 2018
Board News
On June 12th, 2018, the DCI Shareholders elected the new members of the Board of Directors for the upcoming year.

We would like to give a farewell to our outgoing Board Members leaving us this year. Thank you for your support, commitment and time to DCI and to the independent grocery community. We wish you all the success in your upcoming endeavours!
Left To Right: Rina Virgilio (Concord Food Centre) - Past Chair, Mike Williamson (Central Fresh Market) - Director, Debra Ramage (Drayton Fresh Mart) - Director
Please welcome our new DCI Board of Directors 2018-2019. We would like to give a special welcome to our newest Directors: Robert Galati (Galati Market Fresh), Francois Bouchard (The Country Grocer Inc.), and Craig Cavin (Island Independent Buying Group).
Top Row: Dave Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors) - Chair,  David La Mantia (La Mantia's Country Market) - Vice Chair, Nigel Oliver (Vince's Country Market) - Treasurer

Middle Row: Barry Lanteigne (Lococo's) - Past Chair, Cori Bonina (Stong's Markets) - Director, Tony Cataldi (Cataldi Fresh Market) - Director

Bottom Row: Robert Galati (Galati Market Fresh) - Director, Francois Bouchard (The Country Grocer Inc.) - Director, Craig Cavin (Island Independent Buying Group) - Director
A Message from the DCI President
It's been an exciting 2018 year so far and DCI is looking forward to continually evolving the business to better meet the needs of our Shareholders and Partners. On that note, I wanted to express my sincere appreciation to our outgoing Board members. It's been my pleasure having had the opportunity to work alongside Rina, Mike and Debra over the past five months. Their respective insights provided on DCI & the industry has had a positive impact on the business during their time on the board. I am also excited to welcome our newest directors on the board, Robert Galati, Francois Bouchard and Craig Cavin. I know we can expect diverse perspectives and input through the experience that they bring to the business, and the board will continue to focus on delivering growth and incremental value to the DCI Shareholders, Vendor Partners and Wholesale Providers.   

I wanted to take the time to thank the DCI community for supporting the annual events - the Charity Golf Classic with CFIG and the 2018 DCI Business Summit. This year’s Business Summit realized a 20%+ increase in registrations thanks to the continued support of the retailers, vendor partners, wholesale providers and industry colleagues that are a part of the DCI community. For post-event coverage, including sponsors, golf winners, Star Award winners and pictures, please visit www.dci.events . We look forward to 2019 as we continue to reassess the events to ensure that we are always delivering value to our Shareholders and Vendor Partners. 

Within the DCI office, there will be a continued focus on delivering value to both our Shareholders and Partners. DCI will continue to conduct a thorough review of Cooperative Trade Agreements and through this process, we will ensure that agreements have been revised to include the most up to date program advantages and detailed information in support of our collective business interests. It is crucial that DCI through our shareholders continues building strong, healthy and mutually beneficial relationships across our vendor and wholesale partners.

Thank you all for the positive feedback we have received and I am personally looking forward to the new initiatives we have planned for the balance of 2018. We are always looking to elevate the value provided through DCI and if you have any feedback, please reach out to us either through phone or email. Your opinions are very much appreciated.

Here's to a safe & prosperous summer season!

Todd Newstead, DCI President and CEO
The New Board Is In
The new DCI board met for the first time at the DCI Annual General Meeting which was held on June 12th, 2018 at the DCI Business Summit. As the Directors get settled into their new roles, they will be getting ready to review a number of key business topics that will impact the remainder of 2018. With some new faces to welcome, it is a perfect time to align our thoughts and see where we can better support our shareholders and industry partners to succeed. Have a question for the DCI Board? Email admin@distributioncanada.ca .
Up Close With Nigel Oliver - DCI Board Treasurer
Born in Mount Albert, Ontario, Nigel grew up in the small town setting, eventually moving to Queensville, Ontario while attending J.M Denison Secondary School and working his first job at Home Hardware.
 
Soon after, Nigel was able to pick up part-time work at Vince's Market within the produce department for a brief period. He then transferred to the dairy and grocery department for the rest of his part-time life at Vince's.
 
Knowing he wanted to specialize in business, Nigel went off to York University to pursue a Bachelors in Accounting and then later, becoming a fully certified CMA. During his time in school, he would work full-time as a supervisor at Vince's Market during the week, and then reserved his weekends for schooling, group projects and lots of studying!
 
From there, Nigel was able to apply his accounting and business skills to a newly created role at Vince's Market. As a grocery analyst, Nigel's role was to improve the operations and efficiencies of the store, providing some insight into what areas were under-performing and how to realize potential for growth. For Nigel, he appreciated the fact that Vince's Market was accommodating, and allowed him to grow in different departments at the store. There were no barriers and he enjoyed applying his skills that he learned in post-secondary school to his career.
 
Nigel, an increasingly active member within the independent grocery community, stated the importance and need to continue adapting in an ever changing market. As demographics change, the demand from people change as well. However, he believes that the independents have a competitive advantage against big chain stores, and the emerging e-commerce avenues. For Nigel, he knows that customers expect local, quality, convenient and specialized products in their independent stores. With strong customer service being the core to the independents' strength, it is important that the independent communities maintain the level of integrity, and professionalism, and service oriented experiences that sometimes gets lost when consumers shop in big chain stores.
 
When it comes to DCI, Nigel believes that DCI is at a very pivotal point in regards to solidifying its place in the market, and that as a group, retailers and vendors must be able to see the benefits of DCI. Being on the board has allowed Nigel more access to be involved in the decision making and the day to day operations within the DCI office. He stresses how important it is for retailers to utilise DCI programs such as contest promotions with our vendor partners, and participating in the Power Buys to increase in-store profitability. 
 
But what is Nigel all about outside of work? Well, at 30 years old, Nigel prides himself on being a family man raising two boys with his beautiful wife in Keswick, Ontario. He is also an avid hockey fan, and surprisingly started his own Frisbee League 5 years ago in Newmarket, Ontario. Seeing the need for a fun and friendly league, Nigel applied his learned skill set in identifying areas to improve operations and efficiencies, this time adapting it within his own community. So, with a friend of his, Nigel created the popular program, noting that there previously wasn't a league accessible to areas north of Markham and Richmond Hill. Anyone up for a Frisbee game?
 
You can reach Nigel through email at  nigel@vincesmarket.com .

DCI News
Creating Relationships With New Supplier Partners
DCI has been busy on-boarding new Supplier Partners to its membership. The focus was to ensure that we continue bringing value to our Shareholders and to expand our buying power and services.

Look for more Supplier Partner announcements in the upcoming month!

The new vendors are:

Tamsco Food Systems Inc. : Fully Cooked & Pasteurized Chicken Breasts and Peameal Bacon. No preservatives or allergens and gluten free. Portion controlled and ready to serve from fridge to plate, great for HMR, as well as providing a great solution for busy families.

Zeroodle Inc: bean pasta, delicious, satisfying, and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Packed with protein and fibre, this pasta is versatile enough to use in all your favourite recipes, with a flavour the whole family can enjoy.  Certified Organic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO.

SIR Solutions POS: POS Software Solutions and Loyalty Program, E-Store and POS Equipment.

Pretto's Pasta: handmade artisan pasta products made using authentic old work processes. Products include Traditional Lasagna Bolognese, Vegetable Lasagna, The Queen of all Lasagna, Lasagna a la Vodka, Butter Chicken Lasagna, Mushroom Lasagna and Seafood Lasagna.
DCI Events 2018 Recap
Raising Money For a Good Cause
This year, the DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic raised $6,120 to help alleviate the costs associated to the Variety Village annual Children's Christmas Party!


The All Star Players
Curious to see who the All-Star players were who won each of the sponsored hole contest activities? The winners ranged from independent grocery store owners to supplier partner representatives! Click below to see who took home some fabulous prizes!
Thank you to our sponsors who have committed in helping to ensure success of the Charity Golf Classic
2018 DCI Business Summit Afternoon Speaker Sessions
Missed the Afternoon Business Speaker Sessions at the DCI Business Summit? Or maybe you are just looking for a refresher on the content that was presented? DCI has got you covered! Click below to see all 7 Presenter's slides.
The 2018 DCI Star Awards Winners Have Been Posted!
DCI Star Awards Categories

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a DCI Retailer/Shareholder who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Whether it be an increased image or branding presence, innovation in the marketplace, or general accountability, this award exemplifies the outstanding work that is currently being done to help further the success of our industry.

PARTNER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a DCI Supplier Partner who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Known for their outstanding business relationships including easiness and availability, or their experience as a leader and advisor, this award exemplifies the outstanding work as a preferred business supplier partner within our industry.

INNOVATION AWARD
This award is given to a DCI Retailer/Shareholder or Supplier Partner who has established an innovative product or initiative in 2017 where their results have had proven success with their sales, traffic, branding/exposure, or new business deals and ventures.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD
This award is given to a DCI Retailer/Shareholder or Supplier Partner who has shown commitment or leadership within a community based initiative, a green/environmental initiative or a charitable initiative.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The highest honour - this award recognizes an individual who has been exemplary within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture, or have done the 'impossible' to most - this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishment(s) for all to celebrate.

LEADER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to an individual who has shown exemplary leadership and has acted as a beacon of light and knowledge within the industry. Whether it be guiding others toward successful partnerships, or acting as an altruistic leader and inspiration, this award recognizes the hard work and dedication it takes to be a person within our industry that many respect. 
Thank you to our sponsors who have committed in helping to ensure success of the 2018 Business Summit
FOUND ITEM!

If you have misplaced a wristwatch at the 2018 Business Summit, please call the DCI office as we have it here, safe and sound.

Let's Go Blue Jays!
Our Summer Home Run Blue Jays Promo with Coca-Cola, Maple Leaf Foods & Weston Foods has just completed! We will be reviewing submissions and drawing the winners on August 2nd, 2018! Thank you to all of the participating retailers and our Supplier Partners for making this program a 'home-run'! 

If you still have photos of your display to submit or have any questions regarding the program, please email  matthew@distributioncanada.ca  or call the DCI office.
Watch out for an announcement from the DCI office about the winners of this program!
Connecting With CFIG
Grocery Innovations Canada
October 23-24th, 2018

Despite today’s digital age, nothing rivals face-to-face communication to establish, build and maintain business relationships. The grocery sector is all about building relationships to grow your business, and this is the only show that brings together all facets of the grocery trade together under one roof. The exhibition floor features over 65,000-sq.-ft. of dedicated pavilions focused on key grocery & specialty categories from front end to back end including equipment, technology, food services, garden, financial and insurance.
Member News
Chris Yu of Galleria Supermarket Wins Star Women Award
Canadian Grocer’s seventh annual Star Women Awards recognizes women who demonstrate expertise, innovation, vision and leadership in the grocery business.

DCI would like to congratulate Chris Yu, Marketing & Merchandising Manager for Galleria Supermarket on her achievement!

"A native of South Korea, Chris Yu moved to Canada in 2013 and joined Galleria Supermarket in 2016. Yu developed innovative programs to reach people from many different backgrounds. For example, to better serve Galleria’s Chinese customers, Yu led the rollout of WeChat Pay, a popular mobile wallet in China. In partnership with WeChat Pay, Yu introduced the Chinese Lunar New Year and year-round Red Pocket campaigns, which reward customers with mobile “lucky money” on every purchase using WeChat Pay. In just two months, sales on WeChat Pay reached almost $100,000. Yu was also one of the first Canadian grocers to initiate a partnership with UberEats, starting with Galleria’s iconic Mom’s Chicken ."

Winners will be celebrated at the annual Star Women Breakfast on September 25, 2018 at the International Centre, Mississauga, ON.

DCI Shareholder CANEX Celebrates 50 Years!
Established in 1968, CANEX (Canadian Forces Exchange System) has been Canada’s Military Store with retail operations across Canada designed specifically to meet the needs of the military community. Click here to learn more and help celebrate their 50th year anniversary by entering their contest!
From Miami to Whitby ... Dexter Morgan Makes an Appearance
On June 29th, Michael C. Hall who played 'Dexter Morgan' on Showtime's Dexter visited the Whitby, ON location of Farm Boy for a bite to eat.

Congratulations Farm Boy on another high profile customer!


Lady York Foods Teams Up With Community For Volunteer Clean Up
On June 1st, 2018 Lady York teamed up with the MarkeTO District BIA and other community groups for their Clean Up event! Volunteers came together to clean up the streets and improve their community. Click here to see a video highlighting the event.
Supplier Partner News
Can Popcorn Be Healthy? From Farm To Table Says Yes
"A 2015 survey by Toronto market research firm BrandSpark International found that 84 per cent of Canadians believe good food and nutrition can help them prevent illness and 77 per cent said they were concerned about their personal health. Forty-nine per cent said there are not enough convenient healthy options available for consumers at retail stores.
 
“For some time now health concerns have been second only to the economy in the minds of Canadians,” said Wong, citing the Brandspark survey. “Food companies are responding to that, and there is also an overall movement towards health and disclosure of nutritional information. I also think we are seeing a more active movement to address this because of the rise in childhood obesity.”
 
But the marketing messages have a very different tone from those accompanying so-called “better for you” foods 10 to 20 years ago, where the messages focused on lowering the amount of fat, salt or sugar in food. Now marketers focus on the foods’ healthy attributes and highlight popular ingredients known to pack a nutritional wallop — kale, quinoa, blueberries. In the latest wave of food marketing, “taste is also supposed to be a given — nobody is promoting taste anymore either,” Wong said.

Becky Smollett, president of Cambridge, Ont.-based From Farm to Table, was at Grocery Innovations Canada marketing her new product Pop Fusion — a Smart-Food style of snack popcorn coated with a fine layer of dehydrated vegetables and fruit.
 
At 100 calories for a 21 g snack bag, the snack is low in fat and salt but was prominently displaying its benefits — rich in vitamins A, C, D and E. “New technologies allow us to maintain nutrients when we dehydrate fruits and vegetables,” said Smollett. Previously dehydration techniques would rob the food of a third of its nutrients, she said. “Of course, (creating healthy snacks) is not going to solve everything, but every opportunity we have to put something in our mouths, it should be the best choice for us.”

Proud Partner of DCI
If you would like to submit news from your company (Retailers & Supplier Partners) or would like to feature an ad (Supplier Partners) please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca


Click below to stay connected with DCI!
On behalf of the DCI Management Team, Happy Spring to you and your company! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us! 

Todd Newstead - President & CEO:

Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting: 

Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies: