Athletes, Parents and Spectators came to Dartmouth Nova Scotia this week for the 2012 CKC Nationals, where over one thousand athletes representing clubs from all across Canada gathered on Lake Banook to compete in races for canoe, kayak and war canoe: all hoping to win the title of National Champion. At this year’s Kayak Championships my son, Travis raced kayak with Andrew Gardiner for the Canadian national title in Junior K2 1000m and finished 11thin Canada. I am very proud of my boy competing and ranking in the 18 and over Junior age group … He is only 17!!! He also competed in Orenda’s War Canoe, in the Juvenile 500m race, and battled to a 2ndplace finish … only 3

This week, we celebrated our successful first quarter performance aboard the beautiful Tall Ship Mar in the Halifax Harbour. I connected with some of our long time valued dealers like The Country Ski Shop in Montoursville, Pennsylvania and The Ski Hut in Duluth Minnesota. I also provided updated product information to some on-line dealers. Dawna & I joined the Trail Blazer team (with Mom & Dad) to celebrate a 47% increase in profits and a 63% decrease in operating expenses. The team’s financial performance this year has created the most profitable first quarter in our company’s history. Well Done!!! Traditionally the 1st quarter is our slowest quarter of the year. We celebrated the team’s accomplishments and, much appreciated hard work

This week I watched my son, Travis, participate in the Natal Day Knockout Regatta on Banook Lake in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. I connected with long time valued dealers like Algonquin Outfitters in Ontario, Eagle Enterprises in Alaska and Lake Superior Trading Post in Minnesota. We reserved a booth space at the Halifax Seed Booking Show. The main goal of the Natal Day Knockout is to regenerate interest in the oldest canoe / kayak regatta in Canada. It creates a fun and unique racing and viewing experience for athletes and spectators of all ages. Travis is the athlete and I’m the spectator. At the same time, the Knockout will provide much needed funding for athletes to continue training. I spend the

This week, Paul McAdam started lean inventory management training. I received requests for product information from potential customers while my kids qualify for the Canadian National Regatta. I present the first quarter financial performance while we reserved trade show space for distributor’s spring booking shows to create more growth. Paul McAdam runs Trail Blazer’s Xtend-A-Pole & Pole Pruner production lines, including the Home Professional extension poles & Mark’s Choice 12′ tree pruners. Paul has taken a noticeable leadership role. He began training this week with a goal of achieving a management position. The training will give Paul the necessary skills to allow his products to ship within 48 hours of receiving the purchase order. Paul’s success in his line has expanded into our snow shovel