Michael J. Knell — Furniture Today,
ST-HYACINTHE, Quebec — Cantrex Group’s annual convention for its Quebec-based members this month will include an educational


program, a mini-market and an evening gala where the member and suppliers of the year will be recognized.

The event will take place Sept. 24 and 25 at the Hôtel des Seigneurs resort here.

Pierre Vezina, Cantrex general manager of furniture, bedding and appliances, said that in prior years the event was held in conjunction with the Salon du Meuble de Québec, which was cancelled earlier this year.

“This will be a good opportunity for our suppliers to meet with our members,” said Vezina. He said he expects about 50 member stores to attend, and about 35 furniture and bedding suppliers to show at the mini-market.

Three prominent Quebec consultants and academics will speak at the conference, whose theme will be “Impose the Rhythm.”

Jean-François Grenier, an assistant business professor at the Université de Montréal, will speak on the current and future state of the furniture and appliance market in Quebec. He is a marketing expert and a pioneer in the computerized spatial analysis of Quebec’s retail industry.

Human resources consultant and author Carol Allain, who has advised more than 400 businesses, will tell how retailers can develop skills and knowledge among their employees.

A lawyer by training, Diane Fichaud is principal of a human resources consulting firm that specializes in retail. She will focus on the creation and maintenance of customer service through what she describes as “intrapreneurial skills” — the fusion between store operations and human resources.

There won’t be a similar event for Cantrex members from Ontario, Western and Atlantic Canada this year, although Vezina said one probably will take place in the spring.

“We’re also thinking about putting together a national convention next year where we’ll bring everyone together,” he said.