March 7, 2017 – Bestbuy Distributors’ 63rd Annual General Meeting for Shareholders was held in Toronto on February 24th, 2017. The two-day event brought together Bestbuy members from across Canada and vendors from across North America to attend meetings and networking events.
Comedian Derek Edwards
A highlight of the AGM was the gala dinner and show. There was a strong turnout and the crowd was enamored with Canadian comedian Derek Edwards. As Rick Mercer says, “Everyone knows Derek is the funniest man in Canada.” He had the crowd roaring with laughter.
Shareholders from across Canada reacclaimed their 2017 Board of Directors. Bestbuy’s returning board is Chair Douglas Squires of Colonial Auto Parts and APM Limited; Vice Chair Brad Nahorney, Sapphire Auto (IDL); Secretary/Treasurer Gary Thibault, The Partsman; Gino Morelli, Pièces d’auto G.C.M.; Rob Dow, Jack Dow Auto; Scott Anderson, Peterborough Automotive; Andre Dimopoulos, Dorval Auto Parts; and Doug Wilson, Fat Guys Auto Parts.
President, Jeff Van de Sande and Chair Douglas Squires had the honour of announcing and presenting the 2016 Horace J. Pratt Award (Supplier of the Year) and three new vendor awards. ProMax Auto Parts Depot was the recipient of the prestigious Horace J. Pratt in recognition of their excellence in service, sales performance and support as voted by the Bestbuy members. Ramzi Yako, Sam Yako and Doug Curliss were on hand to accept the award.
Promax accepts Horace J. Pratt Vendor of the Year award.
Three new vendor award categories were introduced to demonstrate the importance of strong partner relationships between Bestbuy and the supplier community. The Cornerstone Partner Award was presented to Interstate Batteries, Marketing Partner Award was received by G2S Equipment and the Rising Star Partner Award went to Spectra Premium Industries.
Cornerstone Partner Award – Interstate Batteries
Marketing Partner Award – G2S
Rising Star Award – Spectra Premium
The organization also presented its annual contribution to support The Family Heart Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children in the amount of $25,000.00. Dr. Robert Hamilton, Director of Cardiology was on-hand to accept the donation. Bestbuy has been supporting this worthy cause since 1986 and has contributed close to $800,000.00 to-date.
Presenting cheque to The Family Heart Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children
During the evening, Bestbuy had the pleasure of formally welcoming Adam and Jason Cormier of Big Bargain Auto Parts, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Bestbuy also presented Service Recognition Awards to members: APM Limited, 55 years; McLeod & Richmond, 55 years; Temlac Ltee, 40 years; Centre du moteur J.S. Levesque, 35 years (not pictured); Busch’s Auto, 35 years; Spark Auto Electric, 25 years; Port Moody Auto Parts, 20 years; Cawthra Automotive, 20 years (not pictured) and Harding Automotive, 10 years (not pictured).
Welcome to Big Bargain Auto Parts
APM – 55 years
McLeod & Richmond – 55 years
Temlac Ltee – 40 years
Busch’s Auto – 35 years
Spark Auto Electric – 25 years
Port Moody Auto Parts – 20 years
The AGM concluded on Saturday with its annual warehouse trade event at Bestbuy’s Mississauga distribution centre. It was a full house with vendor companies on hand eager to discuss their new business developments directly with Bestbuy members.
