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FDFA National Marketing Initiative – 50,000 Unique Web Visitors and counting...

In February 2011, the FDFA launched its first national website with the objective of creating greater awareness of the Canadian Land Border Duty Free Industry. The new website allows our customers to access information on all of our participating stores, and provides each customer with key information on border facts, allowances, and the savings they can garner shopping at Canadian duty free stores.

Since the launch, the website has now received more than 50,000 unique web visitors to the site! Additionally, the national marketing program has created many new and exciting initiatives to drive web traffic and increase our overall visibility. We realize that as an industry, we have to be forward thinking and progressive with this fast paced world of technology – in order to reach out to our existing and new customers. The FDFA is currently working with Beakbane Retail Connections of Toronto to develop all of our marketing initiatives and programs.

It is important to note that the development of this new website and its initiatives is not to act as the sole marketing arm for the duty free stores, but has been created to develop a consolidated brand and messaging of our industry. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that Canadians understand that when cross border shopping that they can shop at Canadian land border duty free stores before going to the U.S.. However, it is important to note that our stores will continue with their own respective marketing efforts, and the national marketing goal is to reach out to the national customer and augment our store's respective marketing efforts in a positive manner.

As a FDFA member, we strongly encourage each of our FDFA members to go on line and view our website at www.dutyfreecanada.com. You will note that this website is mainly targeted at the Canadian consumer, which is the majority of the Canadian land border duty free customer demographic.

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Some of Our National Marketing Achievements Since February 2011

Facebook – look for our national duty free page by typing in the search term DUTY FREE CANADA. We encourage you as a member to view our facebook page and certainly "LIKE" us on Facebook. We currently have over 1400 Likes to our facebook page...and counting.

Twitter – this is a new initiative and we are beginning to tweet all about duty free specials, promotions, upcoming regional events, etc. If you are a member who feels that there is something we should be "tweeting" about – please let the FDFA know. The FDFA also recently held its first operator Twitter Webinar to teach our store owners/operators how to utilize this technology to drive their own store's social networking programs. This webinar and follow up presentation is available to all members via the FDFA Members Only Website under Professional Development.

First National Contest – What is your Travel Character? This past summer, we developed our first online customer contest which resulted in a huge spike in our web traffic – in one day of the contest we had over 2,000 visits to the website. The winner of this contest ($1,000 duty free shopping spree) went to Kristen Duever of London, Ontario (pictured left). Kristen won both the Facebook and Online contests.

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In November 2010, Abe Taqtaq of Windsor Tunnel Duty Free was elected as President of the Frontier Duty Free Association for a two-year term. The FDFA asked Abe to provide to our members some of his insights and perspectives of key issues and opportunities facing the duty free industry.

· Since you were elected President of the FDFA last November 2010, how have you been enjoying your new role and responsibilities?

I have been enjoying the role a great deal. The role of president of the FDFA has been one of many challenges and at the same time a learning experience for me. In my capacity as President I have come to appreciate the complexities of our industry and the difficulty of representing and managing the different opinions at the same time keeping the big picture in mind of strengthening and improving our industry well into the future. I look forward to another year serving the industry and the FDFA.

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Strategic Review – FDFA's Continued Dialogue with Government Officials

The number one priority for the FDFA this past 2010/2011 year has been the continued dialogue with CBSA regarding the Strategic Review.

As with other trade associations, the FDFA's core and most significant member benefit is our government relations efforts. Therefore, presenting our industry to government officials as a consolidated and cohesive unit ensures that we are recognized as a strong and economically important industry not only in border communities around the country but within Canada as a whole.

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Convention 2011 – Celebrations and Business on the Horizon in Niagara Falls

The FDFA is excited to be welcoming all of our delegates at the upcoming 26th Annual Convention being held in Niagara Falls at the beautiful Hilton Hotel.

If you haven't registered yet, and are planning or considering attending, there are still suites available in the prestigious North Tower of the hotel.

Some key facts that you may want to consider before attending this year's show:

• Trade floor booths are now officially sold out. However, new supplier members can still apply to present your products at the show via our special new member suites program.
• Welcome Reception on Sunday, November 13th – Don't forget that we will have our annual Child Find Canada Silent Auction/Penny Auction with fantastic products to bid on – great for Christmas which is around the corner. We also will have an old school photo booth (nominal donations requested for Child Find) that will allow you and your colleagues to take some great photos!
• TFWA Luncheon on Monday, November 14th – Host Mr. Erik Juul-Mortensen, President of TWFA will be hosting the official convention kick-off luncheon.
• Pernod Ricard and Labatt Hospitality Lounge on Monday, November 14th starting at 10:00pm to 1:00am on the 16th floor of the hotel. Be sure to join everyone for a drink at this terrific networking/social event! The hospitality lounge opens its doors again after the Imperial Gala concludes on Wednesday, November 16th at approx. 10:30pm – again, the lounge will be located on the 16th Floor.
• Tuesday, November 15th – Keynote Speaker – Mr. Doug Stephens will be speaking at lunch on the importance of social networking for your business and how to develop programs that are effective and measurable. This is a presentation that is not to be missed!
• Reminder – No official Fun Night this year
• Imperial Gala on Wednesday, November 16th – this year the gala will continue with its high end conclusion to the convention with wonderful gourmet dinner and celebrations. This year, our photographer will also have a special section reserved for group or couple photos that can be purchased after the convention.

• Who's Here? – if you would like to know who is registered for the convention, simply go to the FDFA Convention site where you will find the Who's Here page that is updated weekly which lists all registered delegates.
• Buyer's Guide 2011 – Would you like to know who the 2011 store buyers are for the specific product categories? Look no further – you can access this consolidated document on the convention website on the Convention Trade Floor & Suites page under supplier documents.
• Member's Benefit – Don't forget that internet for all convention delegates within your Hilton Hotel rooms is complimentary and parking for all convention delegates is offered at a discounted rate (50% discounted rate) of only $10.00 per day!
• Breakfast Update – On the Monday and Wednesday of the convention, the breakfast (part of the meal package) will offer lighter and healthier breakfast options, with a full scale breakfast service on the Tuesday of the convention. You will have noted lower meal ticket prices this year as a result of this decision.

For all convention information, please go to the FDFA website at www.fdfa.ca – under the member's only site. If you have difficulties accessing the member's only site, pls. contact Allison Boucher at 613-688-9788 or at aboucher@fdfa.ca or lkarson@fdfa.ca.

On behalf of the FDFA Board of Directors, we would like to thank our hard working FDFA Convention Committee for their year long efforts and dedication in the development of the convention. Thank you to Chris Foster, Chair, Steve Richardson, Jim Pearce, Sherri Isherwood, Allison Boucher, Phil Case and Laurie Karson.

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Doug Waldie Scholarship Program – Evolving the Program

In 2006, the FDFA launched the first student scholarship program to recognize the achievements of our student employee demographic. We named the scholarship program after Doug Waldie, who is one of the pioneers of the Canadian Land Border Duty Free Industry and former Director at CBSA. These previous student award winners and their submissions can be viewed via the FDFA Members Only site

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North Portal Duty Free Shop Summer 2011 Challenges and a Bright Fall Ahead

Since the recent FDFA store tour to North Portal, Saskatchewan in May 2011, Gene Davis and his family have had many challenges to face with their store operations and declining customer business. As many of our members know, this past Summer Saskatchewan faced massive flooding in many parts of the province. Specifically, in the Estevan, Saskatchewan region, the flooding began in June causing road and bridge closings across the area. In Minot, North Dakota 4200 homes and businesses were destroyed due to the flooding.

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Abbotsford Duty Free – Employee Recognition and Update

After 11 years in the Duty Free industry Bonnie Hawk has decided that she is retiring. Her last official day will be Sept 16th, 2011. After her recent wedding Bonnie has decided to live between White Rock BC and Mesa AZ. On behalf of Abbotsford Duty Free, the Dickinson Family would like to thank Bonnie for her hard work and dedication to their store operations. They wish Bonnie and her family the best in their future endeavors.

Bonnie's replacement is Ross Castell. Ross brings over 20 years experience as a buyer, product developer and brand manager. His past professional experiences have been with the UBC book Store as a buyer, Coty Fragrances as a Brand Ambassador and a Visual Merchandiser for Counter Intelligence. Ross will be attending the upcoming Convention in Niagara Falls and is looking forward to meeting everyone within the industry.

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Upcoming FDFA Operator Semi-Annual Meeting – San Francisco:

For the upcoming 2012 FDFA Owner/Operator Semi-Annual meeting, the meeting this year will be held in San Francisco, California on Saturday, February 18th. The annual FDFA Semi-Annual meeting is an all operator/owner meeting to discuss key priorities within the industry and is held during a one day meeting, with a pre-dinner the evening before the meeting.

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New 2011 FDFA Supplier Members

Please join the FDFA in welcoming our newest FDFA Supplier members. You will note below that we have indicated whether or not these suppliers will be attending the upcoming convention and if so, where these suppliers will be located i.e. trade floor or suites.

New Member – Samtack (not attending this year's Convention)

Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Samtack is a leading distributor of personal computers, components, peripherals, multimedia products and consumer electronics to thousands of resellers, VARS, systems integrators, national and regional retailers, and consultants across the globe. The company's products are widely used in a variety of markets including government, education, business and home environments.
Location: Markham, Ontario
Business Phone Number: 1-905-940-1880
Email: ken.tse@samtack.com
Contact: Ken Tse – Account Manager

New Member – Brown Forman Canada (In a suite at the Convention)

Brown-Forman is a diversified producer of fine quality consumer products. It was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown in Louisville, KY, U.S. His original brand, Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, was America's first bottled bourbon and remains one of Brown-Forman's finest brands today.

Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and among the top 10 largest global spirits companies, sells its brands in more than 135 countries and has offices in cities across the globe. In all, Brown-Forman has more than 25 brands in its portfolio of wines and spirits.

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Business Phone Number: 1-416-847-0945
Email: jbreckon@bfcanada.ca
Contact: John Breckon – National SalesDirector

 
New Member – Opticaset Inc. (not attending this year's Convention)

TOXIC is the rapidly growing brand of sunglasses owned by Opticaset Inc., a Canadian company since 1982.

In 1998 Opticaset launched the Toxic brand, a high fashion, elegantly designed, quality sunglasses line, sold at very affordable price points. Toxic's smart design contains different styles that can be worn for all occasions.

The brand development is credited to the brilliant design team of Opticaset. This team is the driving force for this highly styled, quality line. Toxic is a national brand that continues to grow worldwide. Retailers and optometrists are extremely happy with the sell-through of Toxic sunglasses. Toxic's fashionable frames, bold colors, and unique styles are always state of art.

Location: Royal Mount Quebec
Business Phone Number: 1-514-739-6993
Email: opticaset@gmail.com
Contact: David Ifrah – Vice President

New Member – WFH Travel Retail Inc. (In a Suite at the Convention)

WFH Travel Retail Inc. has been in business since October of 2008 working in a consulting role with IntraBrands. The company was founded by Bill Harvey after a 30 year career with Andrew Peller Ltd.

WFH Travel Retail is now working independently representing a new duty free exclusive product line under the G. Marquis label. This is a premium Icewine/Table Wine portfolio of VQA and blended wines produced and bottled by Magnotta Winery which is the third largest winery in Canada.

WFH also represents Scorpio Distributors based out of the UK. Again representing a duty free exclusive line of products including Aviator & Avalanche fashion watches, Pierre Cardin Jewellery and "Just" Plush toys.

The objective of WFH is to provide products and service that enables the Duty Free Retailer to provide value and luxury brands to their customers.

I look forward to meeting with you at the upcoming FDFA Show in Niagara Falls.

Location: Vineland, Ontario
Business Phone Number: 1-905-562-4425
Email: billharvey@wfhtravelretail.com
Contact: Bill Harvey - President

New Member – RSM International (on Trade Floor at the Convention)

RSM INTERNATIONAL under the new management is embarking to become the leader in its trade, once again, by revitalizing the overall tourism industry through its new unique and modern style fashion products.  Our ultimate goal is to entice your customers by bringing fresh creations and designs into vibrant styles and colors which will enhance the face of overall retail Souvenir Industry.

 RSM INTERNATIONAL, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of souvenirs, apparel and Canadian made apparel products, is committed to open new markets for its customers through its dynamic inventions in the gifts and Souvenir Industry.  We are confident that our products would undoubtedly bring you customers and unprecedented sales for your stores.

Location: Pointe Claire Quebec
Business Phone Number: 1-514-739-3127
Email: abie@rsmintl.com
Contact: Abie Fareed – Owner

New Member – Horizon International Duty Free (In a Suite at the Convention)

January 31, 2011 José B. Chao announced the official launch of Horizon International Duty Free, which will represent premium brands in traditional travel retail channels.  Chao, a 12-year veteran of the world-wide duty free industry, brings his expertise to promoting both established and developing brands as President of the new company, which will represent categories including wines and spirits, cigarettes, confections, beauty, and accessories, primarily in the Americas but also globally.
Horizon International Duty Free can serve brands as agent, distributor, and/or marketing consultant.  In addition, Horizon provides complete logistics services — including customs clearance, bonded warehousing, and real-time inventory tracking — making it one of the few truly integrated travel retail companies.

Location: Doral Florida
Business Phone Number: 1-305-716-9993
Email: jchao@horizonintdf.com
Contact: Jose B. Chao - President

Supplier Member Company – Formerly Foster's Wines is now Treasury Wine Estates (on Trade Floor at the Convention)

Foster's Wines which joined the FDFA as a Supplier Member in 2006 is now Treasury Wine Estates. For information on their products, please visit their booth to sample their wines at the upcoming Convention or contact Krista Ditchburn at her coordinates below.

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Business Phone Number: 1-416-504-3830
Email: Krista.nicholson-ditchburn@tweglobal.com
Contact: Krista Ditchburn – National Corporate Account Manger – Canada
www.tweglobal.com

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For comments and/or questions contact:

Laurie Karson – Executive Director
lkarson@fdfa.ca
www.fdfa.ca   www.dutyfreecanada.com