President's Message

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Mike Kenney's retirement party. Mike has been with Thomas & Betts for 13 years where he more recently, held the expanded role of president of their businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He was joined by his lovely wife Kathleen and many industry friends and colleagues. Mike was actively involved with EFC, holding the position as Chair and receiving the Industry Recognition Award in 2009. EFC wishes Mike all the best in his retirement.

Today at EFC, there is a significant kick-off meeting being held for the harmonization of the Smart Grid. Both Canada and the US have ongoing Smart Grid programs. In the past, both countries have pursued independent standardization efforts which led to a later harmonization process.

The objective of the meeting is to highlight the direction of the current programs and identify how the two countries can share information so that we can identify common North American standards that we can promote to the IEC and other international bodies.

Report: Smart meters rise to 212 million in 2014

Deployments of smart electricity meters worldwide will rise from 76 million in 2009 to reach about 212 million in 2014, according to a new report from ABI Research. The report provides forecasts of the wired and wireless communications options used to connect meters as well as profiles of some of many smart meter makers.

The move to smart grids and two-way meters to enable new services to the home got a $3.4 billion boost from economic stimulus grants in the U.S. this year, noted Sam Lucero, a practice director at ABI and author of the report. Read more.

Southwire acquiring American Insulated Wire assets from Leviton

Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc. has signed a definitive agreement with Southwire Co. to sell certain assets of American Insulated Wire Corporation (AIW), a subsidiary of Leviton. “Acquiring AIW will allow us to diversify our product offering while continuing to strengthen our position in our core copper building wire business,” said Stuart Thorn, Southwire CEO. Read more.

2010 Industry Recognition Award -- Nomination Time!

Electro-Federation Canada invites you to nominate an industry leader for its 2010 Industry Recognition Award, which honours industry champions, and strong industry supporters. The award is open to anyone who has influenced the Canadian electrical, electronics, appliances or telecommunications industry, either as a current or retired industry delegate, or as an industry supporter.

The nominee must demonstrate strong leadership through their personal and professional industry involvement over a period of years. He/she must also symbolize dedication, balance, and achievement in regional, national and/or community activities. Most importantly, the award is not restricted to EFC members.

The deadline for nomination submissions is Friday, March 19. Click here for more information.

Submit a Nomination:

Download the nomination form (link below) and either mail or fax it to:

Industry Recognition Award 2010
Electro-Federation Canada
180 Attwell Drive, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M9W 6A9

Confidential Fax: 416-679-0311

Click here to view a list of past recipients.

Award Presentation:
The award will be presented on Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at a dinner reception following EFC's Annual General Meeting.

Schneider Electric Agrees to Buy Cimac

France-based Schneider Electric has agreed to acquire Cimac, a systems integrator for industrial automation solutions in the Middle East Gulf region. Cimac implements complete automation, control and electrical distribution solutions, primarily for Water, Waste Water and Oil & Gas customers. Read more.

Whirlpool Corporation Provides Online Consumer Tool for 'Cash for Appliances' Rebate Program

Whirlpool Corporation continues its legacy of leadership in energy efficiency with the launch of an easy-to-use rebate finder tool on three of its brand Web sites – Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands. As a manufacturer and marketer of more than 300 ENERGY STAR®-qualified major appliances in the U.S. and Canada, Whirlpool Corporation created the tool to help consumers navigate and make the most of the "Cash for Appliances" rebate program. Read more.