January 2007 AFCA Newsletter
The AFCA Newsletter is designed to bring you up-to-date on what is happening with your association and keeps you informed on the many changes in our industry.
We are confident that you will find it most beneficial.
Please take the time to share this newsletter with all your staff so everyone can be informed about your association.
NEW YEAR, NEW PROGRAMS, NEW MEMBERS
As the AFCA heads into 2007 a strong economy continues to provide our members with high demand for their products and services and an equally high level of on-going challenges. Your AFCA Executive Board, Executive Director, Provincial Representative and 40 Volunteer Committee Members are working together to provide pro-active programs and solutions to challenges that affect the industry as a whole.
The AFCA Newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with what is happening with your industry association. Please take the time to read about the new programs, new members, updates and industry enhancing initiatives happening through the AFCA.
Also, please share this newsletter with your staff so that they are aware of the benefit programs, training opportunities, and advantages of being employed by an AFCA member.
Contents of the - January 2007 - AFCA Newsletter
· The NFCA Floor Covering Standards Manual Now Available
· 40 Installers Receive AFCA WHMIS Training
· AFCA Apprenticeship P.R.I.D.E. Program
· Best Western Hotels International offers discounts to AFCA members
· AFCA Membership Card Discount Program
· AFCA Inspection Services at Peak Demand
· New AFCA Smartcontractor Program
· AFCA Welcomes 7 New Installer Members
· NFCA New Employee Benefit Plan Provider
· Two New AFCA Members
· New Affiliate Member / New Program …AFCA Cash Flow Acceleration Program
· AFCA Low Cost On-Line Employment Advertising
· ’07 South Zone Golf Tournament
The National Floor Covering Association has announced the launch of the first printing of Canada’s new Flooring Specification Manual. It is a MUST for anyone buying, selling, specifying or installing Carpet – Resilient – Hardwood – Laminate. This “state-of-the-art” complete and up-to-date 1,000 page flooring manual includes flooring references, standards, glossaries, and more. AFCA Members will receive a 25% discount on the purchase price. This limited edition first print is sure to sell out, so don’t miss out. Place your order now.
· Members Price $150.00 plus gst & shipping
· Spec. Writers and Architects $175.00 plus gst & shipping
· Non Members Price $200.00 plus gst & shipping
Shipping is scheduled to commence the last week of January 2007. Call The AFCA Office at (403) 280-6006 or 1-800-292-7912 or email afca@shaw.ca to place your order.
40 Employees and Installers Receive AFCA WHMIS Training
Congratulations to Century Carpet One Floor & Home and Universal Flooring Systems for recently providing their installers and staff with an AFCA on site, industry specific WHMIS Training Course. These concerned companies have made their employees, subcontractors, and customers safer and fulfilled their legal obligation to provide ‘necessary worker education’.
What is WHMIS?
The initials stand for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, but the idea they express is also known as the “Workers Right to Know”. It is a Canada-wide system designed to provide employers and workers with information about the hazardous materials they work with on the job so as to protect their health and safety. All Alberta employers are required by law to provide WHMIS training to their workers who work with or near a controlled product. This legal requirement encompasses many flooring industry workers including installers, sales representatives, administrative personnel and warehouse workers that work in close proximity to controlled products.
If your employees or subcontractors are not trained in WHMIS then you are potentially liable for any incident causing injury or property destruction that is caused by an untrained worker. In a recent court decision the manager of an Edmonton area floor covering company was personally fined $80,000 because an untrained installer working with a hazardous product caused a fire and was injured.. The cost of a 2 hour, on site AFCA WHMIS Training Seminar is $50.00 (plus GST) per participant with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 participants. Companies with less than four employees or subcontractors can be fit in with other small groups to form a class. Employees and subcontractors should be retrained every three years.
All members are urged to provide WHMIS training to their employees and subcontractors as soon as possible. Call AFCA Provincial Representative Kim Ryan at (780) 908-3600 to book your AFCA on site, Industry specific WHMIS training and certification course.
AFCA Apprenticeship P.R.I.D.E. Program
2006 saw some major accomplishments in the on-going revitalization of Alberta’s Red Seal Apprenticeship Program for floor covering installers.
The 2006 Highlights included:
· Alberta Government grants three year extension of government funding for the program contingent upon continued industry support.
· N.A.I.T. opens Edmonton Training Center.
· 9 Red Seal Journeyman graduate from Edmonton Training Center.
· Calgary training center opens at S.A.I.T with a full class of first year apprentices.
· A total of 21 future Journeyman complete the first year of their technical training.
· 100 apprentices register for technical training.
· Two more classes are scheduled at the Edmonton Training Center.
· N.A.I.T. agrees to facilitate further classes at the Calgary Training Center.
The year in review represents great progress since February 2003 when the Alberta Government announced that it would withdraw financial support for the program because of record low enrollment numbers and a lack of support from industry.
2006 saw the highest number of registered apprentices and journeyman certifications in the last five years.
The revitalization of Alberta’s Red Seal Floor Covering Installers Apprenticeship Program is largely due to the efforts of the AFCA. Kudos to Jo-Anne Teed, Fred Richardson, Ralph Winterholt, Wade Kalnicki and Ron Rattray for their on-going efforts to preserve government funded training and certification programs for the floor covering industry. As well as instructing at the Edmonton training center, Fred, Ralph and Ron are representing The Alberta Floor Covering Industry in the development of the National Occupational Analysis, Red Seal Question Bank. Jo-Anne Teed continues to represent the floor covering industry as the Presiding Officer of the Provincial Apprenticeship Committee, Floor covering. Wade Kalnicki is instructing at the Calgary Training center.
All AFCA members are urged to support the efforts of the Apprenticeship Committee. It is imperative that future classes are filled in order to secure on-going government funding for the Apprenticeship Program. The development of a skilled workforce for the future depends on it.
How can members support the AFCA Apprenticeship P.R.I.D.E. Program?
1. Meet with your crews to provide them with apprenticeship applications and work with them to register any 'helpers' already working in the field.
2. Work cooperatively with registered apprentices and plan for their school attendance and return to work.
3. Sponsor each new registered apprentice with a one year AFCA membership. (Price: $50.00 + gst)
4. Offer incentives for apprentices to complete each year of training.
The majority of course fees are absorbed by government subsidies. Grants are also available for living expenses while going to school. AFCA Employers who create apprenticeship jobs are eligible for a $2000.00 tax credit per apprentice. Beginning January 1, 2007, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant of $1,000 is available from the Government of Canada, Service Canada to registered apprentices in a Red Seal Trade who have completed first or second period of their apprenticeship program.
Dates currently established for Floor Covering Installer apprenticeship training at the Edmonton Training Center: (Vacancies as of Nov 22, 2007)
2nd year – Feb. 5, 2007 to Mar. 16, 2007 - 7 vacancies - (Fee $487.50 +gst)
1st year – Mar. 26, 2007 - May 11, 2007 - Class full - (Fee $568.75 +gst)
If you have unregistered helpers working for your company or your subcontractors please encourage them to register for government funded technical training. If you have registered apprentices working for your company or your subcontractors please encourage them to enroll in the upcoming classes.
For further information about sponsoring an apprentice(s) or applying for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Employer Tax Credits call Jo-Anne Teed, Presiding Officer of the Provincial Apprenticeship Committee, Floor covering at (403) 250-3900.
Best Western Hotels International Offers Discounts to AFCA Members
AFCA Members now receive discounted rates on rooms and group facilities at Best Western Hotels International. Simply make a reservation by visiting www.albertafloors.com Click on ‘Benefits’ and then click on The Best Western Link found in the benefits section. To book by telephone call the AFCA/MVP reservations line 1-800-441-1114 for individual reservations or 1-800-528-1231 for group reservations. Members must book in advance and must quote the AFCA MVP# 00610. Best Western Hotels International will also rebate a percentage of all member bookings to the AFCA.
AFCA Membership Card Discount Program
1100 AFCA Membership/ Benefit Cards have now been distributed and the list of AFCA Membership card benefits continues to grow. All members who have not yet ordered their complimentary Membership/Benefit Cards for themselves and their employees are urged to do so as soon as possible.
The new AFCA Membership Card Discount Program provides members, members’ employees and their families with significant discounts on a continually expanding range of lifestyle enhancing goods and services. Be sure to visit www.albertafloors.com regularly. Enter your membership card number to access the members’ only section. Then, check discount program updates and new benefit and training programs offered to AFCA members and their families. Companies that offer discounts upon presentation of an AFCA membership card include General Paint Stores, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Western Pontiac Buick GMC and Best Western Hotels.
· Please note: The AFCA / Costco membership discount program has been temporarily suspended pending the finalization of a new agreement.
AFCA Inspection Services at Peak Demand
This summer there was a backlog of inspections due to record demand for inspections and the extremely busy schedules of the volunteer inspectors. The solution for the increase in demand for inspections is to involve more qualified members in the process.
What is involved in becoming an AFCA inspector?
a) AFCA inspectors are floor covering professionals with extensive experience who have no connection with the flooring being examined. They are not there as members of the firms for whom they work, but as volunteer inspectors of the AFCA.
b) The Volunteer inspector’s role is to view the floor in question and submit a written report analyzing if the product is performing to specification, if the installation meets the industry standard, to assess responsibility for deficiencies if there are any and to make recommendations to bring a floor to standard.
c) In the event that an inspector has any personal or professional connection with the people or the product being examined, they are expected to advise the AFCA Inspection Coordinator and another inspector will be assigned. Also, in the event that the inspector expects to be providing any service related to or as a result of the inspection to the client they are to advise the Inspection Coordinator and another inspector will be assigned.
The Consumer Services Committee will be contacting qualified members to ask for their participation in the Inspection Services Program. Please consider getting involved. New inspectors who can do one or two inspections per year will help the association keep up with the demand. The official AFCA Inspection Policy and Procedures Manual is posted on www.albertafloors.com.
New AFCA Smartcontractor Program
The AFCA is now working with its newest affiliate member, Smartcontractor Canada to provide AFCA installers with a cost effective and simple way to better manage the business of being a Subcontractor Installer. The AFCA / Smartcontractor Program provides a cost effective, year round, and pro-active approach for installers to keep their business organized and legally compliant.
Smartcontractor Canada has developed a specialized management services package specifically for independent contractors. This program will provide AFCA installers with the chance to focus on their core skills and make more money.
The Smartcontractor enrollment package provides AFCA subcontractor installers with a new business incorporation setup or review of existing corporate entity, CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) compliance and historical catch-up filing services, restructuring, management and advisory services, ongoing accounting, tax planning, tax preparation and filing strategies. The program requires minimal time and organization from the installer. Smartcontractor Installers simply turn their receipts and invoices over to their Smartcontractor Agent every few months and everything is organized, compiled and kept up to date for them
The AFCA/Smartcontractor Program provides member retailers with “Peace of Mind” from knowing that their Subcontractors are CRA compliant and are unlikely to trigger an audit on their company through their lack of timely and accurate remittances. Recent CRA rulings have resulted in huge assessments and fines on Contractors of all sizes using non-structured contract labor. The AFCA/Smartcontractor Program protects members from the financial liabilities associated with hiring unincorporated, non CRA compliant installers.
AFCA Member Retailers can increase their profits by converting employees or subcontractors into Smart Contractors. The program provides a road map addressing labour force compliance issues and showing how the program can be introduced and easily integrated into the subcontractor management process.
Smartcontractor Canada is offering a 10% discount on the initial $1000.00 set-up fees to AFCA members. A further 10% of the set-up fees will be rebated to the AFCA. AFCA member installers enrolled in the program will also receive a discount on the on-going management services. This program is sure to pay for itself many times over through increased long term profitability. Member installers who wish to enroll or member dealers who wish to sponsor their installers into the program can call Mr. Daryl Burd of Smartcontractor Canada at (780) 434-9500.
AFCA Welcomes 7 New Installer Members
Congratulations to Markus Kartz, Ben Carlson, Jason Hegi, Justin Leavitt, Lorne Navrati, Johnathon Wiebe and Tim van der Westen for choosing to pursue an Alberta Red Seal Journeyman Certification and for joining their industry association.
NFCA New Employee Benefit Plan Provider
The National Floor Covering association (NFCA) has appointed the firm of Morneau Sobeco as the NFCA Employee Benefit Plan provider. Members who utilize the services of Morneau Sobeco will receive sound consulting as it relates to employee Benefits as well as an economic advantage. This economic advantage is driven by the combined “buying power” of the NFCA and Morneau Sobeco. Morneau Sobeco can customize an employee benefit plan to meet the individual requirements of all AFCA members. Small member companies receive benefit plan rates usually reserved for large companies. Large member companies receive the most competitive rates available. The Morneau Sobeco agent for the AFCA is Mr. Dave Harstrom. Dave manages the association’s Extended Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance Program. As he is the assigned agent to our association, the NFCA is requesting and would appreciate you giving him the opportunity to speak with you and provide a quotation on your business. Dave will be calling AFCA members in the near future and it would be truly appreciated if members would you take the time to talk with him.
Two New AFCA Members
The AFCA membership and benefits committee is pleased to announce that two more floor covering companies have come on board with the association. A warm welcome is extended to Floors on Crowfoot and Phoenix Floor and Wall Products. These progressive industry members believe in professional standards, ethics and consumer satisfaction and are a positive addition to Alberta’s floor covering industry association.
New Affiliate Member and… ‘The AFCA Cash Flow Acceleration Program’
We are pleased to announce a new affiliate member of the Alberta Floor Covering Association: WayPoint Capital Corporation. WayPoint brings a new benefit program to the AFCA membership: The AFCA Cash Flow Acceleration Program. WayPoint is an Alberta based brokerage firm whose primary mission is to assist and guide companies experiencing cash flow challenges. The AFCA has worked together with WayPoint to design a program that gives members access to immediate cash on their commercial invoices within 24-48 hrs. The program is designed to accelerate cash flow and bridge the gap between cash-in hand and delayed payment of receivables. Each AFCA Commercial Contractor can now open a Preferred Rate Cash Flow Account of up to 10 million dollars. AFCA members receive a preferred rate on finance charges based on the consolidated financial strength of the association. The AFCA receives a rebate from the total of all member generated business which will be used to help fund association programs. Simply put, this program allows AFCA member Commercial Contractors including individual subcontractors to cash in their commercial invoices for immediate reimbursement. The receivable is then collected by WayPoint. The fees are calculated based on how many days elapse between the time the invoice is paid out by Waypoint and when the customer pays (approximately 2.89% + per 30 day invoice).There is no credit qualification, debt repayment, no compromise to your balance sheet, or any long-term agreements or delays associated with other methods of raising capital. WayPoint can also help coordinate all types of asset based lending or equipment leasing. WayPoint Capital Corporation will be contacting AFCA commercial contractors in the near future to assess interest in setting up their preferred rate cash flow accounts. Please take the time to speak with the WayPoint representative and hear more details about the program. To take immediate advantage of the program and set up your 10 million dollar Preferred Rate Cash Flow Account contact AFCA Affiliate Member Mr. Mark Huolt at Waypoint Capital Corporation by Telephone at (403) 202-7444 or by email at mark@waypointcapital.ca.
AFCA Low Cost On-Line Employment Advertising
The AFCA has completed phase one of a new employment advertising program designed to give AFCA members an advantage over non-members in terms of the cost and reach of employment advertising. The system is now operational and members are being invited to participate in the program by placing a low cost employment advertisement on www.albertafloors.com whenever they advertise for personnel. How does the program work? In the public section of the www.albertafloors.com website, there is an employment category where members only are able to advertise positions currently available with their company. The cost of posting a job advertisement is only $50 (+gst) per advertisement for a 30 day time period. Advertisers can have all the space required to detail their advertisement. Once enough job advertisements are generated on the web site advertisements will be placed in major newspapers across Canada. One small, inexpensive advertisement of the AFCA web site address in major newspapers can potentially draw hundreds of inquiries to the posted AFCA web site advertisements. Once prospective employees reach the web site they can read large detailed job advertisements from AFCA member organizations, advertisements that would cost thousands of dollars to post as an independent advertiser in a major publication. People looking for employment can also post their availability on the site enabling our members to access qualified personnel on an on-going basis. The money to advertise the web site address in major newspapers will be derived from the $50.00 monthly fees.
Sample ad in major newspapers:
Attention Floor Covering Professionals, Installers, Apprentices,
Sales Personnel, Administrative Staff,
Check out www.albertafloors.com for career opportunities in Alberta.
The web site has already generated interest from out of province workers who are looking for pre employment in Alberta. Members who have posted advertisements on the site have successfully located key personnel. This program has the potential to give AFCA members a definite edge over non members when looking to hire key personnel but it requires the support of the entire membership to maximize its effectiveness. Members are urged to include a $50.00 feature advertisement on www.albertafloors.com whenever advertising an employment opportunity. If you would like to post an ad, or have further questions please email your request to afca@shaw.ca.
’07 AFCA South Zone Golf Tournament
The AFCA Spring Golf tournament has been scheduled for Tuesday May 29, 2007, at the D’arcy Ranch Golf Club, in Okotoks, Alberta. Tee off time is 8:00 a.m. Members will be contacted in the near future and asked to pledge prizes and confirm their participation. This year the Social committee decided that spacing more time between the South Zone and North Zone tournaments would help to get more members to attend both tournaments. The North Zone Tournament will be held in the fall and details will be announced in the near future.
Want to Know More?
Do you have an idea for the association? Do you have any concerns? If you have any questions or require more information, we want to hear from you. Feel free to contact us at your convenience.
AFCA Executive Director: Peggy Alkenbrack
Tel: 1-800-292-9712 or (403) 280-6006
Email: afca@shaw.ca
AFCA Provincial Representative: Kim Ryan
(780) 908-3600
Email: kimgryan@shaw.ca
On behalf of The AFCA Executive Board and over 40 volunteer committee members, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.