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Message From The Editor
Planning for the new year with proven tools
In the midst of a new wave of a particularly virulent COVID variant, here's a look back at lessons learned during the pandemic. The issues are familiar — supply chain disruptions, labour recruitment and retention, inventory management, a rollercoaster stock market, and more. Unlike last year however, we have possible solutions to deal with these levels of challenges and we know that as an industry we have shown agility and flexibility in dealing with them. I wish you a great 2022 with many successes and exciting challenges. Good reading! |
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Market Insights
Seven Thoughts for 2022
By John Kerr
I am not big on predictions so I would rather present instead a few thoughts on what I sense for the future of Canada’s electrical industry. Having the luxury of speaking to all segments of the industry every day provides a unique perspective, so I hope what follows will provide food for thought when looking ahead to next year. There is no doubt high-tech distribution will evolve and grow, evidenced by the increasing complexity of products coming forward. More product suppliers alone will drive this as they seek channel partners, but the driver will be end users who need support, expertise, and immediate access to information. Read More |
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Opinion – EFC
Wanted: Flexible, Purposeful and Supportive Employment
By Swati Vora-Patel
The race to acquire top talent is contingent on creative recruitment and retention strategies that support employees’ new motivations: flexibility, purposeful work and supportive incentives. Talent availability continues to be a key concern among business leaders in the electrical industry: in fact, over 60% of EFC members surveyed said they do not have a robust talent pipeline in place. This pipeline is even further constrained as a result of ongoing employment challenges spurred on by the pandemic. A global phenomenon known as “The Great Resignation” is underway which reflects a wave of workers who are strongly considering leaving their jobs in search for work that is more closely aligned with their interests with employers who provide flexible accommodations and serve a strong purpose. While ‘The Great Resignation’ spans all generations, younger Canadians are mostly contributing to this. Read More |
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Best Practices – Distribution
Your Lighting Line-Up in a Changing World
By David Gordon
The lighting industry, known for perpetual change given the rapid adoption of LEDs (think of the frequency of new products let alone new manufacturers) continues to evolve. Consider recent developments of GE Current acquiring Hubbell Lighting as well as the recent LightFair show. An ever-changing market means that distributors need to constantly review their line-up (line card) to determine which lines to support. This is important given that distributors seem to go one of two ways. Either they proactively manage their line card and try to have some discipline, providing direction to their lighting specialists and sales organization while recognizing that there will always be some exceptions as well as lines need to engage with that are specified by the customer, or... Read More |
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Best Practices – Human Resources
The Importance of Non-Technical Skills
By Michelle Branigan
Working in the electricity field, we know there’s always something to learn, whether it be a new safety protocol or the use of a new piece of equipment. Technology changes require workers to keep their skills current in order to stay safe and complete work efficiently. But beyond the technical capacity of many electrical roles, it’s the non-technical skills, or, what we at Electricity Human Resources Canada like to call professional skills, that each individual brings to the job that can make the difference in developing an innovative, safe and collaborative workplace. These skills include such things as active listening, critical thinking, time management and collaboration, amongst others. Read More |
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Best Practices – Customer Service
The Future of Customer Service – 3 Buying Trends to Capitalize on in 2022
By Jeff Mowatt
Have you ever seen this much marketplace disruption? The year 2022 marks my 30th anniversary of client companies bringing me in to work with their sales and service teams to grow their business. Over my three decades of speaking, training, and writing on the topic I’ve never seen a shift in customer buying behaviors as dramatic as those we’ve recently experienced during the pandemic. Consider how you and your organization can capitalize on the following big three trends. The pandemic exploded online buying particularly at Amazon. Interestingly, Amazon doesn’t sell products. It sells convenience. Compare buying from Amazon to the typical retail shopping experience. Read More |
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Supply Chain
2020 Demonstrated the Importance of Warehouses During a Crisis – An Effective Lighting and Controls Strategy can Help Keep the Supply Chain Moving
By David Buerer
In 2020, due to the global pandemic, warehouses and distribution centers became the mission critical workplaces that nearly everyone on the planet relied upon. E-commerce led to more purchases online, and these facilities became our lifeline to everyday goods and household staples. Warehouses and distribution centers are sizeable, active spaces, with many components—from pallets and people driving forklifts to conveyer belts and HVAC systems. Most warehouses typically operate on a 24/7 schedule, but the pandemic led to numerous disruptions. Social distancing and cleaning protocols impacted efficiencies and COVID-19 breakouts led to smaller operation teams or even temporary closure of facilities. To exacerbate the problems, over the past year, distribution centers have been busier than ever given demand for quick shipping and packaged goods. Read More |
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Research
Canadian Energy Outlook: Essential Keys to Tackling the Energy Transition Challenge
By Institut de l'énergie Trottier de Polytechnique Montréal
In response to the urgent need to ensure a truly effective energy transition across the country, the Institut de l'énergie Trottier at Polytechnique Montréal, in partnership with e3c Hub–HEC Montréal and the firm ESMIA, has published Canadian Energy Outlook 2021: Horizon 2060. The report, now in its second edition, forecasts trends in Canadian energy production and consumption along with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To better gauge the impacts of reduction strategies, it compares transformation scenarios over the next 40 years, depending on whether Canada achieves carbon neutrality in 2045, 2050, or 2060. This energy modelling is based on the most comprehensive technology description of its kind in the country. Read More |
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Human Resources
Six Ways Professional Skills Training Helps Attract and Retain Quality Talent
By EHRC
As qualified candidates begin to filter into your company’s available positions, there are some things you can do to set your team up for long-term success. By cultivating an environment that supports team members’ growth and success, your company will not only become a desirable place for those on the job hunt, but retention rates will also increase, and your organization will be seen as an industry leader. Here are six ways professional skills training helps attract and retain quality talent... Read More |
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Mental Health
Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders Over the Course of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Findings released today from the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH) indicate that one in four (25%) Canadians aged 18 and older screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in spring 2021, up from one in five (21%) in fall 2020. The self-report screening tools are useful to monitor the prevalence of mental health disorder symptoms and probable diagnoses in the population. A positive screen is not a medical diagnosis and does not always indicate that a disorder is present for an individual. Previously, Statistics Canada released estimates of the prevalence of symptoms of mental health disorders from September to December 2020 (fall 2020), using data from the first cycle of the SCMH. Read More |
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Wires and Cables
The New Normal in Canada’s Wire Cable Industry
By Jerome Leroy
In just 18 months, our industry has seen businesses locked down and borders closed. Lead times have grown from weeks to months and orders have been cancelled. Copper prices have nearly doubled and continue to increase. We’ve seen an increasing number of extreme weather events, for instance Texas shut down by cold weather and British Columbia hit by record heat. And, of course, the pandemic has affected every economy in the world. Make no mistake: these events characterize a new normal where, we believe, we’re seeing the emergence – and acceleration – of two widescale trends. The first is supply chain disruption. The second is the rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Read More |
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Changing Scene
- Nesco Appoints Kyle Scott to Ontario Sales Manager
Craig Urie, Sales Manager at Nesco Inc., is pleased to announce that Kyle Scott has earned a well-deserved promotion to the position of Ontario Sales Manager. Kyle will be starting in the new role effective immediately. Kyle previously provided outstanding support as Nesco’s salesperson covering Eastern Ontario.
- Arlington Appoints Representative for Quebec, Ottawa Valley
Arlington Industries is pleased to announce the appointment of Theovine as their new sales representative for the province of Quebec, and the Ottawa Valley Region, beginning January 4 , 2022. Theovine, led by Andre Leblanc, will be responsible for implementing and managing the Arlington Business Plan through our selective distributor partners. Andre and his team have a proven track record and will be a welcome partner to the Arlington sales family.
- Atkore Inc. Announces Acquisition of Sasco Tubes & Roll Forming Inc.
Atkore Inc. has announced the acquisition of Sasco Tubes & Roll Forming Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of metal framing and related products serving the electrical, mechanical, construction and solar industries (www.sascostrut.com). “With more than 65 years in the industry, Sasco has developed an extensive range of sizes, gauges and multiple combinations of strut channels and fittings,” commented Mark Lamps, President of Atkore’s Safety & Infrastructure business.
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Changing Scene
- Mysa Smart Thermostats Names Catalyst Sales and Marketing as Atlantic Canadian Sales Agency
NL-based smart thermostat company, Mysa Smart Thermostats (Mysa), has partnered with Catalyst Sales and Marketing to represent their products in the Atlantic Canadian market. "Fighting climate change requires teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration, as we need a team of likeminded companies to help us build a greener, more sustainable future. At Mysa, we believe our goals align with those at Catalyst and are excited to work together on our home soil in Atlantic Canada" said Mitch Flynn, business development executive for Mysa.
- Gb Agencies, Ltd. Represent Satco In Manitoba
Satco Products of Canada is excited to announce our partnership with GB Agencies, Ltd as our electrical distribution sales representative in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, effective January 4th, 2022. GB Agencies Ltd is an established manufacturer’s representative of leading electrical manufacturers and their products. Their agency’s skilled team has an array of trade experience, sales, and product knowledge.
- IMARK Canada Announces Two New Members
IMARK Canada announced that ASSA Industrial Supply has joined the organization effective January 1, 2022. With over ten years of experience, ASSA Industrial is a full line distributor of electrical and lighting products for commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Surrey, BC, the company also operates a location in Richmond, BC. Ford Electric Supply, Saint-Laurent, QC joined IMARK Canada, effective January 1, 2022.
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Changing Scene
- AAILA Launches www.lightingagents.org to Enhance the Professional Connection Between Lighting Agents & Manufacturers
The American Association of Independent Lighting Agents (ā˗lă) announces the official launch of www.lightingagents.org and invites independent lighting & controls agencies and the manufacturers of lighting & controls (who partner with agents) to join AAILA as Founding Members. “We found a void in the industry and began filling it. What we’re creating is a professional organization for professional lighting salespeople in the commercial lighting sales channel.
- Cooper Lighting Solutions Recognized by IMARK Electrical for Excellence in Marketing and Communications
Cooper Lighting Solutions, a business unit of Signify, announced that IMARK Electrical has recognized the company for its distinguished performance in Marketing and Communications from 2020 through 2021. “Cooper Lighting Solutions has fully and effectively embraced IMARK Electrical marketing and training programs – and our members have noticed,” said Steve Ruane, VP, Marketing and Member Services, IMARK Electrical. “It is quite rare for a new supplier to our group to be recognized for their distinguished performance.
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Changing Scene
- EFC Quebec Region Welcomes Two Executive Committee Members; Gives Thanks to Outgoing Committee Members
As one of EFC’s many standing committees, being part of the Quebec Region Executive Committee is an opportunity to share insights and expertise, specific to the region, and to help grow the engagement within the province by planning various activities and events. We are pleased to share with you the addition of two individuals to the Quebec Region Executive Committee: Lisa Backman of Franklin Empire who joined the committee in June of 2021 and Vanessa Ricard of Agence Ricard who will be joining as of January 2022.
- Temasek and Schneider Electric Launch GREENext to Provide Energy-as-a-Service
Temasek and Schneider Electric announced the launch of GREENext, a joint venture that will provide sustainable and resilient energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers through solar and battery hybrid microgrid technology. GREENext will utilise pre-engineered standardised microgrid technology, which increases deployment speed, that will distribute solar power and come with integrated, digitally optimised batteries to store power, providing an additional layer of reliability.
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Changing Scene
- Renewable Electricity Growth is Accelerating Faster than Ever Worldwide
The growth of the world’s capacity to generate electricity from solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable technologies is on course to accelerate over the coming years, with 2021 expected to set a fresh all-time record for new installations, the IEA says in a new report. Despite rising costs for key materials used to make solar panels and wind turbines, additions of new renewable power capacity this year are forecast to rise to 290 gigawatts (GW) in 2021, surpassing the previous all-time high set last year, according to the latest edition of the IEA’s annual Renewables Market Report.
- AD Canada’s Women in Industry Network Reaches New Heights During Second Kickoff Session
The AD Canada’s Women in Industry Network was introduced at the 2021 Virtual AD Supplier Summit Industrial & Safety – Canada. The network expanded its reach during a special encore kickoff session on Dec. 14, which brought together dozens of member and suppliers from all three AD Canada divisions. The objective is bold but achievable in uniting men and women seeking to make an impact by supporting the success and development of women in traditionally underrepresented industries.
- Government of Canada Releases Economic and Fiscal Update 2021
Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, released the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021. The document provides Canadians with a transparent report of the nation’s finances and updates Canadians on the government’s plan to finish the fight against COVID-19, support Canadians and Canadian businesses, and ensure a strong recovery for everyone. Last year, the Government of Canada put in place an economic response plan with unprecedented measures to meet the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic.
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