"The Bullet", December 2021
- Nov 22, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2021
This is the latest version of "The Bullet", our Staff Newsletter. A reminder that this newsletter is published for Staff eyes only.
Santa Claus Parade
We participated with a float again in this year's Santa Clause Parade in Port Elgin. Many thanks to Fred and the rest of the volunteers who helped build/decorate the float, as well as ride on it during the parade.
From Jeff
Winter Maintenance:
As we start to see more and more snow fall, the entrance ways to the store need to be kept free of snow and ice. This is everyone's responsibility, the clearing of snow can't wait until someone is in tomorrow or back from lunch. Salting and shoveling needs to be documented on the clip board hanging on the wall at both the main exit and lumber desk exit. Also, please practice the courtesy of knocking snow off your boots before entering the store.
Health & Safety:
We are looking for staff to join the Health & Safety Committee.
While health and safety is everyone's responsibility - the JHSC is responsible to promote the health and safety policies and programs in place.
"A joint health and safety committee (JHSC) is composed of worker and employer representatives. Together, they should be mutually committed to improving health and safety conditions in the workplace. Committees identify potential health and safety issues and bring them to the employer’s attention and must be kept informed of health and safety developments in the workplace by the employer. As well, a designated worker member of the committee inspects the workplace at least once a month."
We currently meet the requirements for number of staff on the JHSC - however it does not represent areas of the store potential hazards exist well enough. There are currently 4 vacancies on the committee: 2- retail floor; 1- lumber yard; 1- warehouse.
If there are more volunteers than vacancies, a staff vote will be the deciding factor, or if not enough people are interested, nominations can be submitted.
For more information on Joint Health and Safety Committees, please visit the link below.
Finishing Shifts:
Please ensure you remain on site all the way to closing time. If there are customers still in the store, check with the closing supervisor before leaving, the customer may need help in your department. If you are in the lumberyard, continue to check with the lumber desk before closing up.
Hospital CT Campaign Lottery Fundraiser:
As you likely know, the SMH Foundation is doing a lottery fundraiser and we are helping out. We have agreed to take one of their digital donation units for them, so customers can tap their debit or credit cards and instantly donate $5 to the CT Campaign. The unit is at the front cash. The Foundation has also had volunteers here several weekends and may again on future weekends.
Product Showcase
We are now carrying several higher-end lines of faucets from Vigo, Kalia and Delta.
Vigo and Delta are warehoused by Home Hardware, but Kalia is a vendor-direct line we source independently. John did a terrific job merchandising all 3 them on the shelves and stand-alone displays. Have a look!
You can view the full product lines on their websites:
Mike's Cycle Count Update
With the Christmas holiday approaching, Mike realizes focusing on cycle
counting can be difficult. But as the February deadline is approaching quickly, he asks that staff please not lose focus.
At this point, we are roughly halfway through this year's inventory. We need everyone on board to achieve our deadline. We know we have limited scanners ( CK3 ) and only one base, which is an inconvenience. We plan to purchase all new equipment with the launch of our
new POS system ( Kerridge ) in the future.
In the coming days, Herb (Lumber) will be wrapping up his cycle counting, which will free up a scanner. But Val will be using a scanner for the first week or two of January to complete the
Housewares Department.
Mike asks that whenever you have down time or are looking for something to do, please ask him whether there are any cycle counts to be done. And he would like to thank everyone for their efforts so far, and wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Getting To Know You
This month's profile is Val.
My name is Val Martin. I grew up in Elmira, which is about 10 minutes north of Waterloo. I worked at Home Hardware in Elmira for 13 years. Later, I worked at RWAM Insurance for 10 years as an administrator in the Group Insurance Department.
I’ve been married to Gerry for 26 years. Yes, we got married when we were 12. 😜 We had a trailer near Port Elgin and spent a lot of time in this area on weekends. We later purchased two properties, each with 2 cottages on them, to get into the rental business.
We sold our house in Elmira and made Port Elgin our permanent residence in 2015, so we could be closer to the cottages, maintain them and look after rentals, and also because we love this area. We just sold them this summer, after owning them for 10 years.
I started working at Port Elgin HH in 2015, when we moved here. I enjoy my job and getting to know you all and working with you.
Fun fact: my Dad worked at Home Hardware head office for 40 years so Home Hardware has always been in my blood. 😍
Staff Update
We are happy to be welcoming back Martin to the store as Seasonal Department Head. He will be starting on January 10th.
Martin took over the seasonal department at the brand Komoka Home Hardware Building Centre, and then moved on to their sister store in St. Thomas - Geerlinks Home Hardware Building Centre. Though he enjoyed these new opportunities, Martin has missed living in the area (and working with all of us).
While the house hunt is still on - Martin is happy to know he will soon call somewhere in Grey/Bruce home again.
Ugly Sweaters
Staff are encouraged to wear Ugly Sweaters until Christmas. The uglier, the better!
Holiday Hours
We will be closing Christmas Eve at 3pm, closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, open again Monday, Dec 27 at 8am. We will also be closing New Years Eve at 4pm, closed New Years Day, and open again on Sunday, Jan 2 at 9am.
Merry Christmas
As we head into the last couple weeks of 2021, we thought it was important to reflect on the year we have had and how incredibly vital you have all been.
We want to thank everyone for being a part of overcoming some of the most difficult challenges many of us have experienced in our lifetimes. During this seemingly never-ending pandemic, we have all overcome both personal challenges, and a working environment that can (and did!) change at a moments notice.
Our company plays a vital role in our community, and this community has to thank each and every one of you for being there for them throughout the pandemic. Whatever challenges 2022 has in store for us, we look forward to working alongside the incredible people that make our store stand out from all the others.
We hope you are able to enjoy some quality time with loved ones over the holidays and wish you all health and happiness in 2022.
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.
- Sarah and Jeff
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