President's Message – Members encouraged to have a company representative attend the AGM

The Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to receive a report on the activities and achievements of your association and exercise your member voting privileges. Please ensure that a duty authorized representative of your organization participates. Register now.

Once the AGM concludes, you are encouraged to stay for the valuable Business Program which will inspire and inform you with the impressive line up of speakers:

Elyse Allan

President & CEO
GE Canada

Honourable Brad Duguid

Minister of Energy & Infrastructure

Province of Ontario

Bob Branscombe
President 
Independent Electric Supply Inc.

Jayson Myers

President & CEO

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

For more information, including the agenda, click here.

S&D Conference -- Register before the Early-Bird Rate expires on March 31!

280 people are already registered for the 2010 Supply & Distribution conference in Kelowna, British Columbia on June 1-4! The 2:1 ratio manufacturer to distributor is favourable and one of the best ratios the Council has seen in a couple of years.

Here is the breakdown:

183 Delegates 
Affiliate Partners - 3
Association Guests - 5
CEMRA Reps - 11
Distributors - 52
Manufacturers - 106
Other category - 6

95 Companions

2 Conference Kids

Click here to register -- only five more days to benefit from the early-bird rate!

Stay tuned for more conference updates and the S&D ChannelLog and KelwonaBound this afternoon!

EFC Councils offer members a variety of valuable networking opportunities!

IMR Sector Council and Trade Association

Registration is now available for the Electrolux and Mabe Appliance Training in Toronto on April 27, 2010. Classes will be two hours long and each session will be run twice during the day, to allow technicians to attend both classes. Each class will include a product demonstration, diagnosis and tear down.

The fee for members is only $75! (And $100 for nonmembers). To register or for more information, click here. 

Additional training will be offered in Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Ottawa. Dates will be posted shortly.

EEMAC is offering members to attend their next Industry Speaker Session & Luncheon on April 29th at the Ruth Chris Dining & Event Centre - Square One from 10am - 2pm. Join  Bonnie Rose and her CSA colleagues for an informative session which will include a Q&A. Click here to register.

Supply & Distribution's Atlantic Region

Mark you calendars!

The Atlantic Region is holding the following events:

June 17 - Lobster Fest, Shining Waters Marina, Halifax

August 19 - Golf Tournament, Fox Creek Golf Club, Moncton

December 7 - Christmas Reception, Old Ashburn Golf Club, Halifax

More details to follow.

CSA Group announces executive appointments and modernized business model to optimize global service offerings

CSA Group President and CEO Ash Sahi announced strategic enhancements across the organization's structure, service offerings and processes to provide stakeholders and clients with more efficient, innovative and timely sustainable service solutions.

"In this rapidly changing international business environment, for any global organization it is prudent to periodically review its business and evolve as necessary in order to continuously deliver fast, flexible and exceptional service to its clients and stakeholders," Sahi says. "With nearly a century of business experience, CSA Group, as a knowledge-based organization, is looking forward at the next 100 years as we strive to become one of the best performing organizations worldwide, delivering societal benefits to help improve the lives of all people." Read more.

Siemens receives first wind turbine order in Manitoba, Canada

Siemens Energy has been awarded an order for 60 2.3-MW SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines to be installed near the town of Morris, Manitoba, Canada. The scope for the St. Joseph wind farm includes the supply, technical field assistance for erection and commissioning of the 60 units, as well as two years of service and maintenance. Installation is expected to begin in September 2010 and be completed by the end of 2010. The purchaser is Pattern Energy, an independent, fully integrated energy company that develops, constructs, owns and operates renewable energy and transmission assets across the United States, Canada and Latin America. With an installed capacity of 138 megawatts (MW), the St. Joseph wind farm is expected to provide clean power for more than 50,000 homes in Manitoba, Canada. Read more.

Lighting a Greener Future Seminar Series

Philips Lighting is hosting free half-day seminars in 8 major centres across Canada. The lighting industry is rapidly transforming, and they would like to share with you some meaningful, and environmentally progressive solutions that provide significant economic benefits in today’s tough economy.

Quebec City - June 1
Montreal - June 2
Ottawa June 3
Winnipeg - June 9
Toronto - June 10
Edmonton - June 15
Calgary - June 16
Vancouver - June 17

For more information, and to register for the seminar, visit www.lightingagreenerfuture.com.
Questions: Sharon MacArthur Tel. 905-201-4100 or email therightmove@philips.com

Electrolux bids for Daewoo Electronics

Electrolux, the Swedish-based producer of home appliances, is one of two preferred bidders for Daewoo Electronics.

Woori Bank is acting for the creditors-cum-shareholders of the South Korean electronics group and said it plans to complete the sale by August.

The deal is reportedly worth as much as $440m (£295m). Read more.

Smart Appliances Market to Hit $15B by 2015

The global household smart appliance market is projected to grow from $3.06 billion to $15.12 billion, from 2011 to 2015, according to a new market report.

The smart appliance market is expected to grow hand in hand with the smart grid, and could be a leading driver of wealth creation over the next 10 to 15 years, states the Smart Appliance Report by Zpryme. Read more.

HD Supply hires former Ferguson exec

HD Supply has announced the hiring of John Stegeman, the former President and CEO of Ferguson Enterprises, to lead its HD Supply Canada, HD Supply Electrical, HD Supply Plumbing/HVAC, HD Supply Waterworks and HD Supply White Cap businesses. Stegeman, who will hold the title of executive VP, will officially join the organization April 12, 2010. Read more.

Joseph M. Taylor named Chairman & CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America

Panasonic Corporation of North America Chief Operating Officer, Joseph M. Taylor, will take on the role of Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America as of April 1. He will succeed current Chairman and CEO, Yoshi Yamada, who will move to Japan to head parent company Panasonic Corporation’s global Industrial Sales business. Mr. Yamada has also been promoted to Managing Executive Officer of the parent company, subject to approval of the appointment at the general shareholders meeting on June 25. Read more.

US Group formed to sell consumers on smart grid | Green Tech - CNET News

A handful of companies last Tuesday will launch the Smart Grid Consumer Coalition, an effort aimed at promoting the benefits to consumers of modernizing the electricity grid.

The coalition is scheduled to be launched at this week's DistribuTech utility industry conference and will include IBM, General Electric, and home energy management company Control4 among its founding members, according to an invitation sent to the media. Also set to participate is a representative from the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, a state agency which advocates on behalf of retail electricity consumers. Read more.

President`s Message - EFC Scholarship Foundation Program Application is Open

I am pleased to advise members that the EFC Scholarship Foundation Program application is now available online. There is $40,000 available to students who are enrolled in either the electrical, electronic and telecommunications program. Posters and brochures have been mailed to Colleges and Universities across Canada. This year we have integrated social media into our campaign and created a Facebook page where students can visit for updates and apply online. We hope that this avenue will increase the number of applicants and help create a stronger and more relevant connection with the future generation of our industry.

EFC Scholarship Foundation Program

If you know a student who is pursuing an education and looking for a career in our industry, there has never been a better time to draw their interest in our industry! The 2010 EFC Foundation Scholarship Program has launched and applications are now being accepted.

View the Scholarship brochures: English and French.

Click here for the application.

Our NEW Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=212988532212&ref=mf

Questions?

Please send an email with your enquiry to scholarship@electrofed.com.

AGM & Moving Forward Together in 2010 – Hear from the Minister of Energy & Infrastructure and other industry experts!

April 8th, 2010 is Electro-Federation Canada's Annual General Meeting at the Pearson Convention Centre beginning at 1:15pm followed by a "Moving Forward Together in 2010" Business Program, reception and dinner. To register, click here.

The following speakers are lined up to present at the "Moving Forward Together in 2010 Leaders of Influence" Business Program, following the AGM:

• Elyse Allan, President & CEO, GE Canada
• Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, Province of Ontario
• Bob Branscombe, President, Independent Electric Supply Inc.
• Jayson Myers, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

For more information about the AGM & Business Program, click here or if you have any questions, contact Sue Adler at 647-258-7476.


Fax in your IRA Nomination today -- today is your last chance to Nominate! Click here for the nomination form.

2010 Supply & Distribution Conference - Connect & Share

This year's conference will allow you to discover, connect and share the latest business strategies brought to you buy experts from various fields: industry, academia, marketing, etc. 

The importance of keeping the lines of communication with one's customer cannot be overemphasized. A relationship can only survive if the parties involved maintain a line of communications. The only way you can keep on top of things is if you are in contact with your customers because otherwise, both parties won't know what the other is doing.

Secondly, the line of communications needs to be a two way process and should flow back and forth. Leaders need to take the time, and not dismiss the need to include some frank discussion in how the two parties will maintain contact with each other.

With an array of speaker sessions and networking functions to attend and participate in, the Supply & Distribution Conference is the Mecca of learning and relationship building. Come and find out why Return of Influence is so important for you and your company.

Over 230 of your colleagues have already registered! These numbers are up from last year! 

To register, click here (Don't miss the early-bird rate which ends March 31st). And for more information, click here.

EFC Indicator - March 2010 issue

The March edition of Electro-Federation Canada's EFC Indicator was released to key member contacts this week. The information contained in this quarterly publication is compiled by Maureen Farrow, Economap, and is designed specifically for use by EFC's member contacts.

The following topics are covered in the March issue:

• Economic Overview

• Business Cycle Conditions

• Price Environment

• Interest Rates

• Consumer Spending

• Industrial

• Economic Indicators

For more information on this report, contact Anne Harrigan Vice President, Marketing Resource. The next issue will be available in July 2010.

Spring Issue of InfoElectro -- Moving Forward Together in 2010 has been mailed!

Watch out for InfoElectro`s Spring issue where you will find the 2009 Council Reports and articles on energy efficiency and OPA`s FIT Program.

Canada Day Closing Results are in

Electro-Federation Members were polled recently with regards to their plans for the upcoming Canada Day Holiday. In summary, 109 companies responded to this year's survey. 57.8% of them will close on the actual holiday, Thursday, July 1st. Just over 20% are opting to close on Friday, July 2nd, and 16.5% of the members polled will be closed on both days. 5.5% of respondents remain undecided. 

Click here for a PDF copy of the survey results and summary of respondents. If you have further questions, please contact Anne Harrigan at:  aharrigan@electrofed.com

Did you know you can designate part, or all, of your United Way gift to Hungry For Change? It’s simple!

On your United Way pledge form, please specify:

• Amount you wish to direct to the campaign: ($ or %)
• Name: Canadian Feed The Children – Hungry For Change Campaign
• Reg. #: 118830983RR0001
• Note: Please forward my contact and gift information to Canadian Feed The Children (not anonymous)                                                                                     

Please notify Canadian Feed The Children of your gift so that we can recognize it in a timely manner, and expect it from United Way. Depending on the local United Way office, the transfer of funds can take time; some offices are more prompt than others.

A notice of your gift is greatly appreciated – simply forward the following information to ldoucette@canadianfeedthechildren.ca or mail us the attached form.   

I have designated my United Way giving toward the Hungry For Change Campaign benefiting Canadian Feed The Children.

The United Way Branch I work with is:

Gift Amount:

Gift Date:

Is this a donation from the Company or an individual?

First and Last Name:

Company Name:

Address: 

Phone Number: 

E-mail address:

I want my gift to be directed to (choose one from below):

o Greatest Need  o  Canada  o  Bolivia  o Haiti  o  Uganda  o  Ethiopia  o  Ghana  o  Sierra Leone

To give online, please visit us at www.hungryforchange.ca.

Questions? Contact Lisa Doucette at 416- 757-1220 ext 227 or 1-800-387-1221

Thank you for supporting Hungry For Change!

Affiliated Distributors Hires New Vice President of A-D Canada

Affiliated Distributors (A-D) has hired electrical industry veteran Chris Scott to the newly created position of Vice President of A-D, Canada. Read the official Press Release.

GE Lighting Receives ‘Supplier of the Year 2009’ Award from Franklin Empire

GE Consumer & Industrial is pleased to announce that GE Lighting has been named Franklin Empire’s Supplier of the Year for 2009.

Franklin Empire Inc. is a family-owned, independent Canadian electrical distributor that supplies electrical components to the commercial, contractor and industrial markets across Quebec and Ontario.  A GE Edison Elite Distributor, Franklin Empire has been supplying GE Lighting products for over 70 years. Read more.

Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited Title Changes

For your records, note the following changes to titles for Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited:

Ken Gerrie, Chairman of the Board
Elaine Gerrie, Co-President and CEO
Heather Gerrie, Co-President and CEO
Richard Solonenko, CFO/EVP Operations
Carmen Stewart, CMO/EVP Sales

Wireless developers gain access to leading- edge test facility

·         British Columbia and Alberta wireless developers can test new wireless applications on a carrier-grade 3G network

·         Ericsson to supply Vancouver-based Wavefront with HSPA radio access equipment as well as access to its leading-edge Montreal test facility providing a resource to support innovation and growth of wireless companies

Wireless developers in Western Canada are now able to test new wireless applications on a 3G network, in real-world situations over robust networks, to help them ready their technology for market. Ericsson is supplying Vancouver-based Wavefront with HSPA radio access equipment and access to the company’s leading-edge Montreal Test Facility, one of the largest in Canada. Read more.

GE Brings Good Things To Life, 21st Century Smart Grid Style

Earth Techling have given this idea of networks intelligently connecting consumers and utilities in a two-way partnership of energy efficiency management a lot of air time of late. They chatted with People Power about its idea of letting end users develop their own devices for understanding smart grid data. And they picked Intel’s brain on its role inside the machines of the smart grid. Now they come to perhaps the biggest interview of all in this occasional smart grid series: GE. General Electric, of any single company, has what looks to be the greatest to gain in seeing a successful smart grid roll out nationwide. They’ve developed a wide array of things around this grid concept, ranging from renewable energy generators like wind turbines to the “smart” appliances which monitor and communicate across the network energy usage patterns. Read more.

Schneider Electric, Legrand & Scame join forces to promote high safety plug for Electric Vehicle infrastructure

Schneider Electric, Legrand & Scame announced on March 17th that they are forming the EV Plug Alliance, to promote the use of a high safety plug and socket solution for Electric Vehicle charge infrastructure. The rapid adoption of a European standard for Electric Vehicle infrastructure plugs that meets the existing security levels required for installation in homes and buildings at an optimized cost is a key factor to develop the nascent Electric Vehicle market. The Alliance aims to provide a label that guarantees full compliance with the Type 3 of the IEC standard for plug & socket in finalization. Read more.

Study: Energy Star Brand Gains Awareness As ‘Functional' Tool

A recent national survey measuring the brand strength of the government's Energy Star program has found high levels of brand awareness and challenges ahead in selling environmental issues to American consumers.

The 7^th EcoPinion study, which was conducted by EcoAlign, a strategic marketing agency focused on energy and the environment, found growing awareness to Energy Star's goals but warned that "there is also a danger of diluting the brand and creating customer confusion by introducing new derivative programs such as Home Star, which is now coming to market."

The study found that 71 percent of Americans were either extremely or somewhat aware of Energy Star and 82 percent said that the brand is either extremely important or important. Read more.

StatsCan: Monthly Survey of Manufacturing - January 2010

Manufacturing sales rose 2.4% in January to $44.6 billion. With this gain, sales have advanced for five consecutive months.

Sales gains were broadly based in January, with 17 of 21 industries reporting increases compared with December. Some of the larger gains included advances in primary metals, and petroleum and coal products.

Constant dollar manufacturing sales increased 2.2% in January, reaching the highest sales level since November 2008. Read more.

President's Message

This week has been full of excitement. It centers on an attempt to migrate two IEC harmonics standards into Canadian Standards at a CSA Technical Committee. The industry’s view is that if there is to be a standard it should be a harmonized North American Standard, one that reflects the North American distribution systems, which we are working towards. 

At the same time the industry coalition has launched a formal appeal against one of these standards that has cleared the committee work and is ready for publication. We are coordinating with our members, other Canadian associations that support our position, and our US counterparts. 

EEMAC Industrial Speaker Presentation -- Bonnie Rose, VP Service Delivery, CSA

The EEMAC Executive Council presents their Industry Speakers Session and Luncheon on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Ruth's Chris Conference & Dining.

Agenda:
10:00am - Refreshments
10:30am - Noon - Speaker Session with Q&A
Noon (Ruth Chris' famous 5-star steak/chicken/salmon entrees!
1:00pm - Adjourn

Member Price: $125.00 / Non-Member Price $150.00 + GST

Open to all Electro-Federation Members & Guests!

Registration coming soon.

S&D Conference Golf & Tours!

Friday's Golf Tournament -- Connect with your colleagues

S&D Conference Tours -- Book your adventure!

Register Now! Don't miss out on the early-bird rate -- only until March 31st.

CITA's Annual General Meeting - March 25, 2010

Members of Electro-Federation are invited to attend the Canadian Imaging Trade Association's Annual General meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 25th, 2010. The cost to non-CITA members is $70 plus GST and includes Cocktails, Hors d'Oeuvres & Special Guest Speaker, Wynne Powell, President and CEO, London Drugs. Click here for more information. Contact: Dori Gospodaric at cita2@sympatico.ca.

EEMAC Announcements: New Chair Power Transformer Section & Lighting Section

Wayne Edwards, Vice President, EEMAC Council, is pleased to announce that Jean-Guy Boudrias has been elected Chair of the EEMAC Power Transformer Section. JG is Product Sales Manager for CG Power Systems Canada Inc, formerly known as Pauwels, he is located in Winnipeg.

In a related move Yasser Salmi was voted Vice Chair. Yasser is Regional Manager-Canada Large Power Transformers for ABB. He is located in Varennes, QC.

Chris Scott, recently voted chair of the lighting section has left EEMAC council and will join a new employer, Affiliated Distributors in a newly created position. AD is a Supply & Distribution member.

Wayne is pleased to confirm that Linda Menheere of Beghelli will be the new Chair and that Michael Gamble of Sola will be Vice Chair.

Wayne and members of the EEMAC Council wish the individuals well in their new leadership roles in EEMAC as well as Christ Scott in his new role at AD.

The reality of Ottawa's foreign ownership changes

The telecom industry was startled last week when the government's Speech from the Throne dropped a bombshell: It would eliminate restrictions on foreign ownership in the regulated sector. But the reality may be much less dramatic. A day after the Throne Speech, the federal budget made reference only to removing foreign ownership restrictions on Canadian satellite companies, but not to the much broader telecom sector as a whole. Read more.

CEA Finalizing Majaps Details For 2011 CES

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) will release details on its plan to have connected major appliance section at the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas next January, possibly as early as this week. Read more.

Defining your value (and believing it) is critical to your company's success

Modern Distribution Management: Know Your Value - Jack Keough recently had the opportunity to have lunch with Bruce Merrifield, one of the industry's leading consultants. Bruce has spoken at many industry conventions and meetings and is always controversial. He constantly challenges the status quo of distributors in the way they conduct business. Read more.

E-retail will influence 53% of purchases by 2014, Forrester says

Online retail sales will grow by 10% a year for the next five years, and the web will influence 53% of U.S. retail sales by 2014, research and consulting firm Forrester Research Inc. predicts in a report released March 8, 2010. Read more.

Housing starts pick-up the pace in February, CMHC reports

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts reached 196,700 units in February 2010, according to the Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC). This is an increase from the annual rate of 185,600 units in January 2010. Read more.

China, U.S., Australia, and U.K. are among the top markets for smart appliances to be purchased by ‘griders’ i.e. smart grid ‘active’ consumers, Zpryme reports

For many global economies, the deployment of the Smart Grid could easily be one of the leading drivers of wealth well into the next 10 to 15 years. Consequently, even in its infancy stage, countless companies are chomping at the bit to figure out the best way to enter this moving-at-the-speed-of-broadband industry. The smart appliance segment is echoing similar sentiment with two major players GE and Whirlpool galloping full stride into this space; however there is plenty of room in this uncharted market to capitalize on – identifying consumer drivers and trends early in the game is key for the next industry-shifters i.e. emerging start-ups. The next ‘sonic-boom’ will be the advent and evolution of the modern [smart] appliance for ‘griders’ i.e. future Smart Grid consumers. Read more.

President's Message - Brad Duguid, Ontario’s Minister of Energy & Infrastructure is Confirmed for the AGM!

The Annual General Meeting of the Federation and the Moving Forward Together business program are fast approaching. The EFC Chair, Jim Taggart felt strongly that the business portion of the program deal with topics around business opportunities arising from the green economy. One of the topics that will be discussed is Ontario's Green Energy Act.

I am pleased to announce that Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure has confirmed that he will address our membership.

Please plan to be there!

Yesterday, Finance Minister Flaherty delivered his budget which continues with the planned reduction in corporate taxes, eliminates $300 million in import duties on machinery, and extends Work-Share for an additional 26 weeks. However, the accelerated depreciation on new investment in technology will be phased out. The Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, of which EFC is a member, recommended a five year extension. We will continue to advocate for this measure.

The minister also promises to balance the budget in the next few years in order to avoid structural deficits; early expert reviews of the budget question whether this is attainable at the current levels of government spending and the expected rise in interest rates that will impact debt service charges.

Attendance Increases for the S&D Conference!

Are we at the cusp of an economic recovery?

A number of members are expressing renewed confidence in the  economy and we are starting to see a large increase in at the S&D  conference this year. One company last year  brought two, this year they have registered 15! 

A manufacturer plans to double their attendance this year from four to eight. Still, others who attended last year as "single" have been given the corporate "go-ahead" to bring their spouse. "This is very encouraging" says Wayne Donaldson, Chair of S&D and VP of Rexel Canada Electrical Inc., "not just for the conference, but also for the health of our industry. Attendance at the conference is a bellwether for the outlook and confidence of our industry. The fact that people want to attend, shows there is a renewed interest in building relationships and in business opportunities from those relationships. "

View the brochure in English or French.

Register Now.

February US Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in February for the seventh consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 10th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business^®.

“Current economy has killed new capital sales.”

The report was issued today by Norbert J. Ore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “The manufacturing sector grew for the seventh consecutive month during February. While new orders and production were not as strong as they were in January, they still show significant month-over-month growth. Additionally, the Employment Index is very encouraging, as it is up 2.8 percentage points for the month to 56.1 percent. This is the third consecutive month of growth in the Employment Index. With these levels of activity, manufacturers are seemingly willing to hire where they have orders to support higher employment.”

Graybar US Announces Organizational Changes to Drive Strategic Growth

Graybar announced the appointments of Richard D. Offenbacherto Senior Vice President - U.S. Business and Kathleen M. Mazzarella to Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing. Both Offenbacher and Mazzarella also serve on Graybar's Board of Directors. Read more.

Google opens PowerMeter API — and the field for energy efficiency apps

Google announced that it has released the application programming interface (the API) for Google PowerMeter, the tool it launched last year to tell users in real time how much energy they are using and, more importantly, what it is costing them. The decision gives what was a vaguely informative service the potential to spawn gadgetry and software that could change the way we use energy in our daily lives. Read more.

EEMAC Announcement -- Ministry Approves BC’s Fluorescent Lamps Stewardship Plan

The Electrical Equipment Manufactures Association of Canada (a council of Electro-Federation Canada) is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Environment has approved the BC Fluorescent Lamps Stewardship Plan. This program will be one of the first extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for lamps (also known as light bulbs) in North America. The program will take back fluorescent light bulbs sold for residential use starting July 1, 2010. Click here for the full press release.

Sonepar Canada Inc. Appointment Announcements

Keith Moss, President & CEO, Sonepar Canada Inc., is pleased to announce the following new appointments:

Chris McVittie has begun a new role as Senior Vice President, Operations for Sonepar Canada. He has spent the last nine years as Vice President and General Manager of Gescan BC, prior to which he was Director of Operations for Texcan.

Jeff Durkuch has been appointed President, Gescan, after serving as Vice President and General Manager of Gescan Prairies for the past nine years. Mike Thompson has assumed the role of General Manager, Gescan BC, with 11 years of experience driving the company’s sales growth.

Austin Hobson has stepped into the position of General Manager for Gescan Prairies since joining the company a few months ago, following his post as Regional Manager for Torbram Electric.

Chris Golf has been selected as President of Texcan, with 30 years of company experience to draw upon, including his most recent role as Vice President and General Manager.

Canadians spent more than $4.66 billion on tech products in 2009, NPD report says

Canadians spent more than $4.66 billion on computer and information technology in 2009, up 1% over 2008, according to the latest research made public recently by the NPD Group, a private industry think tank.

The group said 2009's modest annual growth was fuelled by an exceptionally strong fourth quarter, which saw an 8% year-over-year growth in all product categories. Read more.