CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 2 |
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Spring is here! Finally, right?! Business is blooming!
Enjoy this season's newsletter.
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CIGBA Board of Directors, representing our Membership coast to coast. |
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Top Row: Chairman Gordon Dean* (Mike DEAN Local GROCER), Treasurer Mike Sharpe* (Sharpe's Food Market)
Middle Row: Past-Chair Nigel Oliver* (Vince's Markets), Director Rocco Commisso (Commisso's Fresh Foods), Director Rick Rabba (Rabba Fine Foods)
Bottom Row: Director Adam Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors/Powell's Supermarkets), Director Gabriele Torchetti (Lady York Foods), Director Tarik Zeid (Food Fare)
*Executive Board member/ DCI Board Director
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MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT |
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The Board of Directors and myself would like to thank our CIGBA/DCI Members, Supplier Partners, and Industry Partners for your ongoing and continued support as we get into the busy months ahead!
The year has got off to a great start with the addition of 5 new Members and 16 new Supplier Partner Vendors from all different categories. The Board of Directors will be meeting in April to Review Year 1 of the 5-year strategic plan created in 2023, where we determined key issues and priorities in regards to Member and Partner relations. More info will be shared with our Members at our Annual General Meeting in June.
This year’s Annual Business Summit and Charity Golf Classic are less than 2 months away! The Business Summit will take Place Tuesday June 4, 2024 at the Pearson Convention Center. The Summit provides our network the ability to connect with our Supplier Partners and fellow members, exchange ideas and best practices, learn about market and category trends that are impacting the industry and your respective businesses, as well as celebrate the accomplishments of Members and Partners within the CIGBA/DCI community. Registration is well underway and there are limited spots left for Partners to secure the DBX meeting booths (please contact the DCI office to confirm availability). To register today please visit https://cigba.ca/summit.
The CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic will take place the day prior to the Summit on Monday June 3rd, at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club. Please visit our website for more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities. https://cigba.ca/golf
The benefits realized from DCI Membership and Supplier Partners continues to grow in terms of value and numbers, and we are confident that collectively we will all realize the benefits with our partnerships. We greatly appreciate and welcome your feedback and suggestions as we plan for the future.
As always, I am here to support our Members and Supplier Partners so please reach out to me as required and I will be more than happy to help you in any way possible! I can be reached at 905-681-3933 or barry@distributioncanada.ca
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NEW MEMBERSHIPS AND SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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Members & Partners, if you know of a store that could benefit from being a part of our group, please don't hesitate to reach out to the CIGBA/DCI office! |
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We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members:
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2612532 Ontario Inc. (Store Name To Be Announced) |
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SANFORD AND SON SUPERMARKET |
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Members, we are constantly growing our database for more business opportunities! Want to see the new Supplier Partners to have joined in the last quarter? See below, and remember: all information is posted on the online DCI Member Portal. Please contact us if you require access to the portal, or need to re-send your password. |
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We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Partners:
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Crave Stevia and Aromatic Creation |
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Boulart branded bakery products |
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Supply of Human Resources and business consulting services, Government grant writing, and people programs for the membership |
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Store Layouts and Design, Architectural and Commercial Millwork |
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Supply of Labour, Domestic and International Staffing Services |
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#1 Cloud Based Business Management Suite, Encompassing ERP/Financials, CRM and E-Commerce |
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Pefferlaw Peat Products Inc. |
Certified Organic Garden Soils, Premium Certified Organic Container Mixes, Budget Certified Organic Container Mixes, Aggregates, Coloured wood Chips, Mulches, Baled Peat Moss |
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The RIMIT Kit is a 2 in 1 compact, leak-resistant rimming kit that enables consumers to rim their canned cocktails anywhere, anytime in seconds!
Additionally, RIMIT (can topper) provides a a cup-like feel sanitary surface to drink from when drinking from a can.
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Schooley Mitchell Consultants/GHA |
Cost Reduction, Vendor Management, Category Support for Telecom, Fuel, Waste, Merchant Services, E-signature, Small Package Shipping, Electronic Logging, SAAS, LTL, Unified Communications, Uniform and Linens, Facility Supplies |
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Solar Business Consulting (Canada) Inc. - Jucai |
Jucai - Jucara Acai Sorbet 200ml and 7L (Original/Banana/Blackberry) and Jucai - Jucai Acai Pulp 4x100ml |
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DCI OVERHAULS CATEGORIES; PRESENTS NEW CATEGORIES FOR 2024 |
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We fit our Supplier Partner Vendors into many categories. Recently, the Member and Vendor Portal has been overhauled to simplify the way DCI Members can search for Vendor categories. Now, our Members can use the new, cleaner, portal for 2024 - onwards, based off of the categories we utilized during the 40th Anniversary DCI Business Summit in 2021, when it was entirely virtual.
Our new categories are:
Business Services
Dairy, Frozen, Bakery
Employee Services and Benefits
Fresh
Grocery - Food
Grocery - Non Food
Health and Wellness
Snacks and Beverages
Store Supplies, Sanitation, PPE
Stores Equipment and Refrigeration
Contact the DCI office if you have any questions regarding the companies that service these categories.
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RETAILERS (MEMBERS), STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI! |
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Retailers, are you missing out on our messages? We send out aggressive pricing promotions, power buys, new partner announcements and informational resources dedicated to the success of your business.
Please take the time to review:
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that our emails are going to the correct person at your company
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that our emails aren't getting sorted into your Junk/Spam folder. If that is the case, be sure to whitelist our domain (@distributioncanada.ca) to ensure you are receiving all of our information
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that someone from your company is registered to order products on OrderEase (the DCI Power Buy ordering software)
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that someone from your company is registered and has access and login to the Member's Portal
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that you send in your reports when asked to allocate proper rebates with certain vendors
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that you check your mailboxes every month on the 1st for the Partner of the Month deals and promotions. Make this routine and know that you only have until the 15th to order products with aggressive deals.
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How DCI Communicates: Email Campaigns |
Breaking news, industry announcements, new agreements, Partners of the Month, and other opportunity buys are always sent out through email. This allows us to target our communication by location, type of store, and relevancy as well as give us detailed reporting on who is opening the announcements, which links they have clicked on and where to allocate our efforts for outreach if members haven't opened up these communications.
By ignoring emails or allowing them to go to your spam/junk folders, you could be missing incredible buying opportunities, programs, or helpful industry tips to better the success of your company.
Please email Matthew Brown to see which members of your company currently receive our communications (we segment by multiple lists, so be sure touch base with Matthew if you aren't aware as to who is receiving which communications).
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How DCI Communicates: Social Media |
Only have a couple of minutes? Check out the DCI Social media pages on Facebook, X and LinkedIn. Major public announcements are always posted on our social media and you can often find other industry bits of information shared on our pages.
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How DCI Communicates: DCI Member Portal |
By logging into the portal, you will get access to your company's rebate reports. As well, any important announcements regarding changes in agreements will also be posted internally on the portal.
What else does the portal provide?
- new supplier partner agreements
- new programs and promotions
- revised supplier partner agreements and rebate scales
- your member reports
- the DCI by-laws
- the CIGBA by-laws
- summary of volume rebates
- AGM information
- education and resources
Once you've checked the portal for information and still don't see what you are looking for, please email or call the DCI office with your inquiry.
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SUPPLIER PARTNERS/VENDORS:
MAKE SURE YOU LOGIN TO YOUR VENDOR PORTAL!
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Now you can take control of what is posted to our DCI Members! |
All DCI Supplier Partner Vendors now have access to their Vendor page! By logging into the portal, you will get access to the most current Membership List, and Purchase Input of Sales Form. Once logged in you will now be in control in seeing the current agreement, sell sheets, pricing lists and company brochures that is currently Member-facing on your company page!
Take the time to review your Cooperative Trade Agreement, whether your sales and product sell sheets are relevant, and review pricing lists. If you notice your Vendor page being pretty bare, connect with us so we can upload documents for you and make your page more enticing for Members to view and connect with reps!
Connect with us to get your page up-to-date.
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CIGBA/DCI 2024 NETWORKING EVENTS |
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OVER 65% SOLD OUT!
CIGBA/CFIG CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
JUNE 3rd, 2024
ROYAL WOODBINE GOLF CLUB
Our annual golf classic is back this year and returning to Royal Woodbine Golf Club! If you haven't already registered, we encourage you to register ASAP! If you are a Supplier Partner, take this moment to invite a retailer with you! We anticipated a fully loaded tournament!
This event brings out Members, Partners, Wholesalers, Media and other industry colleagues to network, enjoy a good day of golfing and win some fantastic prizes!
Charity of Choice:
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2024 Tournament's Contest Holes (Win Prizes!):
Federated Insurance's Hole in One
Bimbo Canada's Beat The Pro
Sobeys Wholesale's Longest Drive
Canadian Grocer's Closest To The Pin
Loblaw's - Affiliated Independent Group's Longest Drive
Mondoux Confectionary's Closest To The Pin
Metro Compactor's Putting Contest
2024 Tournament's Product Sampling:
Peak Performance Products Inc.
Burnbrae Farms
Mondoux Confectionary
Sleeman Breweries
Maple Leaf Foods
Lassonde
(More TBA)
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ONLY A COUPLE OF DBX BOOTHS LEFT!
CIGBA/DCI BUSINESS SUMMIT
JUNE 4th, 2024
PEARSON CONVENTION CENTRE
New location! Returning with the industry famous DCI Business Exchange, the Summit brings our Members into one place, ready to discuss and do business!
This is THE event to attend to connect with our DCI Independents and our Members are eagerly excited to see what new business opportunities await for them for this year.
As well, the Business Summit is also host to the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards - which commences during the Gala Dinner and recognizes the individuals and companies who are bettering our industry!
2024 Star Awards Categories & Nominees
★ CIGBA/DCI RETAILER OF THE YEAR ★ 2024 NOMINEES:
- Summerhill Market (ON)
- Lococo’s (ON)
- Fiesta Farms (ON)
- Sharpe’s Food Market (ON)
- Goldsmith’s Farm Market & Bakery (ON)
- Rabba Fine Foods (ON)
★ CIGBA/DCI PARTNER OF THE YEAR ★ 2024 NOMINEES:
- Sobeys Wholesale (ON)
- Diamond Packaging Supplies Ltd. (ON)
- Chens Enterprises Corporation (ON)
- Lactalis Canada (ON)
- Ontario Natural Food Company - ONFC (ON)
- Maple Leaf Foods (ON)
- Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company (NB)
- CJR Wholesale Grocers (ON)
★ CIGBA/DCI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ★ 2024 NOMINEES:
- Fiesta Farms (ON)
- Lactalis Canada (ON)
- Rabba Fine Foods (ON)
- CJR Wholesale Grocers (ON)
- Vince’s Market (ON)
- Stong’s Market (BC)
- Powell’s Supermarket (Atlantic Grocery Distributors) (NL)
★ CIGBA/DCI INNOVATION AWARD ★ 2024 NOMINEES:
- Cataldi Fresh Market: New Store (ON)
- Chens Enterprises Corporation: Applewood Signature Snacks (ON)
- Lactalis Canada: New Products (ON)
- Tree of Life: E-Commerce Platform (ON)
- CJR Wholesale Grocers: Smucker’s Uncrustables (ON)
- Bimbo Canada: Taki’s Intense Nacho (ON)
- Chapman’s Ice Cream: Super Premium Plus Cold Brew Coffee (ON)
★ CIGBA/DCI LEADER OF THE YEAR ★ 2024 NOMINEES:
- Jennifer Ciccodemarco, Sobeys Wholesale (ON)
- Rick Rabba, Rabba Fine Foods (ON)
- Christy McMullen, Summerhill Market (ON)
- Rina Virgilio, Greco’s Fresh Markets (ON)
- Kenny Shim, Busy Bee King Mart (ON)
- Brad Lawrence, Fine Foods Advertising Ltd. (MB)
- Brian Bradley, Stong’s Market (BC)
- Kacee Kudrinko, Kudrinko’s Ltd. (ON)
★ CIGBA/DCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ★
This award recipient will be announced at the show.
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NEW ADVERTISING AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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Looking to better connect with Independents in the highly competitive digital space?
We've tailored a brand new advertisement and marketing package available for our Supplier Partners to utilize!
Now, with the help of DCI, Supplier Partners can send:
- Tailored non-competitive e-blasts direct to Member's mailboxes
- Newsletter advertisement with reduced rates for year long bookings
- Website advertisement on both DCI and CIGBA pages
- Digital real estate space within the Member Portal (available for 12 months)
- Social media posts across three platforms
If interested, email matthew@distributioncanada.ca to get started or to inquire!
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PARTNERS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM WITH DCI |
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WHAT MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW:
Check your inbox every 1st of the month to see the new Partners highlighted for the month. They can be Partners with Power Buys and deals or Service Partners who want to highlight all that they have to offer. If you can't find the email, you can always login to the Member Portal and access the deals under "What's New". Click here to access the Member Portal.
WHAT PARTNERS NEED TO KNOW:
Looking to get in the mailbox of the Independents? Let DCI help you with any seasonal programs, new item or product launches, and quick sells. Our "Partners of the Month" program highlights up to 5-10 different Supplier Partners each month, and provides DCI members with monthly deals and incentives (if applicable), or a highlight of your services, if you're a service provider. This program is great for an increase in exposure (as a Partner) and to capitalize on great product deals or new service opportunities (as a Member). For more details and eligibility, please contact the DCI office.
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ABM CONNECTOR SERIES: FOOD INDUSTRY, SECURITY & SOVEREIGNTY |
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DCI Members & Partners,
The DCI Network has been invited to participate in the following event series. These series may help independents explore new avenues with their business:
ABM Connector Series Dates
1) Food Industry, Security and Sovereignty (05-16-24)
2) Food Industry, Security and Sovereignty (08-29-24)
3) Food Industry, Security and Sovereignty (11-19-24)
4) Food Industry, Security and Sovereignty (02-27-25)
For decision-makers that grow, process, package, brand, retail and buy food.
Whether you are community rep tasked with creating food security, a food producer who wants to get a product on more shelves, a supplier of products and services to the food industry or a grocery retailer, you will find people passionate about independent food production here.
- 9 am to 11 am PT
- up to five 20-minute appointments
- final time commitment depends on the number of confirmed appointments
You are NOT required to attend all of the events. Pick what is of value to maximize your time. You are able to block times when you are not available and only accept or select appointments that are of interest to you.
To learn more, or to get started: connect with Katrin Harry, Managing Partner at ABM, first.
Cell: 604-483-6421
Focus Ontario (06-06-24)
This Online Business Connectors is for companies that want to connect in a regional context and Indigenous communities that want to add torque to optimizing business opportunities and asserting economic influence in their territory.
Whether you want to export provincially, expand your operation into a new province or make connections within your province or region, here you can make key contacts from north to south and east to west.
- 9 am to 11 am PT/12 pm to 2 pm ET
- up to five appointments
- final time commitment depends on the number of confirmed appointments
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EDUCATION & RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO DCI MEMBERS! |
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SUPPLIER PARTNER? If you are interested in running a promo, submitting material for education and resources or to advertise with DCI and the independent retailers, please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca
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In today’s digital age, face-to-face communication remains essential for establishing, strengthening, and maintaining business relationships. That’s what makes Grocery & Specialty Food West the premier B2B grocery and specialty food show of the year. This is the only event that brings together all aspects of the grocery industry in one place. With over 65,000 square feet of exhibition space, you’ll find dedicated pavilions focused on key categories such as equipment, technology, food services, garden, financial, and insurance. Come to Grocery & Specialty Food West and build the relationships that will help your business grow.
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FROM OUR SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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NAVIGATING PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS |
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Tips for Canadian Organizations
In any organization, regardless of its size or sector, effective performance management and the handling of disciplinary issues are vital for maintaining a productive and harmonious work environment. For small businesses and nonprofits in Canada, these tasks come with unique challenges and considerations. In this blog, we’ll explore the intricacies of performance management, progressive discipline, and termination within the Canadian context, offering insights and strategies tailored to the Canadian workplace landscape.
Performance Management in Canada:
Performance management in Canadian organizations involves aligning employee efforts with organizational objectives while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Key elements of effective performance management include:
Clear Expectations and Timely Feedback:
- Providing employees with clear job descriptions and timely feedback helps ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities, facilitating better performance alignment and understanding.
SMART Goals and Continuous Coaching and Feedback:
- Implementing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals and emphasizing continuous coaching and feedback, as opposed to annual reviews only, promotes ongoing improvement and accountability for the employee. It also gives the employee a chance to course correct as needed.
Recognition and Rewards for Performance:
- Tying recognition and rewards programs to performance management criteria encourages employees to strive for excellence and fosters a culture of appreciation, rather than complacency or indifference.
Addressing Performance Issues:
When performance issues arise, it’s essential to address them promptly and effectively. In Canadian organizations, common mistakes in performance management systems include lack of differentiation between employees, unconscious biases from supervisors, and an inconsistent application of performance standards. To overcome these challenges, organizations should focus on:
- Training for Evaluators: Providing training for supervisors and managers can assist managers and supervisors in understanding how to recognize instances of lack of differentiation and how to minimize their biases to ensure fair and objective evaluations.
- Consistency and Documentation: Consistently applying performance standards and thoroughly documenting performance assessments and disciplinary actions are crucial for maintaining fairness and transparency.
- Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs): Implementing structured PIPs provides employees with clear expectations and support to improve their performance while mitigating the risk of disciplinary measures. These must be completed in full to be effective.
Progressive Discipline and Termination:
Progressive discipline is a structured approach to addressing performance or behavioural issues, which must be tailored to Canadian case law and past precedent. This process typically involves informal discussions, verbal and written warnings, suspension, and then termination if performance issues persist. Key considerations for Canadian organizations include:
- Documenting Disciplinary Actions: Proper and timely documentation of disciplinary actions, including warnings and suspensions, is essential to mitigate liability and ensure compliance with employment laws.
- Fairness and Consistency: Employers must handle disciplinary processes fairly and consistently to prevent potential legal challenges and maintain employee trust. Employers must also consider any mitigating circumstances when administering disciplinary action and ensuring that the measure taken matches the severity of the infraction.
- Termination Considerations: Terminating an employee’s contract in Canada requires adherence to employment laws and contractual obligations, including providing notice or severance pay as required, and considering options such as a release or a separation package. Employers are advised to consult with an HR Advisor or employment lawyer prior to proceeding with a termination.
Navigating performance management, progressive discipline, and termination in Canadian organizations requires careful consideration of legal requirements and organizational dynamics. By implementing effective performance management practices, addressing performance issues proactively, and handling disciplinary actions with fairness and transparency, Canadian businesses and nonprofits can cultivate a high-performing and harmonious work environment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Organizations should consult with HR experts or legal professionals to ensure compliance with local employment laws and regulations specific to their circumstances.
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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 view their CTAs & volume incentives/special pricing by clicking on their logos and signing into the Members Portal!
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Armstrong Milling Company
Products: Wild Bird Blends, Commodities for bird feeding, Suet Products, Bird Treats, Bird Feeders.
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Honigma Honey
Products: Honey in several varieties and formats, from 250g Branded Jars to 300kg barrels and Private Label Options
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Premier Polmarex Inc.
Products: Confectionary, Essential Groceries, Healthy Snacks
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Spring Creek Quail Farms
Products: Fresh Quail Eggs and Duck Eggs
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Rabba & Good Shepherd Ministries team up to host eight annual Super Bowl dinner |
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"Rabba Fine Foods has partnered with Good Shepherd Ministries for its eighth annual Super Bowl dinner event, providing donations including food, beverages and other essential needs that extend beyond game night. Rabba Fine Foods, through its Rabba Roots community program, has gathered food donations from partners including Pizzeria Libretto, Maple Leaf Foods and Lassonde to serve the gametime meal to more than 100 men, in addition to weeks of additional meals.
The donation includes gourmet pizza, chicken wings, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, beverages and more as well as 2,500 snacks to last beyond game day."
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STONG’S MARKET OPENS NEW LOCATION IN SQUAMISH, BC |
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Third location features deli, local fresh produce, and grab & go meals
Stong’s Market is proud to announce the opening of our third location in Squamish, BC. The new concept store is focused on organic, fresh, and local, while becoming an integrated part of the Squamish community. As a leading locally owned independent grocery store, Stong’s Market has been providing exceptional selection with a community-based commitment for over 90 years.
The new Stong’s Market is focused on convenience and serving the growing community within and around Squamish. With features including a large selection of hot meals to go, Edibles deli, Harvest fresh produce and our well known STEMS floral and giftware, the new Stong’s Market is designed with the active, outdoor, Squamish lifestyle in mind.
“We have felt part of the Squamish community since the moment we selected our new location,” said Brian Bradley, President, Stong’s Market. “We are thrilled to now be open in the thriving community and look forward to becoming an integrated part of such a special place. With our commitment to supporting local vendors and unique fresh offerings, Squamish is the ideal place for our newest Stong’s Market.”
The new Stong’s Market Squamish location began construction in November 2023 and held its grand opening this week. The new store is located downtown at 38078 Cleveland Avenue. In addition to the new location our Stong’s Express Online Grocery Delivery will also continue to serve the local community.
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The CIGBA/DCI office would like to congratulate Stong's Market and wish them much success!
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Rabba, Burnbrae Farms, Maple Leaf Foods make donation to Food Banks Mississauga
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Through the Rabba Roots Community Giving program, Rabba delivered 5,400 eggs and 250 pounds of ham.
“At Rabba Fine Foods, our commitment to serving our neighbours extends beyond our storefronts,” said Rima Rabba, co-leader of Rabba’s community giving program, Rabba Roots, in a press release. “We are privileged to collaborate with valued partners such as Burnbrae Farms and Maple Leaf Foods, who share our vision of making a positive impact in our communities.”
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After a fire in December 2020 destroyed the only grocery store in North Kawartha Township, Sayers Foods has unveiled its brand-new store at 132 Burleigh Street in Apsley – rebuilt at the same location as the original store!
The CIGBA/DCI Office would like to congratulate the Sayers Foods family and team and wish it many years of success!
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Why The Physical Shopping Experience Matters |
“In a world where almost anything is available with the click of a button, grocers can offer what many digital players can’t: a unique and exciting in-store experience."
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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 CIGBA/DCI!
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On behalf of the CIGBA/DCI Management Team, Happy Spring to you and your company! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us!
Barry Lanteigne - President:
Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting:
Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies:
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