DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 3
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From the East coast to the West coast, our DCI Board of Directors:
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Top Photo:
DCI Board of Directors 2019-2020 (Absent: Rocco Commisso)
Individual Portraits From Left To Right:
Top Row:
Chairman
David La Mantia
(J&B La Mantia Ltd.), Vice-Chairman
Robert Galati
(Galati Market Fresh Inc.), Treasurer
Nigel Oliver
(Vince's Market)
Middle Row:
Past-Chair
Dave Powell
(Atlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd.), Director
Rocco Commisso
[Absent] (Commisso's Fresh Foods), Director
Gordon Dean
(Mike Dean's Super Food Stores)
Bottom Row:
Director
Tony Cataldi
(Cataldi Fresh Market Inc.), Director
Rick Rabba
(The J. Rabba Company), Director
Craig Cavin
(Island Independent Buying Group Ltd.)
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MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI VICE PRESIDENT
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2019 Summit
The Board of Directors and myself would like to thank our DCI Members, Supplier Partners, and Industry Partners for participating in this year's Annual Summit... it was another fantastic event! This event would not be possible without the generous contributions/sponsorship of our supplier partners! Since the event, I have received a lot of positive feedback from those that participated, and one popular take away from this year’s event is that both members and suppliers want to have the ability to participate in more one on one meetings as they have found the DBX sessions to be very effective. This will be taken into consideration when we plan for next year's event!
Year in Review
The first half of the year we have been busy working on planning the Summit, expanding our Supplier Network, negotiating a number of new agreements with a variety of companies, and reviewing current agreements! The balance of the year we will be planning our Annual Charity Golf Classic, visiting current membership (completing business reviews) and will focus on New Member Recruitment!
2019 DCI/CFIG Charity Golf Classic
We are actively seeking PARTICIPANTS and PRIZE DONATIONS for this years Charity Golf Classic that will be held on Monday September 16
th
at Crosswinds Golf & Country Club, in Burlington, Ontario. If you are interested in golfing please reach out to Matthew or myself at the DCI office, or you can go online to register at
https://www.dci.events
. If you would like to donate prizes for our prize table, please make arrangements to drop off prize by Friday August 30
th
to the DCI office!
Communication
To our members, communications coming from our office are vital in keeping you up to date with current promotions, events and opportunities! We use Constant Contact to track email open rates and have seen a steady increase in participation over the past year! While this is great news, there is still lots of room for improvement! Please send me an email to add anyone in your organization to our email data base so that we can ensure the communications are getting to the appropriate persons! We are also adding an additional source of communication to our members through an App called
Slack
! This will provide instant communication of all relevant information that you will continue to receive via email but will be an added source of communication from the DCI Office right to your phone! Please watch for an email to be invited to join this additional source of communicating with our members. There will be a channel in the app where independent retailers will have the ability to openly chat with each other through the app where they can share success stories with other independents and ask for advice from other members when needed, also! For our vendor partners, we also have the ability to add a channel for Vendors, if this is something that you would like to participate in, please let us know and we can create your own Channel to share new innovations, recipes, and promotions directly with our members!
Have a safe and happy Summer!
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During the Annual General Meeting at the DCI Business Summit on June 20th, 2019, the elections for a new Board of Directors commenced and a new Board of Directors have been ratified.
We would like to thank our outgoing board of Directors for their dedicated years of service and for providing valuable knowledge and feedback for DCI.
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Left:
Francois Bouchard (Country Grocer)
Right:
Cori Bonina (Stong's Markets)
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NEW MEMBERSHIPS AND SUPPLIER PARTNERS
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DCI has been continuing to on-board new Supplier Partners in support of our membership.
The new Supplier Partners are:
Diamond Packaging Supplies Ltd.
All kind of Labels, Cash Register Thermal Rolls, HD/LD T. Shirt Shopping (Grocery) Bags, Compost & Bio Degradable Bags, HD/LD Produce Roll Bags, Pound Poly Bags, Garbage Bags, Vacuum Bags, Hole Bags for Vegetable Packing (LD/CPP), Gloves (Nitrile, Cotton, Vinyl), Grape (Hole) Bag, Wicket Bag, Skid (Hand) Wrap, Machine Wrap, Poultry Dri Loc Pads (AC 40 & AC 50), Wrapping Film – Manual & Machine, Foam Trays (CKF/DP), Peach Papers, Freezer Rolls, AND all kind of Printings such as Cheques, Bank Deposit Forms, Order/Invoice/Packing Slip Forms etc.
Wholesaler – Grocery Distributor Servicing broader GTA, Niagara, and areas of Western and Eastern Ontario.
Bio-based
and Biodegradable, Shopping bags, Produce rolls, and Cutlery.
Tangible Coupon Rewards Program, Frequent Shopper Rewards Program.
Colombian Brew Coffee, Teddy Roosevelt Coffee, Cambridge Tea Party, Didier & Frank Chocolate.
Garbage Bags, Canola Spray, Lemon and Lime Juice, White, Red, Apple Cider and Cleaning Vinegar, Mustard. Private Label Opportunities on All.
Household Cleaning- Glass, Bath and Tile, All Purpose, Oxy Multipurpose triggers, Liquid Laundry, Automatic Dishwasher Tablets, Automatic Dishwasher Rinse, Liquid Dish, Laundry Powder, Room Freshener, Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Hand Soap, Promotional Products and Closeout Opportunities.
Jamieson branded products and vitamins.
Wild Bird Blends, Commodities for bird feeding, Suet Products, Bird Treats, Bird Feeders.
Assorted Dry Grocery, Office supplies, Food Service, Fresh - Produce, Mea
t, Deli, Dairy. Frozen, Custodial, Restaurant Supplies and Appliances, Automotive, Health & Beauty etc.
Energy Smart Wrappers------Table Top Model 700ES, Table Top Mini Model 700 Mini ES, Floor Model 200 ESC6, or 200ESC8 both 20” Film Width.
Fresh Meat-Beef, Pork, Chicken, Lamb/Veal, Proceeded Meats and Deli Cold Cuts
Stay tuned for more Supplier Partner agreements currently in negotiations! All information will be posted onto the DCI Intranet Portal.
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DCI & CFIG CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 2019
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NETWORK, ESTABLISH NEW BUSINESS LEADS, & TRY PRODUCT SAMPLES WHILE HELPING A LOCAL CHILDREN'S CHARITY -
VARIETY ONTARIO
.
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The 3rd Annual DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic will be a collaborative event initiative between Distribution Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. Independents and Supplier Partners are encouraged to come out and network, engage in new business leads, enjoy on-course and take-home product samples, and compete in several hole contests sponsored by various Supplier Partners and grocery industry media companies.
SUPPLIER PARTNER? We are still looking for product coupons, hole product sampling and hole sponsorship.
Email
matthew@distributioncanada.ca
for more information!
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RETAILERS, STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI!
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Retailers, have you logged into the DCI Shareholder Intranet Portal yet?
What does the portal provide?
- new supplier partner agreements
- new programs and promotions
- revised supplier partner agreements and rebates
- your shareholder rebate reports
- the DCI by-laws
- archived newsletters
- summary of volume rebates
- AGM information
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A NEW TOOL COMING SOON - DCI LIVE!
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What is 'DCI Live!'?
- new communication tool with notifications sent directly to your phone
- live chat room
- instant news with what's happening at DCI, product recalls, new vendor announcements, CTA updates, Power Buys, and other clearance opportunities!
- Opens up avenue for members to discuss CTAs, provide feedback, share success stories, or seek help from other Members with similar problems
- allows for round table discussions on group purchases & meeting our volume rebates, which in turn we can use to create growth in sales and stronger, more effective CTAs
- completely free to sign up and use!
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Click below to see a general explainer video on how Slack (DCI Live!) works!
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Retailers, keep an eye out for communication on this new program, which will include additional details, and sign up opportunities for you, your purchasing managers or your marketing team!
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Thank you for a successful 2019 DCI Business Summit! For a recap of the day and to see event photos, please visit
www.dci.events/summit
.
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THE 2019 DCI STAR AWARD WINNERS
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Every year, leading up to the DCI Business Summit, the nomination and voting period for the Star Awards goes through a detailed process. First, it includes a call for nominations within the grocery retail industry for each of DCI's Star Awards categories. From there, each nomination is carefully reviewed by the DCI Events committee who consist of retailers and partners, and media representatives from across the country. The nominations are then narrowed down to the top three for each choice (except for the DCI Lifetime Achievement Award). Each person of the events committee then vote anonymously on an online voting platform of their top pick for each category. From there, the nomination who received the most top picks will win the category.
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THE 2019 DCI STAR AWARD WINNERS
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD:
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LEADER OF THE YEAR:
JEFF O'NEILL OF
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:
JIM BEXIS OF
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BIMBO CANADA AND DCI: FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER
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From June 1st - July 27th, 2019, DCI & Bimbo Canada has teamed up to bring the 'Fire Up Your Summer' program to DCI independents across the country! Retailers are encouraged to set up POS displays for their chance to win an assortment of prizes! In addition, Bimbo Canada will recognize the winning retailer of the draw by providing the retailer with an additional cheque in the value of $500.00. This money is to support the Retailer to provide a local family with $500.00 of free groceries to be purchased at their store!
SUPPLIER PARTNER?
If you are interested in running a promo or contest with DCI and the independent retailers, please email
matthew@distributioncanada.ca
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TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!
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DCI has partnered with Weston Foods and Maple Leaf Foods for its 3rd year in running the successful 'Summer Home Run Blue Jays Promo'. We are excited to see how this year's programs and POS displays will look and to see which retailer will win the Grand Prize Blue Jays Experience!
Draw for prizes will be held on August 15th, 2019!
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SUPPLIER PARTNER?
If you are interested in running a promo or contest with DCI and the independent retailers, please email
matthew@distributioncanada.ca
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GIC 2019 - A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES
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From specialty grocers, to independents to majors chains and warehouse operators, food retailers from across Canada gather annually at the two-day event to grow their business. There are numerous opportunities to network, collaborate and grow. The mornings start with a full program of conference and workshops where both retailers and manufacturers can hear from thought leaders on trends and best practices. In the afternoon, the trade show and events provide another opportunity to collaborate with partners.
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FROM OUR SUPPLIER PARTNERS
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JAMIESON AND THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY: PARTNERS IN SUN SAFETY
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If you’re familiar with vitamin D then you know it is produced in the body once the skin has been exposed to sunlight. As a result, it has been coined the ‘sunshine vitamin’. Vitamin D provides tremendous support to both your bone and immune function. Over and above this, the health benefits are so great that recent studies have shown evidence suggesting vitamin D may offer a degree of protection against the development of certain cancers*.
For most of us, just a few minutes in the sun can be enough to obtain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D. But the truth is that even that bit can hurt. Unfortunately, when it comes down to it, exposing yourself to the sun also exposes you to its cancer causing UVA and UVB rays. And while sunscreen is one of the best shields against sunburn and its damaging effects, it also limits the body’s ability to produce this vital nutrient.
Experts at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) recommend being safe in the sun by following some of these steps:
- Checking the UV index each day before heading out, and exercising extra caution when it is 3 or higher
- Seeking shade and covering up with clothing in the sun
- Covering up with clothing, a hat and UV protected sunglasses
- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 of higher
- Not using tanning beds
- Obtaining your vitamin D through food or supplements
With 90% of skin cancers being linked to exposure to UV rays, we encourage you to practise sun safety year-round by applying sunscreen and obtaining your vitamin D through safer sources, such as vitamin D supplementation. Jamieson is proud to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society to help raise awareness on safe sun exposure and raise funds for cancer research. Together, we are working to make a difference in the lives of those afflicted.
To further support our partnership, Jamieson is helping offer the Gift of Discovery. Through this program, Jamieson will double the impact by matching donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. Donating to cancer research by purchasing the Gift of Discovery will go toward Canadian led research aimed at affecting positive change in the lives of those living with cancer.
For more tips on how to manage the season safely, visit
www.cancer.ca
/sunsafety or contact the CCS Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.
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SUPPLIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
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See below for some opportunities for you to consider for your businesses.
Retailers, you can review their CTAs & volume incentives by clicking on their logos and signing into the Shareholder Portal!
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Young & Young Trading Co. Ltd.
Products:
Food Distribution – Asian Wholesaler: Confectionary, Drinks, Flour, Frozen, Fruits, Noodles, Rice, Sauces, Soup, Spices, Tea, and Vegetables.
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Instore Products Ltd.
Products:
Shopping Carts, Shopping Cart Maintenance, Hand Baskets, Reusable and Thermal Bags
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Nivel Inc.
Products:
General Merchandise, Leading Distributor of Value Added Services in Canada
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Tokai of Canada Ltd.
Products:
Lighters, BBQ lighters, butane products, etc.
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Drayton Freshmart Buzzes on Social Media
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If you aren't using social media to interact with your customers, you're missing out on potential business, revenue, and rapport to be built with your shoppers. Take it from Drayton Freshmart, who utilizes a
Drayton Freshmart Facebook page
to connect with their customers.
Debra Ramage, owner of Drayton Freshmart feels that social media allows for the "individuality of knowing customer's wants and needs, and it provides a personal service that you can't get in big box stores." When asked why she goes above and beyond to respond back to all of her customer's online messages personally, Deb exclaims that "they are all like family". Community empowerment initiatives such as Drayton's recent fundraiser BBQ received additional support online through Drayton's Facebook. For Debra, allowing her store to be accessed and communicated with through social media gives her a sense of being a part of a strong small-town community, not only when they shop in person, but even when they are at home and browsing online - as Deb frequently messages her shoppers for special orders on a weekly basis. Talk about going above and beyond!
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Sun Valley Market recognized by Variety Ontario
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On April 25th, 2019, Jim and Vicki Bexis of Sun Valley Market were recognized by
Variety Ontario's In the Spotlight Reception
which is a dedicated event that recognizes outstanding community service that has contributed to the success of people with disabilities. Jim and Vicki Bexis have been actively helping Variety Ontario for many years with in kind donations of grocery items. The DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic is also partnered up Variety Ontario as our 'charity of choice'.
Be sure to register by clicking here
!
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Summerhill Market Gets Ready To Expand
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Summerhill Market is set to expand to two new locations - a 6000 sq.ft store and a 7,500 sq. ft store both in Toronto ON. With plans to continue their strong HMR private label brands, and deliver higher quality foods for grab and go experiences, Brad and Christy McMullen are 'very excited'.
As both Brad and Christy McMullen get prepared for their expansions, they make note on the importance of staying 'local', and knowing what their customers want: high quality, locally prepared, grab and go, healthy whole ingredients, and seeing a growing menu of plant-based foods.
Summerhill Market is all about innovation and reinventing their services to adapt to customer's wants and needs. We wish them all the success as they continue to expand!
Photo: Anne de Haas
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Rabba Supports University of Toronto's Student Housing Festival
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For its 5th year, Rabba Fine Foods supported UofT's annual Rooftop Festival of Student Family Housing.
The event takes place annually and gives residents of Student Family Housing an opportunity to engage with neighbours and their community.
Rabba donated a variety of BBQ items, condiments, tableware and utensils to over 2000 residents.
"The contributions by community partners like Rabba help us to provide our residents with a more optimal student living experience," says Maureen Lynch, Residence Life Program Coordinator, University of Toronto.
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Ontario Government to Leave Food Terminal in Current Location
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On July 8th, 2019, CFIG Chair Christy McMullen joined the Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food, Ernie Hardeman, to announce the first stage results of the government’s review of the Ontario Food terminal. CFIG is pleased with the announcement today and applaud the government's decision that the Ontario Food Terminal will remain in its current location.
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Smile! You're on Camera!
"It’s a new technology being trotted out to retailers, where cameras try to guess your age, gender or mood as you walk by. The intent is to use the information to show you targeted real-time ads on in-store video screens.
Companies are pitching retailers to bring the technology into their physical stores as a way to better compete with online rivals such as Amazon that are already armed with troves of information on their customers and their buying habits."
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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!
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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!
Barry Lanteigne - Vice President:
Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting:
Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies:
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