Operator Semi-Annual Update
The FDFA previously announced to the FDFA members throughout 2010 to hold the dates for a potential semi-annual meeting to be held in Ottawa from April 11th to 14th, 2011. As noted in previous communications, the FDFA Board made a decision to tentatively request our members to hold the date until the Board determines whether we have enough valid agenda items to warrant our members coming to a live semi-annual meeting. We continue to respectfully request our operator members hold the April dates noted above.
The FDFA will confirm to our operator's mid-February whether or not the semi-annual meeting will be confirmed or not take place. Again, the board will discuss the semi-annual meeting at the upcoming live board meeting in Mississauga.
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FDFA Bag Program (Eco and Plastic Bag) Update:
All FDFA Operator members will be receiving your eco and plastic bag order forms in mid to late February 2011. We are happy to report that the plastic and eco bags sold out last year and we thank you for your ongoing support of this FDFA initiative.
The new bags will all feature the new national duty free logo and tag line. For those members who want a customized logo or image on the Eco-Bags (not available on plastic), please note that you can still request these customized orders from the FDFA.
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Strategic Review Update
As noted in previous FDFA and Duty Free media outlets, the FDFA is currently in discussions with CBSA regarding the Strategic Review and its future impact on the Canadian Duty Free Industry. What is the Strategic Review? All government programs are reviewed on a regular cycle to ensure they are effective and efficient, that they respond to the priorities of Canadians and that they are in line with core federal responsibilities. This ensures that funding is allocated to programs that are a high priority for Canadians and that these programs produce results.
Since CBSA is currently undergoing this Strategic Review process, the Canadian Duty Free Industry and its current regulations are being re-examined within this process. As such, the FDFA and CBSA have developed a formalized working group to ensure continuous dialogue. Our goal is to ensure that our industry pillars remain in tact and to ensure that decisions made in relation to streamlining of the program are done in a manner to create greater efficiencies and less administrative oversight that do not unduly impact our store's operational activities.
This government relations issue is the top priority for the FDFA at this time, and we will continue to apprise our members of any critical updates as these discussions continue.
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Store and Member Updates:
IGL Recognizes Longstanding Employee Service
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| Paul St. Hilaire & Pierre Guay |
Francine Giroux & Pierre Guay |
Barbara Duteau & Pierre Guay |
Janice Ellerton & Pierre Guay |
On December 11th, 2010, Pierre Guay of Importations Guay Ltee (IGL) presented honorary plaques to four of his employees, in recognition of their longstanding and outstanding service.
During the IGL Christmas party at the Hotel St. Bernard Best Western, Mr. Guay recognized the following individuals:
Paul St. Hilaire: 50 years of service
Mr. Hilaire has worked for Mr. Pierre Guay and Pierre's parents (Leopold & Jeannette Guay) for 50 years in a variety of their businesses, including the IGL Duty Free Store. Mr. Hilaire is considered IGL's key point person, who does everything from the warehouse to outside maintenance.
Francine Giroux: 40 years of service
Ms. Giroux also has worked for the Guay family for an incredible period of time. She is currently working at IGL as a fragrance sales representative.
Barbara Duteau: 25 years of service
Ms. Duteau works at IGL in many roles including that of warehouse
coordinator and general floor sales.
Janice Ellerton: 25 years of service
Janice Ellerton works at IGL in the roles of administration, office management and buyer (confectionary, souvenirs and travel items).
On behalf of the FDFA, we congratulate all of IGL's employees for their hard work and dedication to the industry. We commend each of these employees for their longstanding service to the industry and their wonderful working relationship with the Guay family.
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Philip Eckles and Aer Rianta International Award Recognition:
Philip Eckles
The FDFA would like to formally recognize the outstanding efforts and dedication of Philip Eckles, who announced his departure from his role as Regional Manager of N.A. and the Caribbean in November 2010. Philip was in his role as Regional Manager for six years. Philip has transferred to Bahrain to head up Aer Rianta International's Middle East operations – which is a fantastic opportunity for Philip and we wish him our very best in his new role.
Additionally, the FDFA would like to congratulate Aer Rianta International (North America) Inc. who won the Airport Retailer of the Year at the TFWA's Frontier Awards in Cannes this past October 2010. This type of winning achievement certainly adds to the positive image of the Canadian Duty Free Industry.
Click here to see Moodie Report Article on Aer Rianta International 's Award
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Peter Raju receives Royal Bank of Canada / Mehfil Magazine Award
Peter Raju |
Peter Raju was recognized in October 2010 for his achievements in Canada at hte RBC Hehfil Magazine Gala.
Peter, who immigrated to Canada in 1975, was recognized for having built one of the largest land border duty free shops, which currently ranks #2 out of 162 land border operations throughout the world.
The RBC Mehfil Magazine presented Peter with the 2010 Corporate Excellence Award. The award recognizes individuals from the Indo-Canadian community who have not only excelled in their professions, but are examples of what it takes to achieve excellence. The RBC Mehfil Magazine Awards are given to inspire the community by raising the profile of Indo-Canadians.
The award presentation took place at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010. Other recipients included, former Attorney General and MLA, Wally Oppal, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards also recognized community leaders in the fields of academics, culture, community, arts, sports, research innovation and India-Canada trade.
On behalf of the FDFA, we congratulate Peter Raju on receiving such a prestigious honour.
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North Portal Duty Free – Congratulations to Lauren and Warren Packer
Elizabeth Anne Packer |
After the FDFA Convention, Gene and Cathy Davis received the most wonderful news! They became first time grandparents on November 23rd, 2010.
Gene and Cathy's daughter Lauren and her husband Warren Packer welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Elizabeth Anne (Ellie). Ellie was born at 11: 34 and weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces.
The family is doing wonderfully and little Ellie is clearly the apple of her family's eyes.
FDFA 25th Annual Convention – Niagara Falls – November 2010
 The FDFA would like to once again thank all of our delegates for attending this year's 25th Anniversary Annual Convention, held in Niagara Falls – November 2010. This year's convention was a very special convention for the FDFA, in light of the historic milestone that the industry celebrated. The FDFA sincerely appreciated everyone's support and the overwhelming positive response we received for the various events, initiatives and special details that the Convention Committee created to make the convention memorable.
Once again, if you require information pertaining to our Gold Standards Winners, photos of the gala, a copy of the convention video, or additional copies of the convention directory, please contact Laurie Karson at the FDFA lkarson@fdfa.ca or Allison Boucher at aboucher@fdfa.ca.
On behalf of the FDFA Board of Directors, we would once again like to thank our convention sponsors for their ongoing support of our industry:
 click here for convention sponsor PDF
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Future FDFA Communiqué Dates to Remember for 2011:
Upcoming FDFA Communiqué Release dates for 2011 are:
2011
May 11th
August 17th
December 14th – Post Convention Newsletter
If you have an idea for an article, or would like to tell us about something of interest to all duty free FDFA members, please contact Laurie Karson at lkarson@fdfa.ca. Your feedback is important.
Gold Sponsors:
 
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