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Message From The Editor
Changes initiated by the pandemic, new opportunities and know-how
For most jurisdictions, the economic slowdown in 2020 was the sharpest in 40 years. The impact on GDP has varied across the country, reflecting differences in the extent to which new and existing public health restrictions have been imposed. Prior to the current health crisis, discussions about a digital transformation often revolved around how long it would take to recoup the initial investment rather than how essential the transformation is. Research indicates that after more than a year of pandemic and three major waves of containment, there is no longer any doubt even small and medium-sized businesses believe e-commerce is essential and learning to better plan online sales is an imperative. And then there are smart technologies. Should they be seen as unnecessary or essential expenses? Read David Gordon’s analysis of smart technologies for warehouses. We also highlight Carolina Gallo’s contribution to sustainable development, introduce you to a young industry leader, and share an expert’s perspective on why we should remain vigilant despite vaccination. Good reading!
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Best Practices — Sales
Sales Reimagined: Virtual Selling Requires a New Mindset, Skillset and Toolkit
By Swati Vora-Patel
Recently, I have started watching a series on Netflix called [IT]New Amsterdam[IT] that has shaped my views on change management and leadership. The premise of the show is based on two powerful questions that a newly-appointed medical director poses to his staff every day: “How can I help?” and “What can we do to make a difference?” While they might seem like simplistic concepts, these questions can move mountains. In the show, the medical director asks these questions to demonstrate that he is “one with his team”; that he is approachable, caring and ready to lend his support whenever and however it is needed. He also challenges his staff to become equal collaborators and contributors, empowering them to make decisions that ladder up to a common good. If you take this same concept and apply it to our own work lives, I believe we have become better change agents during this pandemic: we are developing new skills to better service our customers/stakeholders. We are also more resourceful in how we do our jobs and conduct business, and have developed deeper trust in one another, recognizing that we are all feeling vulnerable when adapting to changes.
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Sustainability — Recognition
Sustainability — Recognition
By Line Goyette
Among the recipients of the 2021 Clean50 Awards announced last month is Carolina Gallo, Vice President Government and Institutional Relations Canada, for Hitachi ABB Power Grids Canada. [IT]CEW[IT] reached out to Gallo, about the experience. But first, a little about the Clean50 Awards. These annual awards recognize Canadian leaders in sustainability for their contributions over the prior two years. Created by Delta Management, Canada’s leading sustainability, ESG and clean tech focused search firm, the awards recognize remarkable and inspiring leaders and try to connect these leaders in order to bridge those gaps, and build connections that might not otherwise occur.
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Interview
Marcos Simard — A Young Leader with a Huge Desire to Meet the Challenges Ahead
By Line Goyette
Marcos Simard was recently appointed Managing Director of WESCO and Anixter EES Montréal (Electrical & Electronic Solutions). This young manager, a graduate of the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières with a degree in business administration and holder of a post-graduate degree from Laval University in Information Technology Management, does not seem destined for a career without unexpected shifts. Perfect for a cross-country and marathon runner like him. This young manager is undoubtedly a great optimist, unphased by the scope of the challenges resulting from the merger of these two giants in the midst of a pandemic. Marcos has been with WESCO since 2015. We remember that in 2020, WESCO proposed a merger with Anixter, but the Competition Commissioner demanded that WESCO sell its utility division in Canada and its Canadian company associated with the distribution of data communication products.
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Distribution — Best Practices
Smart Warehouse Technologies: Friend or Money-Pit?
By David Gordon
Distributors thinking about tomorrow need to be thinking about their warehouse of tomorrow. And in a technology world, this means considering smart warehouse technologies. Smart warehouses can be implemented in phases. The key is understanding the emerging technologies as they become affordable and deployable with a goal of reducing picking costs, improving productivity and enhancing customer service … all key goals as employee recruitment becomes more challenging (remember, Amazon pays over $17/hour for warehouse personnel!) Dick Friedman, a warehouse improvement expert, shares his insights into the world of smart warehouse technology.
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Safety
4 Reasons to Remain Vigilant as Vaccinations Begin
“Don’t wait for the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to figure out how they may affect your workplace,” advises Wagish Yajaman, Manager, a certified industrial hygienist and Canadian Registered Safety Professional with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). “While vaccines are widely seen as our best chance to end the pandemic and revitalize the economy, they may present challenges that workplaces need to prepare for.” Topping the list: ensuring people continue following pandemic precautions. “We still need to maintain vigilance,” asserts Wagish. Here are four reasons why.
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eCommerce
Pandemic Year Two: Finding Customers Online Tops List of Small Business Priorities
Small business owners say their online presence (51%) and selling online (38%) has been essential to their survival through the pandemic. As a result, connecting with customers online is the top focus for small businesses in 2021, along with paying down debt and improving their websites, shows new research conducted by Maru/Matchbox on behalf of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Google Canada. Canadians will be able to shop from many of these businesses online even after the pandemic ends — half (48%) of all business owners say they plan to sell online post-pandemic. Only 2% of businesses are going to turn away from selling online after lockdowns and social distancing restrictions end.
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Cybersecurity
Report Takes a Comprehensive Look at Privacy and Cybersecurity in the Connected Home
Cybersecurity and privacy concerns in the smart home have the potential to worsen with device ownership and demand for gadgets growing. In building their solutions, industry participants should therefore treat cybersecurity protections as the norm. Looking past functionality and user experience, privacy also needs to be factored into the process. These were among the key recommendations of CABA’s Privacy and Cybersecurity in the Connected Home Landmark Research project, carried out by CABA member Frost & Sullivan. “Cybersecurity and privacy remain perhaps the foremost challenges for the connected home industry right now, compounded by technology adoption by new demographic segments, such as older adults and children and large numbers of young adults,” said Ron Zimmer, CABA President & CEO. “This research sets out a measured approach that stakeholders can use to assess cyber risks and privacy infringement challenges in the connected home, hasten the development of market-wide solutions, and support the industry in a positive way.”
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Looking Back
Educational Commitment — 1977
Faced with meagre enrolment and rising cost, Seneca College cancelled the Electrical Distribution Course. The Directors, undeterred in their commitment to education, began a serious look at courses of shorter duration. CEDA had been working closely with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) on the promotion of CIPH educational programs. Executive Director Richard Taylor reported that members were enthusiastic about the courses and that CEDA participation in four courses totalled 58 students.
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Survey Says
Common Career Paths: Branch Manager Wholesale Distributor
This graph shows three common career paths for branch managers and wholesale distributors, as well as the corresponding national average salary. The national average for branch manager, wholesale distributor, among those surveyed, is $67,257.
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Economy
Manufacturing Sales Fell in February After January Increase
Following the largest increase observed in seven months in January (+3.4%), manufacturing sales fell 1.6% to $55.4 billion in February on lower sales of transportation equipment. The declines were partially offset by higher sales in the petroleum and coal product, chemical, and wood product industries. Since January, motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts manufacturers have faced a semiconductor shortage, which has led to production slowdowns or shutdowns at several auto assembly plants. The tight supply of semiconductors also impacted plastics and rubber products manufacturing in February as a result of lower demand for plastic products from the auto industry. These declines brought total manufacturing sales down 0.8% year over year in February.
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Economy
Business Openings and Closings Dip in January
In January, despite extended public health restrictions in many provinces, the number of business closures decreased by 1.3% since the previous month. The number of business openings was down 6.9% and has been steadily declining since its 2020 peak in June. Despite this decrease in business openings, the number of active businesses continued to edge up slightly in January, but was 2.2% lower than one year earlier. With the exception of Nova Scotia and Quebec, which recorded increases in business closures of 6.3% (+43) and 1.4% (+94), respectively, business closures have decreased across the provinces and territories since December 2020. In percentage terms, the largest declines in business closures were observed in the Prairies and in British Columbia. Notably, business closures in Saskatchewan were 26.3% lower than in January 2020, and, in British Columbia, they were down 21.4%. These provinces implemented less stringent public health restrictions in December 2020 than the central provinces.
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Economy
Canadian GDP by Industry, February 2021
Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.4% in February, following 0.7% growth in January. This 10th consecutive monthly increase continued to offset the steepest drops on record in Canadian economic activity observed in March and April 2020. However, total economic activity was about 2% below the level observed in February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Services-producing industries were up 0.6%, while goods-producing industries contracted (-0.2%) for the first time since April. Overall, 14 of the 20 industrial sectors expanded in February. Preliminary information indicates an approximate 0.9% increase in real GDP for March.
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Economy
GDP by Industry: Provinces and Territories, 2020
Real gross domestic product (GDP) fell in every province and the Northwest Territories in 2020 and rose in Yukon and Nunavut after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. Over the course of the year, all levels of government in Canada implemented measures to limit the spread of the virus. Measures such as mandatory closures of non-essential businesses, schools and public institutions…
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Changing Scene
- EFC Launches Industry Portal for GUV Devices to Promote Advancement of Safety in the Market
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is the voice for advocacy and the advancement of safety in Canada. EFC is pleased to announce the launch of an industry web portal to provide channel partners with timely resources and guidance on Germicidal UV (GUV) devices. These devices are a proven and effective means to prevent the spread of infectious bacteria and viruses. Health Canada is currently reviewing GUV devices for safe use in public and shared spaces.
- Electrozad Wishes Rob Reilly a Happy Retirement
We would like to take this opportunity to formerly announce that Mr. Rob Reilly will be retiring on April 30th, 2021 after 38-plus years of dedicated service. As some of you may be aware, Rob has been working towards this goal for a couple of years.”
- LightForm Brings Reggiani to Canada
LightForm is proud to announce that it is now the exclusive Canadian agent for Reggiani, an internationally-renowned Italian lighting manufacturer drawing attention in the North American architectural lighting market with its high-performing yet price-sensitive collections.
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Changing Scene
- Liteline Announces Expansion for West Coast Distribution
Liteline has announced they will be establishing a Western Canada Regional Office and Distribution Center. Currently under construction in Langley, British Columbia, the new facility will service British Columbia to Saskatchewan in Canada, as well as the Pacific Northwest and California in the United States.
- Ideal Announces Two New Appointments to their Industrial and Electrical Sales Teams
Ideal Supply is proud to announce they have appointed a new Sales Manager for both the Electrical and Industrial divisions. Wayne Long (left) will serve as thier Electrical Division Sales Manager. Wayne spent 11 years with Ideal Supply in the early years of his career, and was with Benshaw Canada for 20 years in senior sales management roles in Canada and the USA before re-joining Ideal in 2017, as their Industrial Division Sales Manager.
- EFC Scholarship Program Application Deadline May 31
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) and its members are proud to support the next generation of leaders who will power a changing world in the Canadian Electrical industry. This industry is made up of inventors, creators and visionaries who are creating new approaches to how electrical products are used by Canadians at home, work and play.
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Changing Scene
- Thomas Supinski and Mark Kulynych Receive AEA 2020 Emerging Leader Award
A big congratulations to Thomas Supinkski (right) of Leviton Canada and Mark Kulynych (left) of WESCO Distribution on receiving our 2020 Emerging Leader Award! "Thomas embodies what it means to be a leader. His drive, pursuit of growth and resilience in the face of challenges are inspiring," said the AEA via LinkedIn.
- Introducing National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the Electricity Sector
Changing technology in Canada’s electricity and renewable energy sectors is impacting job functions and occupations. We created our NOS to inform employers and job seekers of current skills, knowledge and abilities they need for career planning and workforce development. Our NOS were developed with extensive consultation with industry, making them the most relevant tool for sector planning needs.
- IDEA Announces Dena Barrett as New Director of Customer Services
The Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA) is pleased to announce Dena Barrett as the company’s new Director of Customer Services. In her role, Barrett will be responsible for managing and overseeing the IDEA Client Solutions Team, as well as for taking IDEA’s client services team to the next level.
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Changing Scene
- ABB Canada Supports Efforts to Help Roll Out Vaccination Program Against COVID-19
ABB Canada has become one of the first companies to offer employee support for theIndustry for Vaccination (IFV) - a collaborative initiative between government and the private sector that aims to accelerate the countrywide vaccination rollout. Across Canada, as IFV sites ramp up their services, ABB will be supporting centers with staffing resources and financial support.
- AD member sales up 14% in first three months of 2021
AD is reporting member sales in the first quarter of 2021 were $12.7 billion, an increase of 14% across its 13 divisions and three countries. Same-store sales were up 6%. Purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners were up 16%. Net distributions to its members were up 19%.
- Hammond Power Solutions Inc. Announces Quarter 1, 2021 Financial Results
Hammond Power Solutions Inc. announced its financial results for the First Quarter of 2021. Sales for the quarter-ended March 27, 2021 were $80,121, a decrease of $8,299 or 9.4% from Quarter 1, 2020 sales of $88,420. This would be the fourth quarter the business was impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic. It is important to note that the pandemic had minimal impact on the business in the same quarter last year as the Pandemic was in its infancy stage.
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Changing Scene
- Hubbell Reports First Quarter 2021 Results
Hubbell Incorporated reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. "Hubbell achieved year-over-year earnings growth and adjusted operating margin expansion in the first quarter," said Gerben Bakker, President and Chief Executive Officer.
- ABB Q1 2021 Results
Market activity continued to recover from its lowest point during the summer 2020. Demand was especially strong in the short-cycle business, beyond our expectations. The increased customer activity, in combination with the impact from previously implemented cost measures, resulted in double-digit growth in Operational EBITA, and a very high first quarter margin of 13.8%.
- Graybar Reports Record First Quarter Results
Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today reported its highest first quarter net sales and net income in company history. For the first three months of 2021, Graybar's net sales totaled $1.9 billion, an increase of 7.2 percent compared to the same period last year.
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Changing Scene
- Littelfuse Reports First Quarter Results For 2021
Littelfuse, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 27, 2021: Net sales of $463.8 million were up 34% versus the prior year period, and up 26% organically, due to strong demand across a number of electronics, automotive and industrial end markets. Growth by segment versus the prior year period…
- GE Announces First Quarter 2021 Results
GE announced results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2021. GE Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. said, “I am proud of the GE team's solid first quarter results, despite a still difficult environment for Aviation. We are improving our cash performance and profitability with Industrial free cash flow growth of $1.7 billion year-over-year, excluding BioPharma, and organic margin expansion across all segments, except Aviation. This continued progress sets us up well to deliver on our 2021 commitments.”
- Cree Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021
Cree, Inc. announced revenue from continuing operations of $137.3 million for its third quarter of fiscal 2021, ended March 28, 2021. This represents a 21% increase compared to revenue from continuing operations of $113.9 million reported for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and an 8% increase compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2021.
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