Cantrex presents awards at annual convention, show
Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, October 20, 2008
MONTREAL — Cantrex's recent national convention and trade show here wasn't all business. More than 500 people gathered for a gala dinner to renew old friendships and celebrate excellence, on the part of both retailers and their vendor partners.
Three members were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Each has been a Cantrex member for at least 10 years, has supported the buying group's programs, and has a record of community involvement.
Winning the lifetime achievement award in the furniture, mattress and appliance division was Jean Spain, owner of Spain Ltée, a three-store operation in La Tuque, Quebec.
In the floor covering division, the award went to Jim Campbell of United Carpet (Victoria) in Victoria, British Columbia. In consumer electronics, the recipient was Jacques Dumoulin of Group Dumoulin, which operates 100 stores under the Dumoulin and Audiotronic banners.
Each division also awarded a Member Recognition Award, which is based on growth in purchases made through the group, participation in programs and events and improvements to their store.
Winning in the furniture division was Daniel Vallée and Nicole Deschaies of Ameublesment Larochelle of Victoriaville, Quebec.
George Mudge of Mudge's Appliances Ltd. of St. Thomas, Ontario was the honouree in the appliance division.
In the bedding/mattress division, the winners were Tracy and Myrna McDiarmid of Mattress Mattress (Saskatchewan), based in Regina, Saskatchewan.
In the electronics division, the award went to Bertrand Bergeron of La Clef de Sol of Quebec City, and in flooring the award went to Brian Cluett of Sears Floor Covering Centre/Ralph Connor Ltd. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Moncton, New Brunswick.
Cantrex also recognized seven vendors for their contributions over the past year. In furniture, the award went to upholstery specialist El Ran, while Simmons Canada was recognized in the mattress category.
Other winners were Electrolux/Frigidaire in appliances, Nikon Canada in photography, Panasonic Canada in consumer electronics, Beaulieu Canada in floor coverings and Comerco in service.
