News Releases

Gesco Group of Companies is the first in the Floorcovering Industry to Join the Movement With Respect Group

Canada– JANUARY 20, 2022 –The Gesco Group of Companies: Shnier (Canadian-based national floorcovering distribution company), Division9 (a leading supplier of commercial flooring solutions to the Architect and Design community), and Tierra Sol Ceramic Tile (the leading supplier of ceramic tile solutions in Western Canada), are excited to announce that their organization is fully Respect Certified. Shnier, Tierra Sol Ceramic Tile, and Division 9 have Joined the Movement with Respect Group, a forward-thinking organization founded by former NHLer turned victims' rights crusader Sheldon Kennedy. The movement aims to deliver training to equip employees with the education and skills needed to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination (BAHD) in the workplace.

"Programs are one thing; making them a requirement for all members of the organization is about leadership and accountability," said Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder of Respect Group. "Congratulations to Gesco for moving how we treat one another from the Policy category to the Priority category!"

Gesco prioritizes the health, physical, and psychological safety of employees. To demonstrate the commitment, every employee within the group of companies received specialized training before the end of 2022. Led from the top of the organization, Gesco has updated its health and safety policy, communicates it repeatedly, and has committees to ensure support and resources to uphold this critical organizational priority. “Safety continues to be a shared responsibility for all employees with senior leadership setting the example and leading the way with a focused commitment, ensuring that the health and safety management system has the resources to function and work side by side with our safety committees”, said Shawn Trinier, Chief Executive Officer, Gesco Group of Companies.

Shnier, founded 85 years ago, is the leading Canadian-based national floorcovering distribution company. It designs, sources, merchandises, markets, sells and distributes an extensive number of leading licensed and proprietary private label brands, globally sourced and sold to thousands of customers within multiple distribution channels. GESCO's numerous logistical facilities are strategically located coast to coast within Canada.

Division9 is a subsidiary of Gesco Group of Companies, a leading floor and wall covering distribution company with multiple yet separate operating divisions. Division9 has been delivering industry-leading commercial floor and wall covering solutions across Canada with a team of product experts dedicated to bringing to market the latest styles from around the world that stand the test of time in durability and design.

Tierra Sol Ceramic Tile is a subsidiary of Gesco Group of Companies, a leading floor and wall covering distribution company with multiple separate operating divisions. Tierra Sol has been offering a vast collection of beautiful tiles to designers, architects, contractors, retailers and end consumers for over 30 years. Tierra Sol is ready to make your tile dreams a reality at any of its locations in Vancouver and Calgary

About Respect Group
Respect Group (www.respectgroupinc.com) was incorporated in 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Respect Group is made up of a team of over 30 talented individuals whose passion is to create a global culture of Respect. As Canada’s leading on-line provider of prevention education related to BAHD, Respect Group has certified over 2 Million Canadians involved in sport, schools and the workplace. Respect Group is a Certified B Corporation (bcorporation.net).

Media Contact:
Kimberly Van Den Hoek
Creative Services Manager
kvandenhoek@gesco.ca
905-789-3755 ext. 2463