Ideal Supply Facility in Midland, Ontario Ravaged by Tornado

Midland, Ontario declared a state of emergency and a swath of cottage country was under a tornado warning on Wednesday night after a severe thunderstorm destroyed businesses. The severe storm struck without warning shortly after 6 p.m., and within minutes residents had reported downed power lines, gas leaks and damaged businesses throughout Midland -- including the Ideal Supply facility. Watch video of destruction. (The destroyed building referred to in the video is the Ideal Supply facility). No Ideal Supply employees in Midland were harmed. 

StatsCan Study: Export market dynamics and plant-level productivity, 1984 to 2006

The more productive a plant is, the more likely it is to make a transition to export markets, and the less likely it is to leave them. The reverse also occurs; plants that enter export markets improve their productivity performance compared with similar firms that do not. Read more.

EEMAC Conducts Public Consultation in Manitoba on Proposed Lamp EPR Program

Earlier this week, EFC's Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association of Canada (EEMAC) Council completed a public consultation on Manitoba Household Hazardous Waste Stewardship.

The consultation was led by EEMAC and Product Care, and among other programs, outlined the proposed Lamp EPR program. EEMAC is working with Product Care to design, manage and govern the project. Learn more.

For further information, please contact Wayne Edwards, Vice President, EEMAC at 647.258.7483 or wedwards@electrofed.com.

Hammond Power Solutions Inc. Announces Election of David J. FitzGibbon to Board of Directors

Hammond Power Solutions (HPS) Inc. announces that David J. FitzGibbon has been elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of shareholders held on May 25, 2010, increasing the number of independent Directors to five.

Mr. FitzGibbon serves on many Boards within the electrical manufacturing industry. He is the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ilsco Corporation, an electrical connector manufacturer based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

William G. Hammond, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hammond Power Solutions Inc., states, “David brings extensive experience and expertise from the U.S. electrical industry, we are pleased to welcome him to the HPS board and are confident that his contributions will help HPS continue expand on its position as an industry leader.”

    

New Recycling Program in PEI Set to Launch July 1, 2010

Electronic waste will be diverted from landfill sites in Prince Edward Island with the introduction of a new province-wide recycling program starting July 1, 2010, said Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown. Government has accepted a plan from Atlantic Canada Electronics Stewardship (ACES), an industry organization representing electronics manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders, to manage a recycling program.

ACES has operated a similar Electronics Recycling Program in Nova Scotia since 2008. “As an industry-led, non-profit association, ACES is looking forward to providing a responsible electronics recycling program for residents of Prince Edward Island,” said Gerard MacLellan, Executive Director of ACES. “We’re committed to working closely with the Government of PEI and Island Waste Management Corporation to ensure unwanted electronics are diverted from landfills and recycled responsibly.”

The new program will address the growing environmental problem of electronic waste in PEI’s solid waste system.

“I think most Islanders would be shocked to know that 700 metric tonnes of electronics are disposed of each year in local landfills,” said Minister Brown. “Implementing this new program will send a strong message about the responsibility we all have to protect the environment.”

The ACES program is not funded by government but through an environmental handling fee paid by consumers and producers of electronics products. A fee will be applied to the purchase of new electronic products to assist with the cost of the recycling program. The fees will vary from 40 cents for digital cameras, $2.10 for laptop computers and $10.50 for desktop computers.

Products that can be recycled include computers, televisions, portable stereos and CD players, VCRs and DVD players, and non-cellular telephones. These products will no longer be accepted in residential solid waste carts or commercial waste collections.

ACES will work with Island Waste Management Corporation to set up convenient drop-off locations across the province. IWMC will publicize details within the next week. Information about the ACES PEI launch is available at www.acestewardship.ca.

Investment in Training Pays Off

The real-life account of WaterFilters.NET: 
We only had six employees when one of them decided to leave because he felt he didn’t have the skills or product knowledge to do a good job. It was a big blow to our company, and it convinced me that I’d waited too long to bring in the kind of training that my employees needed...I knew the company would benefit from some in-depth product training, but there never seemed to be a good time. Who’s going to answer the phone if both of your sales people are busy learning? So I kept putting off the training. Also, it costs a lot to bring in someone from the outside to train your staff, so I was happy to put off that expense. It seemed like we were doing OK with on-the-job training...Read more.

In Memoriam: Richard Taylor

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Taylor. Richard passed away on June 13th in Belleville, Ontario in his 69th year. Richard was the very first President of Electro-Federation Canada. Prior to that, he had been President of Copel, which he helped transform into a preeminent independent distribution company. In the mid-90's, he helped Copel join the North American AD Distributor group. 

Many of you may have been aware of the degenerative spinal condition that Richard suffered from, affecting discs 1, 2 and 3 in his upper neck. What was not known was that in addition he had a staph infection that became very aggressive in a short period of time that led to paralyses, and ultimately could not be overcome.

A private grave-side service was held for Richard on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, please remember Richard by supporting a local person or organization with a contribution. EFC extends its deepest condolences to Richard's family. He was a good friend to many in our industry and will be greatly missed.

EFC's 10th Anniversary Federation Cup Charity Golf Tournament - Early-bird Rate Ends June 23rd

Electro-Federation Canada invites all members and guests to participate in its milestone 10th Anniversary Federation Cup Charity Golf Tournament on August 23rd at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON. (8:30 am Shotgun Start). Over 120 delegates have already signed up -- don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your industry peers.

Register today and save! Early-bird registration ends on June 23rd -- so act fast to receive a special discounted rate! Sign up today. 

Through your participation at this tournament, you can also take part in other exciting events, including Shoot for the Loot, 10th Anniversary Signature holes, a Marché-style Golfers' Feast, and a silent auction.

CALL FOR SPONSORS

Golf sponsorship opportunities are still available. Be a part of this milestone celebration and let your company be recognized in front of over 250 members. We have already raised close to $50,000, but still have $10,000 more to go! Please help us achieve our goal.

Sponsorships are still available for the following:

Dinner Co-Sponsor

$2,000 prominent sponsor

$1,000 premier sponosor

(a few co-sponsor placements also available)

10th Anniversary Signature Hole (includes special food/beverages served to golfers)

$1,500 each

(2 placements available)

Straightest Drive Contest

$700

(1 placement remaining)

If your company is unable to participate in this year's tournament, you can still sponsor a hole, ensuring your company is visable in front of industry peers.

Regular Golf Hole

$600 each 

or two for $1,000 (one on each course)

(several still available)


Contact Nathalie Lajoie to secure your corporate sponsorship.

Also, don't forget to donate a prize for the silent auction table. If you would like to donate a prize, please contact Kathryn Cosgrove at 647-258-7481.

A special thanks to the following companies who have generously sponsored to date:


Acuity Brands Lighting

Affiliated Distributors

Alcan Cable
Arlington Industries Inc.
Beghilli Canada Inc.
Brady Corporation

Burndy
Canadian Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association
Cooper Industries
DSG Canusa, Shawcor Ltd.
EATON
Electrical Business
Franklin Empire Inc.
Hubbell Canada LP
GE Canada
Graybar Canada
Industrial Electric Wire and Cable Co.
Juno Lighting Group
LAPP Canada Inc.
Legrand Canada Inc..
Leviton Manufacturing Company Inc.
Nedco
OSRAM SYLVANIA LTD.
Philips Lighting
Procter & Gamble Inc.
Rittal Systems Ltd.
Rockwell Automation
Royal Pipe Systems
Schneider Electric Canada
SOLA Canada Lighting & Power Inc.
Sonepar Canada Inc.
Southwire Company
Stelpro Design Inc.
Techspan Industries Inc.
Thomas & Betts Limited
Ultrasave Lighting Ltd.
WESCO Distribution Canada LP

Westburne Ruddy Electrical

Questions?

For more information on this special milestone event, click here, or contact Kathryn Cosgrove at 647-258-7481.

S&D Conference Survey Results

The survey says...

Conference Experience

75% of this year's survey respondents rated their conference experience as having met their expectations, while 18% claimed that the conference exceeded their expectations. 

Overall Conference Rating: 86% of respondents rated their overall experience as Very Good to Good.

96% of survey respondents, strongly indicated that they would attend next year's Supply & Distribution Conference in Quebec City (May 31 - June 3, 2011).    

Speakers

Roger Partington of Coherent B2B, who presented findings from the new electrical contractor study, received top marks with a 4.7 out of 5 rating, followed by: 

- David Nour at 4.6

- Ken Wong 4.5

- John Bachmann 4.5

- Max Valiquette 4.4

Conference Format Change: 76% of respondents indicated that they would like to continue to end the conference with the golf tournament rather than the awards evening. Moreover, 57% preferred this year's Award Evening format, 18% would like the gala and dance brought back, and 25% would prefer a combination of both aspects.

The following is one particular comment from the survey regarding the new format: "Schedule was great -- managed to attend more of the business sessions. Like the attendance at the awards night -- timing was good"

Head Office: 85% of respondents rated this component as Good to Very Good.

Networking Opportunities: 81% rated the opportunities as Very Good to Excellent.

CEMRA Dinner Event: 73% rated this event as Good to Very Good.

Tours: Overall, this year's tour results were overwhelming, from an abundance of Okanagan winery tours, to ATV excursion and food and wine pairings. All tours rated between 4.5 to 5.0 out of a possible 5.

A special thanks to those members who completed the survey and to all those who attended this year's conference.

Whirlpool Canada Named 2010 ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) has named Whirlpool Canada the 2010 ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the company's continued leadership in offering Canadian consumers energy and water efficiency solutions through its leading home appliance brands.

This is Whirlpool Canada's seventh ENERGY STAR award since the program was initiated in Canada in 2001, and is the company's fifth Manufacturer of the Year award. Whirlpool Corporation has been honored with 23 ENERGY STAR awards overall in North America - more than any other appliance manufacturer, and three times as many as any other winner. Read more.

BCEA's 19th Annual Golf Tournament -- Register Today!

The British Columbia Electrical Association (BCEA) invites you to attend its 19th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, July 15 at the Surrey Golf Club. Register early as this tournament sells out quickly! Hope sponsorships are available. All proceeds from this event go towards the BCEA Lower Mainland Scholarship and Bursary funds. For more information or to register online, visit http://www.bcea.bc.ca/event_display_detail.php?event_id=449.

Samsung Appoints New Sr. Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for North Americ

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., announces the appointment of Ralph Santana as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, at the company's North American headquarters.

Santana joins Samsung after a 16-year career with PepsiCo Inc. During his Pepsi career, Ralph has had multiple international and domestic leadership roles in marketing, spanning various brand initiatives and product categories. Most recently, he was the VP of Marketing for PepsiCo's flagship Pepsi-Cola trademark. In that capacity, he re-launched the brand with a new positioning, identity, and communications strategy and was responsible for the highly-acclaimed Pepsi Refresh Project.

In his new position, Santana will take leadership responsibility for Samsung's North America Marketing organization, including the Brand Marketing, Digital Marketing, Market Intelligence, and Product Innovation teams. He will report directly to CS Choi, President & CEO of Samsung Electronics America.

NEMA Announces Premium® Efficiency Program for Low-Voltage Distribution Transformers

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today announced the initiation of the NEMA Premium^® Efficiency Transformer Program, which will help utilities, commercial buildings, and industrial plants incorporate super high-efficiency electrical transformers into their operations.

NEMA originally set the standard for the efficiency of various types of distribution transformers with the publication of NEMA TP 1-2002 Guide for Determining Energy Efficiency for Distribution Transformers, which was later adopted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as the national energy-efficiency rule for low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. The new NEMA Premium^® Efficiency Transformer designation requires 30 percent fewer losses than existing DOE regulations (10 CFR 431) for low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers.

The transformers covered under the new program are typically used in commercial and industrial applications. However, some electric utilities are considering the NEMA program for their commercial and industrial energy-efficiency rebate programs. The adoption of this program will not only reduce energy consumption, but will also significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

To date, seven major manufacturers have committed to providing NEMA Premium Efficiency Transformers to the marketplace. They include Eaton Electrical, Federal Pacific, GE Energy Industrial Solutions, Hammond Power Solutions, ONYX Power, Schneider Electric, and Siemens Industry, all NEMA members.

2010 Supply & Distribution Conference a Success!

The Supply & Distribution Council held its annual premier conference in Kelowna, BC last week, with over 410 delegates, companions and guests in attendance. As always, the S&D Conference provided members with ample networking opportunities, business interaction and insight into new practices through this year's highly informative business program. Next year's S&D Conference will be held in beautiful Quebec City from May 31 - June 3, 2011 at the Loews Le Concorde Hotel. Save the date!

Four industry leaders were honoured last Wednesday during the Awards Ceremony at the conference. Congratulations to the following 2010 award winners:

• CEMRA Person of the Year: Keith Maguire, Adanac Sales
• S&D Honourary Manufacturer: Micheal Kenney, Thomas & Betts
• S&D Honourary Distributor: Lance Love, BJ Electric
• EFC Industry Recognition Award: Dick Waterman, IESC (Rexel & Gexpro USA) – this award honour first announced at EFC's Annual General Meeting in April.

2010-2011 S&D Executive

This annual conference marks the change in chairmanship for the S&D Council. The 2010-2011 S&D Chair is John Sencich, Thomas & Betts, who takes over from Past Chair, Wayne Donaldson, Rexel Canada Electrical Inc.

The 2010-2011 S&D Council Executive is as follows:

John Sencich – Chair  (Thomas & Betts)

Tim Horsman – 1st Vice Chair (E.B. Horsman & Son)

Dave Syer – 2nd Vice Chair (Hubbell Canada)

Wayne Donaldson – Past Chair (Rexel Canada Electrical Inc.)

Bob Shapiro – Executive Member (Franklin Empire)

Sandra  McClelland – Executive Member (Sonepar)

Mark Shroeder – Executive Member (Rockwell Automation)

Tom Brockway – CEMRA Rep (Brockway Enterprises)

For all conference highlights, visit http://kelownabound.blogspot.com/

Ferraz Shawmut Announces Name Change to Mersen

Ferraz Shawmut, a supplier of electrical protection solutions, is pleased to announce that it is changing its company name to Mersen. The name change reflects the company's history, and more importantly its strategic direction. In Toronto, the official company name is: Mersen Canada Toronto Inc. http://www.mersen.com. 
Ferraz Shawmut has long benefited from being part of Carbone Lorraine, a large international group which specializes in providing high-performance materials for extreme environments and solutions to enhance the reliability and safety of electrical systems. The company now consolidates its identity under one name – Mersen. Read more.

B.A. Robinson Awarded for Outstanding Participation

B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has been recognized for outstanding performance of its Electrical business. At a recent meeting of Affiliated Distributors' (A-D) Electrical Supply Division, North America’s largest distribution network, B.A. Robinson was named the 2010 award winner for Highest Overall Participation in the Canadian Electrical Supply Division.                     

A-D's annual Network Awards identify individual Affiliates who have demonstrated outstanding performance and/or leadership. This award is presented to Affiliates with the highest percentage of electrical purchases made with A-D Suppliers, and as a percentage of total company purchases in 2009. The award also recognizes growth actions such as conversions to A-D Suppliers from non A-D suppliers and increasing A-D volume through acquisitions.                                                                                                                                                           

Pictured: Chris Scott (R), Vice President of A-D Canada, presents award to Jeff Vincent (L), Regional Manager, B.A. Robinson.                

                                                                                                                                                   

Rexel Announces Expanded Strategic Partnership with Imtech

Rexel and Imtech N.V., a European technical services provider in the area of electrical engineering, ICT (information and communication technologies) and mechanical engineering, announce the expansion of their strategic partnership for the next three years throughout Europe.

Since 2006, Rexel, through its former Hagemeyer subsidiaries, and Imtech have been working together on joint projects and offers. Rexel is a strategic supplier for Imtech, one of Rexel’s top five international key accounts, and aims at increasing co-operation in Europe. Through this partnership, Rexel will allow Imtech to reduce its costs, gain efficiency and build together specific innovations in tailored services. This co-operation is significant for Rexel and illustrates the Group’s strategy of partnership with high quality of services and business development for its key accounts.

Key Accounts customers are major industrial, commercial, and service companies. They have the ability to outsource to Rexel their procurement, logistics and storage in order to be able to optimize productivity, improve profitability, and focus on their core businesses. In 2009, key accounts sales represented roughly 18% of Rexel’s total sales volume.

CAMA's 2010 Major Appliance Industry Trends and Facts Report - Now Available

The Canadian Appliance Manufacturers Association (CAMA), an Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) Council, has released its latest market research for the Canadian Appliance industry in a published report, Major Appliance Industry Trends and Facts.

The following is a short summary of the findings; full details can be found in the report.

Although the Canadian Major Appliance industry experienced a decline in 2009 of 4.9% versus 2008, at a level close to that reported in 2006, there was growth in Energy Star®-rated appliance shipments, with increases of 1.0% in refrigerators, 7.8% in clothes washers, and 10.8% in dishwashers. 

To obtain a copy of the full report, download an order form at:

www.electrofed.com/councils/CAMA/Industry_Trends/index.html

Read the full press release.

Coming Soon! BC's Newest Product Stewardship Program

Similar to other programs for paints and pesticides, Product Care Association is launching a new

stewardship program to collect and recycle residential, energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes. 

Starting July 1st, residents will be able to return CFLs and fluorescent tubes for safe recycling at sites across BC. While these bulbs and tubes are more energy efficient, they do contain a small amount of mercury – five times less than in a watch battery – which is why it’s important that they be safely recycled.

Prior to a large-scale public announcement of the program, we are providing you with advance notice of the July launch so that you and your staff will have the information you’ll need to answer questions. In addition to a soft launch in July, we’ll also be expanding promotions in the fall, at a time when homeowners return to their regular routines after summer, and to coincide with October’s Energy Efficiency Month. We’re also working with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the two main electric utility companies in the province, to help spread the word about where to take these energy-efficient CFLs and tubes for safe recycling.

For more information and to learn how your company can help, click here.

CACN Applauds New Consumer Product Safety Bill

The Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN) applauds the Government of Canada on the re-introduction of Bill C-36, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

“While we look forward to examining the Bill in more detail, we commend the government for its efforts to protect Canadians from the harms posed by unsafe counterfeit products,” commented Brian Isaac, Chair of CACN. “Canadian consumers deserve protection from those who seek to make a fast buck from the sale of dangerous counterfeit and black market products, with no regard for public safety.”

The Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network is a coalition of individuals, companies, firms and associations that have united in the fight against product counterfeiting and copyright piracy in Canada and internationally. The originating members of CACN include broad-based organizations, such as the I.E.Canada, Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Electro-Federation Canada, the Canadian Entertainment Software Association and the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association; companies from a range of industries; and law firms representing a host of intellectual property (IP) rights holders – Canadian and foreign – with significant businesses in Canada. For more information, visit www.cacn.ca

tED Renewable Energy and Efficiency Products Study 2010

tED Magazine recently completed a survey to determine which renewable/efficiency products and services electrical distributors currently offer and those they plan to offer in the future. Results of this survey are now available: tED Magazine Renewable/Energy Efficiency Products Survey Results

AHAM Gives Rebate Program Mixed Grades

While the U.S. federally funded appliance-rebate program succeeded in stimulating the economy, its impact on the majap industry was mixed.

That's the assessment of The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), which found that the modest funding and complicated rollout of the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs (SEEARP) limited its effectiveness in saving consumers energy and money.

The trade association is also calling on Congress to renew the program as a single, nationwide program with more sufficient funding. Read more.

Apple iPad Sales Pass 2-million Mark in Two Months!

Sales of Apple's iPad tablet are showing no signs of slowing after reaching more than 2 million units in the two months since its launch, the company said. Research firm Piper Jaffray & Co. reported strong consumer demand in Europe, Japan and Australia after the iPad's debut in those countries. Analysts, on average, predict Apple will sell 5 million iPads this year, although one analyst has predicted sales could reach double that figure. 


Watch the video.