Local MeetUps – Ontario

CKCA Local MeetUps – Ontario – Mississauga

Here’s what we’ve lined up so far for Ontario this year and watch this space for future events!

Thanks to our MeetUp Champions Marathon Hardware (March) and Blum Canada (June – date TBA) 

Program Details and link to Register:

Marathon Hardware – Mississauga – March 6, 2025

 

 

Blum Canada – Mississauga – June, 2025 (Registration and details May 2025

CKCA Local MeetUp  2024 – Ontario – Our first Ontario Local MeetUp was a hit!

Oakville, ON – June 13, 2024

We welcomed over 30 attendees to a local meetup at Woodoer in Oakville on June 13, 2024. We received great feedback that the event was worthwhile and lots of valuable conversations were had.

Here’s what local meetup champion, Alain Albert of Wooder had to say:

“It aligns with our commitment to fostering community and collaboration within the industry. A meetup provides a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and discussing industry trends and challenges. We believe that coming together helps drive innovation and growth for everyone.”

These local gatherings are a way to connect industry for a few hours in a geographic area that is easy to reach. We plan to do more of these in Ontario. If you would like a meetup in your area, be sure to contact sandra@ckca.ca.

Thanks to our MeetUp Sponsor:

Thanks to our CKCA Local MeetUp Champion – Woodoer

 

 

Agenda:

  • 4:30 – 4:45 PM – Introductions and Welcome from CKCA, Woodoer and CNC Automation
  • 4:45 PM – Tour at Woodoer
  • 5:30 – 6:30 PM – Themed discussion (Topic: Changing the layout of your shop – Presented by Alain Albert at Woodoer who has just gone through this process!).
  • 6:30 PM – Enjoy some food & refreshments 
  • 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Roundtable discussions and  networking

 

Cripps and Sons is not deterred but determined!

We were pleased to see a social media post by CKCA member Cripps and Sons of Waugh’s River, Nova Scotia about a meeting they had with their provincial Premier. They got our attention as we continue to encourage our industry to reach out to your political representatives on matters impacting your business. We spoke with Margaret Cripps about what her company did and she was pleased to allow us to share this inspiring story with you.

This small business in the heart of Nova Scotia is a shining example of innovation and determination and we commend them for their passion and commitment to their business. There are so many businesses in Canada like Cripps and Sons and this is why we are also passionate about speaking up on behalf of our members and it’s also why CKCA partners with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Small business is the backbone of the Canadian economy and we encourage consumers to buy from Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturers. It is not easy running a small business these days, there are many issues facing the industry including labour shortages, technology affordability, trade and competitiveness plus small business must deal with a lot of regulation at all levels of Government. It’s encouraging to see a small company not deterred, but rather determined!

Enough from us, over to you Margaret:

Over the course of the last few months Cripps and Sons has been working with a Gov’t employee through Invest NS to nail down some rebate programs we’re eligible for our operation. As I’m sure many are aware, anything like this comes with a decent amount of paperwork. We worked diligently to get our documentation all in a row to then find out that other larger multinational corporations had successfully gobbled up all the majority of finances without giving small NS businesses a fair opportunity. Although there are no stipulations against this for the multinational corps, it made no sense why the NS Gov’t would put $millions on the table to feed out-of-province based businesses. Don’t get us wrong, there is still a lot of job creation provided by some of these outfits and there should be equal chance. We’ve also been working to sort out paperwork to bring in overseas employees to help with the lack of skilled workers in our area. Through this process we were blindsided by some major setbacks, only to find out that as much effort as we were putting into it all, there was no municipal rep to help us. We had to track down a rep from a neighbouring municipality to give us some direction. We’ve been slightly disappointed by the turns these had taken but persevered through it all, but not as upset as our rep who had spent a lot of time and effort to help lots of small businesses who are all in the same boat.

We have an awesome relationship with this rep, so we all decided we get some officials involved to get some insight into this and make them aware of the downfall of the programs and the lack of representation.

At the first meeting, on the Tuesday, we had Tom Taggart, our MLA, and Mike Gregory, our local councillor visit our workshop. We’ve worked with Tom in the past and Mike is a great local rep who loves innovation and rural NS. Tom has a background in the woodworking industry and was taken back by what we’re striving for and where we’re hoping to go. As Tom was on the road with Tim the coming Friday, he wanted to make sure we addressed to the Premier the issues we were having and to take a look at what rural NS has to offer. As a side note – we’re working on a project in Tim’s neighbourhood and he had been told by a friend, the contractor, that if he’s visiting our area,  he must stop in to see us. Tim mentioned we were on his list of places to visit in our area before our MLA told him they were coming here – kinda cool!

During the Premier’s visit we gave him a first hand look around the shop and showed him some of our unique equipment including a prototype fastener insertion machine, currently the only one in the world, the only edgebander east of Toronto with a specific patented technology, and showed Tim what makes our cabinets just a little different. We were able to show him the pride we have in our family-run operation, the quality of the work that comes from our building as well as the dedication and innovation that drives rural NS businesses. As two of the youngest Red Seal Cabinetmakers in Nova Scotia we explained  how we’re working closely with Apprenticeship NS to help create a cabinetmaker apprenticeship and discussed the number of NSCC Cabinetmaker students we offer work placements to in order to encourage young people in the trade. We were able to have a great chat about the issues we’ve been having, not only as a rural cabinetmaking business but also as a generic small business in NS. We discussed program changes and other options that would create an equilibrium of all businesses within our province.

Whether some of this comes to fruition is unknown, but having the opportunity to have an honest and open discussion with the Premier about some programs that, when slightly altered, could make a massive impact on the effectiveness of the outcome for many small businesses in NS,  the Premier was genuinely impressed by what we have in our hands and we’re hoping that the ripple effect will be greater spread around the province. We didn’t realise this would get the massive amount of publicity it’s turned in to, but would definitely recommend inviting or meeting local politicians so they can see and hear our industry concerns first hand.

One thing we must remember is that we’re a huge part of the building sector. With the rising population around the country, the only way people are going to have their homes filled with cabinetry is to recognise the people behind that part of the process. All of us. Being able to harness programs put in place for Canadian businesses to succeed allows us all, coast to coast, to work together to create a level of quality known as purely Canadian.

Margaret – we couldn’t have said it any better than you. Well done to Cripps and Sons for your work in this area. You are inspiring and we look forward to hearing how this evolves in the future. It is a great example of what a tour of a shop can accomplish. Many people do not know much about the cabinet industry, so that’s why we encourage companies to send out those invites and help your politicians at all levels better understand what you do, how you do it and why you need their support through policy and process.

Note:  CKCA members can access the CKCA Advocacy Kit. This kit contains important industry data that you can share with your guests that further explains what our industry is all about. This tool was created by industry for industry to use. Reach out to us at info@ckca.ca if you would like more information and to receive this free kit.

CKCA Welcomes 2024/2025 Board of Directors

PDF Version here»

ANNOUNCEMENT

June 20, 2024

 CKCA Members Elect 2024/2025 Board of Directors

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association held their 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday,

June 20 at 1pm (ET) via Zoom.

Members voted to elect by acclamation the Board of Directors for 2024/2025. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the newly acclaimed and Board then appointed the Executive Officers.  We are pleased to provide the following update:

Executive:

As Directors, these representatives also hold executive officer roles.

  • Amrita Bhogal, Sunrise Kitchens – President (Continues second term as Director and newly appointed as President for two years)
  • Luke Elias, Muskoka Cabinet Company – Vice-President (Continues second term as Director and newly appointed as Vice-President for two years)
  • James Dewinetz, Pacific Rim Cabinets – Treasurer (Continues third term as Director and as Treasurer)
  •  Pete Fournier, Triangle Kitchen – Past-President (Continues third term as Director and first year of a two-year term as Past President)
  •  Sandra Wood, CKCA Staff – Secretary (Annual appointment)

Directors:

Terms of office are 3 years and may run for 3 consecutive terms.

  • Rick Hurst, Richelieu Hardware – Director (Begins first of term)
  • James McKenna, Glenwood Kitchen – Director (Begins first term)
  • Trevor Chaulk, Chaulk Woodworking – Director (Continues first term)
  • Craig Atkinson, Marathon Hardware – Director (Begins second term)
  • Joerg Brauns, Cyncly – Director (Begins second term))
  • Giuseppe Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens – Director (Begins second term)
  • Heidi Boudreault, Denca Cabinets – Director (Continues third term)
  • Chris Havey, CNC Automation – Director (Continues first term)
  • Gerald Van Woudenberg, Van Arbour Design – Director (Begins third term)

CKCA would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank departing Board members Varun Gajendran, Lucvaa Kitchens who served for 6 years and Earl Ducharme, Hafele Canada who served for 3 years. Through their continued support, CKCA has been able to deliver more programs and services to the membership.

Link to Board members photos and bios can be found here.

Amarita Bhogal headshotCKCA President, Amrita Bhogal says:

 “CKCA continues to evolve as the national voice for the industry. The CKCA Board are committed to representing the interests of the membership. We believe the Canadian industry is innovative and embraces a skilled and talented workforce that is an integral part of the Canadian housing industry. We are proud of what we do, and we love what we do. As your newly appointed President, I look forward to continuing the amazing work that my colleague, Pete Fournier has done to lead this organization and I look forward to working with Luke Elias, Vice-President and the Board on the many important initiatives we have underway that support our industry.”

The CKCA National Forum will be held October 2 – October 4 in Winnipeg, MB. Registration opens this summer.

CKCA established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

613-493-5858

sandra@ckca.ca

Mobel Cabinetry wins CSR award

A proud moment for CKCA member, Mobel Cabinetry who were recently honored with the CSR Excellence Awards organised by the Canadian SME Business Awards. We congratulate them for this achievement and are always pleased to celebrate what our members do in their communities.

Here is their announcement:

This accolade recognizes Mobel’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and its impactful initiatives that contribute to the betterment of communities.

The CSR Excellence Award is a testament to Mobel’s dedication to integrating social considerations into its business operations. This prestigious accolade recognizes organizations that go beyond traditional business practices to create a positive and sustainable impact on society, the environment, and the communities in which they operate.

“We are deeply honored to receive the CSR Excellence Award,” said Rick Sihra, CEO of Mobel. “This recognition underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on society. At Mobel, we believe that business success goes hand in hand with social responsibility. We will continue to drive initiatives that promote sustainability, support communities, and enhance the well-being of our stakeholders.”

The award was presented at the annual CSR Awards Gala, organised by CanadianSME Business Awards and sponsored by Google Canada, RBC, UPS, Xero, Constant Contact, IHG, HP and Samsung.  It was hosted by Tony Chapman and Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business of Canada and Hon. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business  attended the event. Also industry leaders, and government officials, and entrepreneurs from different parts of Canada was present for this prestigious award ceremony.
As Mobel looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to create a better world through responsible business practices.

About MOBEL Cabinetry :  Mobel Cabinetry is a Hamilton, Ontario based cabinetry manufacturer. Mobel is specialised in manufacturing high quality custom cabinets and operate through the dealer network in Canada and US. Beyond its commercial success, Mobel is dedicated to corporate social responsibility, driving positive change in communities and protecting the environment. For more information please visit www.mobel.ca

Thank you.

P. Chacko John
Vice President
FUTURE KITCHEN & BATHS LTD.
+1 365- 778-6199
111 Brockley Drive
Hamilton, ON, L8E 3C4

Local Edmonton CKCA MeetUp – Great turnout!

CKCA continues to reach out to members and non-members across the country. When an opportunity to hold an event in Edmonton on May 9, 2024 thanks to our local meetup champion, Selen Yuen of Selenium Interiors, we couldn’t pass it up! Selene rounded up companies to attend this event and the turnout was impressive.  An evening of updates about trends coming out of Eurocucina, combined with great conversation with industry made the evening valuable for building a stronger community for the kitchen cabinet industry in the Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Selene was proud of what was accomplished at this meeting and told us:

“A good turnout with lots of energy. Richelieu did a super job of creating a warm, welcoming space with great food. They set the bar high for the next event and put CKCA in a positive, professional light. It was great to see people from the local college attend because it added extra depth to the conversations.”

Thank you Selene and thank you Richelieu for your sponsorship. You are both the reason this event was a great success.

We can’t wait to be back in Edmonton for future meetups!

 

 

Local Calgary CKCA MeetUp – Well attended!

CKCA continues to reach out to members and non-members across the country. When an opportunity to hold an event at Richelieu’s brand new distribution centre in Calgary came along we grabbed it! An evening of updates about trends coming out of Eurocucina, combined with great conversation with industry made the evening a great success. CKCA Past President and President of Denca, Heidi Boudreault, was the “local champion” who helped get this event off the ground.

Heidi was so excited about having this event she posted this on social media:

As someone deeply passionate about the cabinet industry and having served as the past CKCA president, I’m thrilled to champion this Calgary event for the CKCA Local MeetUps in Alberta. These gatherings hold special significance to me as they offer a platform to raise awareness for the CKCA and to connect with potential manufacturing members. CKCA membership warmly welcomes cabinet manufacturers, millwork manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and associates from all corners of Canada. Let’s come together to strengthen our community and shape the future of our industry. Join today at ckca.ca

Thank you Heidi and Richelieu for making this event a great success. We look forward to hosting next next meetup in Edmonton on May 9 and here’s to future meetups and all the valuable connections that are yet to be made!

 

 

CNC Automation invites you to their Prelude May 16

Are you ready to witness innovation firsthand? Before our highly anticipated open house, we’ve arranged a special prelude exclusively for you! Get an exclusive sneak peek at our cutting-edge lineup of machines fresh off the boat to Canada.

Join us for an intimate preview where you can immerse yourself in the future of our industry. Discover the latest in technology and machinery that promises to revolutionize your workflow. This is your chance to experience firsthand.

Mark your calendars and secure your spot for this unique opportunity . We’re thrilled to have you with us on this journey towards excellence.  Get ready to be amazed! ✨

Date: Thursday May  16th ( we can also accommodate Wednesday evening or Friday  with advanced notice to me please )

Location:521 Rue Leger, Riviere Beaudette, Quebec  J0P 1R0

Doors open at : 9am Thursday May 16th 2024

Please confirm by email to Jacqueline McGowan jmacgowan@cncautomation.com that you will be attending this exciting event

Partnership Opportunity with UBC’ Wood Products Co-op Program

Dear CKCA Members,

As the woodworking industry continues to evolve, finding skilled and innovative talent is essential to staying ahead of the curve. We’re excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for CKCA members to partner with the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing | CAWP at UBC Forestry Co-op Program and access a pool of talented students ready to tackle your company’s most pressing challenges.

 Why Choose UBC Co-op Students?

UBC’s Wood Products Co-op Program currently has students available for 4 or 8 month terms starting in May/June.  Students would be ideal for projects such as:

  1. Quality Control: Ensure the highest standards of quality in your products by engaging co-op students to assist in quality control measures and process improvement initiatives.
  2. Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Streamline your operations and enhance efficiency by working with students to develop and refine SOPs tailored to your company’s unique needs.
  3. Facility Layout: Optimize your workspace for maximum productivity and safety with the help of co-op students skilled in facility layout design.
  4. Production Planning and Scheduling: Improve your production processes and minimize downtime by enlisting co-op students to assist in production planning and scheduling tasks.
  5. Machinery Evaluation: Evaluate and optimize your machinery and equipment to ensure they meet your company’s production requirements and goals.

Benefits of Partnering with UBC Co-op Program:

  1. Access to Specialized Skills: Leverage the expertise of students trained in Wood Products Processing to address specific challenges and opportunities within your organization.
  2. Flexible Work Terms: Choose between 4-month and 8-month work terms to accommodate your company’s needs and project timelines.
  3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Benefit from cost-effective staffing solutions while gaining access to motivated and talented individuals eager to contribute to your company’s success.  (BC companies may qualify for Wood First Funding)

 Connect with Us:

Ready to take advantage of this exciting opportunity? Reach out to alberto.renteria@ubc.ca  to learn more about how you can partner with UBC’s Co-op Program and harness the potential of our talented students.

Let’s work together to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth within the woodworking industry!

Jason Chiu  B.Sc

Managing Director

UBC – Centre for Advanced Wood Processing

2939 – 2424 Main Mall

Vancouver, BC  Canada  V6T 1Z4

Tel: 604 822-0082

Email: jason.chiu@ubc.ca

   

Corian® Design is thrilled to offer a new pallet of aesthetics for 2024

Willis is pleased to announce the new Corian colours.

For more information or to order samples please visit www.4willis.com.

CORIAN® QUARTZ: A FRESH AND MODERN CANVAS.

Crafted in North America, the three latest Corian® Quartz aesthetics fuse fresh inspiration and timeless elegance. Influenced by the iconic and timeless looks of stone and quartzite. From homes to commercial environments, Corian® Quartz aesthetics brings the majesty of the great outdoors inside.

CORAIN® SOLID SURFACE: THESE AESTHETICS WILL MOVE YOU.

Made in America, the four latest Corian® Solid Surface aesthetics fuse manufacturing technology and timeless elegance. Inspired by the timeless, majestic, and awe-inspiring beauty of nature, the latest colours bring captivating style to any environment. And with the inclusion of colours manufactured with recycled content, the latest aesthetics from Corian® Solid Surface can make a positive impact on every design and the environment.