ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR AGRI-RETAILERS
The Communicator
February Issue – See All
CAAR's Year in Preview
Thinking strategically, acting tactically.
Behind every successful endeavour is a well-thought-out strategic plan. In order to make effective short-term gains, forward-thinking companies and organizations base everything they do on eventually reaching milestone goals. CAAR is no different.
CAAR's Year in Review
2018 was a year of advocacy achievements and internal planning for CAAR.
An Exciting Time for The Communicator
Diving headfirst into producing the February issue of The Communicator after a holiday break is the perfect project to kick off the new year. Maybe it's the chill in the air, but I feel energized and eager to get to work on the five issues of the magazine we publish each year.
The 2019 CAAR Conference
It’s conference time and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome delegates to Winnipeg, Man. for two-and-a-half days of networking, professional development and industry insight.
This year marks CAAR’s 24th conference and, along with crowd favourites like the Pro-Ag Investments Auction and CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet, we are pleased to introduce some exciting new additions to the conference agenda, including Roundtable Discussions.
A Year of Working Together
Strengthening our voice through key partnerships.
Prairie Practices for Prairie Conditions
New 4R Designation is specific to Western Canada.
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Thank You For Another Great CAAR Conference!
CAAR extends its sincere thanks to our many sponsors, exhibitors, auction donors, planning committee members, attendees and special guests for lending their time, support and passion for their industry to the 2019 CAAR Conference. Thank you for participating in the CAAR Conference!
The behind-the-scenes work leading up to the event has been ongoing throughout the year. Executive Director Mitch Rezansoff took time to recognize CAAR’s board of directors for the hard work they put in to ensure the event's success during his address at CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet on Wednesday night.
“I would like to thank the board and the committee members who helped set the agenda as well as long hours spent bringing this conference to life,” said Rezansoff.
The level of support CAAR has received is an example of one of the numerous themes that emerged from the presentations and events this week: We are all people working with people. By treating the people we do business with well, everybody can benefit. CAAR members, supporters and guests showed that they live by their words, and we are grateful for their support.
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Getting Disruptive
Graham Sherman’s inspiring and motivating talk was the perfect presentation to open the final day of the 2019 CAAR Conference. Sherman is the co-owner of Tool Shed Brewing Company, an Alberta brewery that took an approach to creating policy change that can truly be described as “disruptive behaviour.”
A law that was impeding the startup of new breweries, including Tool Shed was in litigation, but no headway was being made. But what couldn’t be accomplished through the courts was handled with a lot of disruption. Not only did Tool Shed’s inventive and unconventional approach to overcoming their roadblock highlight lost economic opportunity in the province, but it was something that had never been done. And in about one year, their efforts led to legislation change.
Day Two of the 2019 CAAR Conference featured a sensational speaker program, plenty of networking opportunities, CAAR’s always-popular Pro-Ag Investments Auction and ag retail's biggest evening: CAAR's Choice Awards Banquet.
Roundtable Networking Discussions
The morning started bright and early, with a select number of conference delegates enjoying a working breakfast during Roundtable Networking Discussions. Attendees pre-registered for one of four discussion topics: Retail Management, Safety and Training, Technology and Services and Sales and Customer Services.
Brian Downie, manager of Shur Gro Farm Services Wawanesa branch, called the Retail Management discussion a great way to start the day with inspiration from hearing a variety of perspectives in his group.
“The discussion went very well. I was seated primarily with new contacts. It was good to hear perspectives from different retails, different companies and think about how I can maybe take some of these ideas home to my business,” says Downie. “It was definitely very valuable.”
And we’re off! Ag retailers from across Canada gathered in the heart of the continent in Winnipeg, MB today to break the ice at the 24th Annual CAAR Conference.
Taking Care of Business
Before getting the celebrations underway, CAAR’s board, staff and membership took care of important business at CAAR’s Annual General Meeting.
“I think that for any organization that you’re a part of, it’s important to be an active participant with all aspects of the organization, including its official meetings,” says conference delegate Steven McQueen from MC Ag Solutions. “Voting at CAAR’s AGM is what drives the association’s activities. If you’re involved in an association I think you should be engaged at all levels.”
CAAR is proud to celebrate Canada's Agriculture Day at tonight's Icebreaker Cocktail Reception, sponsored by John Deere Financial. Use the #CdnAgDay and #CAARcon2019 hashtags on Twitter to share your love for Canada's agriculture industry on social media.
New in 2019: If you can’t attend the 2019 CAAR Conference in Winnipeg, you can still stay up-to-date with important updates from your association, including confirmation of the 2019-20 Board of Directors, by viewing CAAR’s 2019 AGM online. Read more for details.
Processa, CAAR’s newest Perk$ program partner, has a great offer for CAAR Conference delegates. Visit the Processa booth at the 2019 CAAR Conference to learn more about Processa’s affordable, flexible payment processing services and how you can save by switching during Conference!