Stats Canada: Gross Domestic Product by Industry, February 2010

Real gross domestic product increased 0.3% in February, mainly on the strength of manufacturing. The mining sector, with the exception of oil and gas extraction, also contributed to the growth in February. In addition, some industries benefited from the Olympic Winter Games held in Vancouver, such as performing arts and spectator sports, accommodation services, as well as radio and television broadcasting. Retail trade also advanced, while wholesale trade and oil and gas extraction declined.

Manufacturing rises again

The output of the manufacturing sector grew 1.2% in February, with 14 of 21 major groups advancing. This increase accounted for nearly half of the overall growth in gross domestic product. Durable goods manufacturing increased 1.4%, led by fabricated metal products, non-metallic mineral products, as well as computer and electronic products. Manufacturers of non-durable goods increased their production 1.1%, notably of pharmaceuticals and beverages. The manufacturing of transportation equipment and of petroleum and coal products was down. 

Read more.

CEMC’s “2010 Consumer Electronics Market Trends and Forecast” Report Now Available

EFC's Consumer Electronics Marketers of Canada (CEMC) council and the Canadian Imaging Trade Association (CITA) have released the newly-published report, 2010 Consumer Electronics Market Trends and Forecast. This report provides an overview of past, current and future trends in the Canadian consumer electronics market. Data is collected from CEMC’s and CITA’s statistical programs, which gather, analyze, and report data on leading consumer electronics categories.

For the latest insight on consumer electronic trends, download a complimentary copy of CEMC’s 2010 Consumer Electronics Market Trends and Forecast Report online at www.electrofed.com, or contact CEMC for a printed copy at mailto:info@electrofed.com.

S&D Council Staff Appointment & Changes

The Supply & Distribution Council has appointed Sue Adler as the Member Services Coordinator & Database Administrator for the council. Sue will act as the primary liaison between members and S&D by providing proactive, day-to-day support. She will also continue to manage the EFC database to ensure all member contact information is accurate and up-to-date.

Sue has been with Electro-Federation Canada since Spring 2008 and joined the S&D Council last Fall. She can be reached at 647-258-7476 or at sadler@electrofed.com.

Kathryn Cosgrove will be returning to EFC, effective May 5th, to assist with Web-related projects, including management of EFC's online registration program, Webinars, other events and the EFC Website.

In other changes, Cynthia Kenth will be leaving EFC as of May 7th to pursue her own business opportunity. A special thanks to Cynthia for all of her efforts this year, as she led EFC's communications efforts during my maternity leave. We wish her well.

New Appointment Notice: Gerry King Named National Sales Manager, Draka Canada

Draka Cableteq USA (www.drakausa.com) announced yesterday, that it has hired Gerry King as its National Sales Manager – Draka Canada. In this position, Gerry will be responsible for the Fire Protection, Downhole Reservoir Management, Industrial, Utility and Water markets for all of Canada. With sales, and a distribution centre based in Brantford, Ontario, Gerry will be accountable for developing end-user relationships, and working with a network of distributors to serve multiple market needs.

In announcing this new position, Draka Cableteq’s Senior Vice President, Andy Hemingway noted, “Canada is a significant market for Draka Cableteq. Gerry King has more than 20 years of wire and cable experience and has a deep understanding of Draka Cableteq’s specific markets.  We are excited to have him aboard.”

We wish Gerry all the best in this new role.

Sony Electronics Headquarters Awarded New Construction LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council Institute announced last week, the newest U.S. facility to earn the prestigious LEED® Gold certification – the Sony Electronics (SEL) headquarters building in San Diego. The LEED certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The building's design integrated a number of green elements in accordance with the Green Building Council's LEED requirements, including 80 bicycle racks, 140 spaces reserved for vehicles opting to carpool, and 76 set aside for fuel-efficient vehicles, to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

SEL maneuvered more than 92 percent of the building's construction debris away from local landfills. In addition, open space accounts for 29 percent of the lot, with vegetation making up 52 percent – more than double the requirement. More on this.

Electronics Waste Drop-off Initiative a Huge Success!

On Saturday, April 25th, Ikea and Foxy Recycle, in co-ordination Ontario Electronic Stewardship, an industry organization mandated by provincial law to divert electronic trash from landfills, organized an electronics drop-off day, allowing people to dispose old electronics. By 10:30 am that day, nearly 200 cars had already passed through, dropping off enough old stereos, TVs, and computer equipment to fill seven large waste containers, representing approximately 28 tonnes.

Foxy Recycle will ship the waste to a consolidator, who will sort it and then ship it onward to an Ontario recycling plant. There, the equipment will be machine-chopped and separated into its component materials, such as steel, aluminum and plastic.

Foxy Recycle's regular drop-off location is at 1614 Thomas Argue Rd. in Carp, and is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. All household electronics and appliances can be disposed of, free of charge. Read more.

Beloved Son of EBMag's Publisher Passes Away

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Taylor MacPherson, the 17-year old son of EBMag’s publisher, John MacPherson, on Tuesday, April 20. The cause of death was Meningitis.

Visitation & Service

MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME

10366 Yonge Street

Richmond Hill, ON  L4C 3B8

www.marshallfuneralhome.com

1st Visitation: Sunday, April 25th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 

2nd Visitation: Monday, April 26th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Service: Monday, April 26th at 7:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Taylor’s name to the:

MENIGITIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF CANADA

www.meningitis.ca

A Message from the Returning Editor, Swati Patel

To our valued members:

I hope this issue finds you all well. This week marks my return to work at EFC as Editor of InfoElectro and Manager of Communications, after a maternity leave hiatus. My children are well; Maya turned one this past weekend and Jaiden is now three -- how time flies!
I would like to specially thank Cynthia Kenth for taking on the role as Editor of this newsletter and for leading all EFC communications initiatives in my absence. 

InfoElectro has taken on a new format, vis-à-vis a blog, which, I trust is well received by you. Not only are there numerous technological advantages to this format, but you can now comment/share views on the news stories with other readers -- something I hope you will take advantage of. You can also now easily share industry news with others through direct connections with Facebook and Twitter. This is the future of communications and EFC is proud to be moving forward.

In closing, I will continue to bring you current industry news and views...giving you the latest insight on your industry and business. Please continue to send information for inclusion in this weekly publication. To send your news stories, or if you have any questions or comments, you can contact me at spatel@electrofed.com or 647-260-3091. 

I hope to see you all very soon.

Regards,
Swati Patel

In Memoriam: Sam Abramovitch, Westburne (1920-2010)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Sam Abramovitch, former President & CEO of Westburne. Sam passed away on April 11, 2010 in Montreal at the age of 90. Sam was born in Montreal, the son of Ukrainian immigrants. He is survived by his wife, two children, five grandchildren, and other family members.

A ceremony to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, May 9 at 2:00 pm at Alfred Dallaire MEMORIA, 4231 St-Laurent boul., Montreal. On behalf of EFC and its members, we send Sam's family our deepest condolences. 

EFC Announces Two New Members

EFC is pleased to announce the following new members:

Audiovox Electronics Corp. is now a member of the Consumer Electronics Marketers of Canada (CEMC) council. Audiovox is a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and remote start systems, consumer electronics products and consumer electronics accessories. The company is number one in mobile video and places in the top ten of almost every category that it sells. The official rep for Audiovox is Rose Guzzo, Director. For more information, visit www2.audiovox.com.

Britech Corp. has joined EEMAC's Electric Heating section. Britech is one of Canada's oldest and largest companies in the electric heating cable industry. Britech entered the electric floor warming and snow melting industry in 1996 when it became the exclusive Canadian representative for one of the first electric floor warming systems available in Canada. The official rep is Gerry Lemieux, President. For more information, visit www.britech.ca.

EEMAC Announces New Section Chair

Wayne Edwards, Vice President, Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association of Canada (EEMAC), is pleased to announce that Ken Herman, Marketing Manager, Hammond Power Solutions, has been elected Chair of EEMAC's Dry Type Transformers section. Ken is sure to bring strong leadership, direction and a wealth of experience to this position. 

Schneider Electric Canada Appointment Notice

 

Schneider Electric announces the appointment of Bill Gwynne as the National Director of the newly-formed Buildings Business in Canada. In this new role, Bill will oversee strategy, business development, partner support, and marketing efforts for Building Automation and Security. Bill was recently the Regional Sales Director for Schneider Electric in Ontario and has an extensive background in building operations, sales and service.

Gerrie Electric Honoured with Community Award

On March 25, 2010, CAFE (Canadian Association of Family Enterprise) members and friends came together to celebrate family business. It gives me great pleasure to announce that Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited has won the notable "Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award".  This award honors Gerrie's contributions to their community and recognizes the challenges and successes the Company has had as a family business. Congrats!

Pictured above, left to right are:  Allen S. Taylor, President, CAFE GTA; Riz Ahmad, VP, RBC Royal Bank;

Heather Gerrie, Co-President and CEO, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd.; Ken Gerrie, Chairman, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd.; Elaine Gerrie, Co-President and CEO, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd; and John Fabbro, Partner, KMPG Enterprise 

The Survey Says...EFC's AGM Was Another Success!

Survey results are in for EFC's AGM and "Moving Forward Together" business program, held on April 8th with over 85 members in attendance. The following are some of the results:

- Survey respondents gave the overall event a score of 4.1 out of 5, with an overall Very Good rating;

- The opportunity for industry networking at this event was rated by 22% of the respondents as Excellent and 57% as Very Good;

- 57% of respondents rated keynote speaker, Elyse Allan as Excellent; 36% rated her Very Good; 

- 28% of respondents rated Minister Brad Duguid as Excellent; 57% as Very Good;

- 36% of respondents rated presenter Bob Branscombe as Excellent; 43% as Very Good

Additionally, 60% of respondents said they prefer a change in format to the program, suggesting that the event begin with a luncheon, followed by the AGM and business program, and concluding at 5:00 pm. Others (40%), maintain that they prefer the current format. 

All survey respondents agree that the Pearson Convention Centre is an appropriate venue for  the AGM program and other similar programs, based on location, accessibility, complimentary parking, meeting space facility, and overall food and beverage. 

Thank you to all members who attended this year's AGM and business program, and to those who completed the survey. 

Most Major Appliances Shipped Strong in March

Appliance Magazine - April 20, 2010

The U.S. appliance industry showed healthy increases in March factory unit shipments in most of the appliance categories tracked by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Shipments in the AHAM 6 category of appliances (washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, ranges, and ovens) were up 9.3% in March 2010. 4,015,300 units shipped, compared to 3,675,000 units shipped in March 2009. For the year-to-date, 9,054,900 appliances have shipped in the AHAM 6 category, up 5.5% from the 8,573,500 appliances shipped in the same time period in 2009. Read full article.

Stats Canada Releases February's Wholesale Trade Numbers

Wholesale sales fell 1.2% in February, following increases the previous three months. Lower sales in the motor vehicle and parts, and the machinery, equipment and supplies subsectors were major contributors to the decline. More on this.

Help Promote EFC Foundation Scholarship Program -- Posters Still Available

The EFC Foundation Scholarship Program is in full swing and numerous applications have already been submitted to the selection committee. However, we need your help to further promote this important program to students across Canada. Promotional posters are still available for posting. To receive copies of the poster, please contact Rita Davis at 647-258-7482 or rdavis@electrofed.com.

May is National Electrical Safety Month!

An EEMAC Task force, which included Siemens, Schneider Electric and Eaton, have joined forces to create an anti-counterfeiting campaign to coincide with National Electrical Safety Month in May.

Canadian Electricity Association calls for enhanced Canada-U.S. electricity relationship

The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) earlier ths week released its North American policy paper in Washington DC, entitled "The Integrated Electricity System: Sustainable Electricity as the Foundation for Economic Recovery in North America." The paper presents the Canadian industry's views on opportunities for enhancing the Canada-US electricity relationship to help move toward a more sustainable energy economy in North America. It can be found on the CEA website at www.electricity.ca. Read more.

From wine-maker to welder or rescuer, new CSA standard helps protect Canadians working in confined spaces from deadly hazards

Every day on the job in Canada, the failure to recognize a workspace as a confined space, or understand its related hazards, has the potential to lead to significant injury or death for workers and first responders. Today, CSA Standards officially announces CSA Z1006 Management of Work in Confined Spaces, a new standard that specifies requirements and guidelines for managing work in confined spaces and coordinating rescues. Read more.

55% of TVs to Be Internet-Connected by 2013

By 2013, 55% of all TV models shipped by manufacturers will have a built-in web connection, says Steve Koenig, director of the Consumer Electronics Association.

The internet-connected TVs will not require separate boxes, software or setup (via Bloomberg). “We’re going to see a general movement toward having all of your content that is available through the internet,” adds Steve Perlman, founder of WebTV.

Today, just 18% of TVs shipped from manufacturers have built-in web connections. Read more.

CEA Takes the Consumer Electronics Show to Congress

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) will stage a version of its Consumer Electronics Show on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and open the event to Members of Congress, their staff, Administration officials and regional press. Event exhibitors will include Best Buy, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Motorola, Microsoft, and Google.

The original CES, which takes place annually in January in Las Vegas, is the largest consumer electronics trade show in the world.

CES on the Hill is scheduled for April 20 and CEA said it will give lawmakers the chance to interact with products that are changing the way we live and work, and which are often at the center of current policy debates. Read more.

Samsung Electronics and Microsoft Announce Plans to Expand Access to Digital Entertainment

In a significant agreement that will improve flexibility for consumers looking to transfer and enjoy digital content on a range of devices, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced plans to include Microsoft PlayReady technology in a broad range of its consumer products. By including support for PlayReady technology in devices spanning mobile phones, digital video players, televisions and other device offerings, Samsung will make it easier for consumers to have flexible access and to experience and move protected digital content throughout the home and on the go. Read more.

Seven insights for collaboration

One of Carol Kinsey Goman's most popular speaking topics is "Harnessing the Power of Collaboration." The topic's popularity stems from corporate clients around the world realizing that "silo mentality" and knowledge hoarding behaviours are wasting the kind of collective brainpower that could save their organization billions, or lead to the discovery of a revolutionary new process or product, or, in the current economic climate, help keep their company afloat when others are sinking!

Seven insights for harnessing the power of collaboration:

1. Collaboration is a leadership issue.
2. Collaboration is essential for organizational change.
3. Visioning is a team sport.
4. Diversity is crucial. 
5. Relationships are key. 
6. Trust is the glue. 
7. Body language matters.

Read more.

AGM & 'Moving Forward Together in 2010' Business Program is a success!

The agenda was lined with activity: nominations, appointments, a review of the challenges and an action plan for moving forward in 2010.

The most significant undertaking was the passing of the gavel. The gavel was passed from outgoing Chair, Jim Taggart, to incoming Chair for 2010/2011, Harald Henze. EFC and its members congratulate and welcome Harald to the position.

After an outstanding year leading Electro-Federation Canada forward, Jim Taggart officially steps down as Chair but remains on the Board. His ability to motivate and lead the Federation through one of the most challenging years is highly commendable. As the AGM reports outlined, the Federation is strongly positioned for 2010. EFC thanks Jim for his commitment to EFC and the industry.

The Business Program provided a clear road map to the future of our industry. With Elyse Allen's motivational talk on GE's successful ecomagination project promoting Research and Development that includes aggressive energy efficiency along with a healthy return on investment, to Jayson Myers's presentation on ensuring the companies look at repositioning their market position and figuring out how their customers expectations are changing because we know they are changing.

The Honourable Brad Duguid provided us with the optimism of job creation and Bob Branscombe provided us with the lessons and humourous anecdotes of how he became a successful entrepreneur. His message was clear: relationships matter and the difference between a client versus a customer is an essential distinction for success.

If you attended the AGM and/or Business Program, we would like to hear your comments below! (A separate survey will be emailed to attendees today).

EFC Welcomes New EEMAC Member

The EEMAC Council welcomes Beckhoff Automation Canada Ltd. as a new member of EEMAC, Industrial Control Section. The Official Rep is Joe Ottenhof, General Manager. For more information, visit www.beckhoff.com.

HPS Announcing New Northern Ontario Sales Representative

Hammond Power Solutions Inc. (HPS), is proud to announce the addition of Electratek Sales Ltd. as their new Northern Ontario sales representative. 

Electratek Sales Ltd. provides in-depth sales coverage for manufacturers and their products across the Mid-Northern Ontario region.  A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining effective working relationships with industrials, contractors, wholesalers and distributors, and in developing a solid affiliation with engineers, consultants and all end-users.

For more information on Electratek Sales Ltd., contact:

216 Worthington Street

North Bay, Ontario

P1B 3B4

Tel: (705) 497-5959

Toll free: (800) 778-1662

Email: info@electratek.ca

Or visit: www.electratek.ca

For more information on HPS, contact:

595 Southgate Drive

Guelph, Ontario

N1G 3W6

Tel: (519) 822-2441

Toll free: (888) 798-8882

Email: sales@hammondpowersolutions.com

Or visit: www.hammondpowersolutions.com

Ouellet Canada: Notice of Appointment

Martin Beaulieu, President and CEO of Ouellet Canada Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Louis Beaulieu as National Sales Manager. Louis Beaulieu will head up the team of sales representatives in Quebec and Eastern Canada, assisting Roman Kicak, who remains Vice President of National Sales. With a university education and over ten years’ experience in business development, Louis Beaulieu will play an important role in promoting Ouellet Canada’s products across the country. Headquartered in L’Islet, Quebec, Ouellet Canada Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets electric heating products throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Sony Launches "Road to Zero" Green Campaign

Sony Corp. announced the launch of its "Road to Zero" plan, which establishes environmental and energy efficiency goals for the company over the next five years, working towards the goal of "zero environmental footprint" by 2015. 

The program has four goals- climate change, resource conservation, control of chemical substances and biodiversity- and implementation will begin globally next April. Read more.

American Idol Teams Up With Electrolux to Find First-Ever 'Mom Idol'

From caring for their families to caring for their communities, today's Moms do it all in their quest to make a difference.  They give ... and give back.  They are the champions who champion what is important, and a voice for what matters most.  Yet despite their dizzying devotion to doing it all, Moms rarely get the recognition they deserve ... until now.

Beginning April 5, Electrolux, the brand that celebrates amazing Moms, will launch their search for America's first-ever "Mom Idol". Through an agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), licensor of American Idol®, Electrolux is teaming with the award-winning show to find an extraordinary mom.  The winner will receive a trip for two to the American Idol finale in Hollywood; a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice; a VIP makeover; and a suite of Electrolux premium appliances.  Read more.

Whirlpool Corporation Launches Institute of Kitchen Science; Declares April 'Kitchen Clean Up Month'

It's no secret that cleaning major appliances isn't at the top of many consumers' to-do lists, especially if the kitchen appears clean after a quick onceover. The truth is, appearances can be deceiving and just because the outside of a refrigerator may sparkle, that doesn't mean the interior couldn't use a good cleaning. To help consumers conquer the kitchen, Whirlpool Corporation will launch the Institute of Kitchen Science (http://www.instituteofkitchenscience.com) – an online hub for everything from cooking and cleaning to food preservation and kitchen chemistry. To mark the launch of its new online resource, the company has declared April "Kitchen Clean Up Month." Read more.

KBIS to spotlight high tech appliances

High tech appliances will be front and centre when an estimated 30,000 attendees visit McCormick Place here to attend the 47th annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which is set to open for a three-day run on 16 April.

The trade event will host nearly 700 exhibitors and co-exhibitors with household appliances being perhaps the most eagerly sought-after category. The latest in cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers, and hoods will be on display, inviting feedback from industry leaders and attendees alike. Read more.

Ontario takes green lead with record $8-billion energy investment

The Ontario government announced that it is awarding just over $8-billion in renewable energy projects to dozens of companies, making it the biggest investment of its kind in Canadian history. 

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is locked in a heated race with British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell for leadership in the burgeoning market for green-energy investments. And Mr. Campbell is maneuvering to recapture the lead by rolling out legislation as early as next month. Read more.

Blu-ray Goes High Capacity

The Blu-ray Disc Association has released a high-capacity format that more than doubles the amount of storage from the previous generation of discs.
Called BDXL, the specification enables up to 128 GB of storage on write-once Blu-ray discs and 100 GB on rewritable discs.

The latest format is aimed initially at creative professionals and the broadcasting and medical industries, which are in need of more capacity for archiving large amounts of data, video, and graphic images. The association said discs should be available in the market in the next few months. Read more.

'E-waste' changes to be debated

Members of the EU Parliament are expected to debate changes to rules on how bulky, and often hazardous, rubbish is collected all over Europe.

Its widely recognized that the "WEEE directive", (waste electrical and electronic equipment), does not work as it should.

Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet from Bosch & Siemens Appliances, says the national authorities have an obligation to take control and responsibility of recycling, and not just the producers of electrical products. Read more.

Define Your Personal Leadership Brand in Five Steps

You probably already have a personal leadership brand. But do you have the right one?

The question is not trivial. A leadership brand conveys your identity and distinctiveness as a leader. It communicates the value you offer. If you have the wrong leadership brand for the position you have, or the position you want, then your work is not having the impact it could. A strong personal leadership brand allows all that's powerful and effective about your leadership to become known to your colleagues, enabling you to generate maximum value.You probably already have a personal leadership brand. But do you have the right one? Read more

Industry Recognition Award Winners for 2010

On behalf of the EFC Industry Recognition Awards Committee I am pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2010 award:

- Mr. Dick Waterman for his contribution to the Canadian Electrical Industry
- Mr. Pat Costello for his contribution to the Canadian Consumer Electronics and Appliance Industries

The awards will be presented at the industry dinner in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of the Federation.

Tim MacDonald
President & CEO Ideal Supply Company Limited
Chair of the Industry recognition Award Committee

EFC's Annual General Meeting & Business Program Reminder

All Members are encouraged to attend Electro-Federation Canada's Annual General Meeting and Business Program. 

The Board will review the federation's annual activities.

Members will be asked to pass the resolution of the Board made in the past year and to elect the 2010/11 Board of Directors.

Click here to register and click here for more information.

EFC Scholarship Poster Available to Members

EFC Scholarship Posters are available for members to post in their office and/or branches.

Please contact Cynthia Kenth at ckenth@electrofed.com and indicate the quantity and address you would like them sent to. There is a limited supply so please hurry!

Supply & Distribution Council Welcomes New Member: Peerless Electric Co. Ltd

The Supply & Distribution Council is pleased to welcome new member (and EEMAC member), Peerless Electric Company Ltd. The official representative is Barry Fagen, President. 

Peerless Saturn has been manufacturing and supplying lighting fixtures for the North American market since 1939. Led by a dynamic management team, Peerless has continuously adapted to meet the needs of its customers and to apply the latest technologies.

For more information, visit www.peerless-electric.com.

S&D Conference Attendance Up 40%

With still eight weeks away from the 2010 Supply & Distribution Conference in Kelowna, BC, the attendance is already up 40% from 2009.

Although not fully, the economy has recovered and more companies are optimistic about the future of the industry and realize the importance of investment of knowledge and relationship management by attending the conference.

The deadline for the early-bird has been extended to April 6th!

Click here to register and click here for more information.

LG and Motorola among winners of the 2010 Mark of Excellence Awards

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced the winners of the 2010 Mark of Excellence Awards, presented by CEA’s TechHome Division. The winners were recognized at an awards reception at the eleventh annual Electronic House Expo (EHX) Spring 2010 in Orlando, Florida. 

LG Electronics US was awarded Gold under the Video Component of the Year category.

and

Motorola was awarded Gold under the Structured Wiring Product of the Year category.

Read more.

OSRAM SYLVANIA Provides New LED Streetlighting to University of Toronto

Company Introduces Next Generation Post Top Fixture LED Retrofit Kit to the Largest University in Canada

For over 100 years, OSRAM SYLVANIA has developed, manufactured and mastered lighting technologies and products that serve both consumers and businesses.  The North American lighting leader is directing the course for applications-driven lighting, which allows customers the benefit of choice between various lighting technologies.  Lighting is on the cusp of transformation with the introduction of solid state lighting (SSL) and LEDs lend themselves to a wide variety of applications, including streetlighting. Read the full Press Release.

Confidence up in March: Conference Board

For the fourth time in the past six months, the Conference Board of Canada's Index of Consumer Confidence has reversed course, this time moving up 4.3 points to 92.5. While the March gain wasn't enough to overcome February's drop, the index is 36.4 points ahead of when it was at this time last year, the board is reporting. Read more. 

Whirlpool Lands Major Contract

The nation's largest private homebuilder has picked Whirlpool to provide appliances in its homes nationwide. Shea Homes President Bert Selva says it's excited to offer the local company's appliances to buyers. Shea Homes' Trilogy active lifestyle communities will offer choices from the Whirlpool, Whirlpool Gold, Maytag, KitchenAid and Jenn-Air brands in homes. Whirlpool Contract Sales and Marketing General Manager Tom Halford says it's an honor to be selected by Shea Homes. (Source)

Earth Hour has an impact across Canada

Earth Hour, the celebration of energy conservation, held Saturday evening across Canada and the world, had a noticeable impact on energy consumption, in cities across Canada.

Cities across Canada made commitments to participate and the commitments had real value.

British Columbians reduced electricity consumption Saturday enough to reduce the province's electrical load by 1.04 per cent during Earth Hour and B.C. Hydro spokesperson Simi Heer was effusive, "Earth day is fun and interesting. It gets people talking about conservation. It's a big win for us, seeing what people can do." The small town of Burn's Lake with a population of 2,100 led all B.C. communities with a seven-per-cent drop. Read more.