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According to the State of Science Index – a research survey commissioned by 3M Canada that analyses global perceptions toward science - COVID-19 is considered a trigger point that has restored Canadians' faith in science.

EIN Nexans Jerome 400 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.

ODC Gescan Last month the Gescan branch in Abbotsford opened its doors to welcome guests at a new location, 211-3311 Mount Lehman Road. Located in one of BC’s fastest-growing markets, Gescan Abbotsford outgrew its existing space several years ago and had been looking for a new space to meet its long-term needs ever since.

David Gordon Turtle & Hughes and Southwire are two in the electrical industry who are embracing one of the biggest trends in business — sustainability.

The 50-30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, businesses and diversity organizations. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace, while highlighting the benefits of providing all Canadians with ‘a seat at the table’.

Succession planning is a fairly straightforward concept. It refers to the process for identifying and developing the people in an organization to ensure critical positions are not left vacant due to staff turnover.

CEW Westburne MattMadonaMarkMcArthur 400 The Ontario Division of Westburne has announced two new additions to the senior leadership team.

CEW ThaneRobbs 400 In his new role of Inside Sales, Thane will be working out of the head oce in Bedford Nova Scotia.

CEW StatisticsCanadaLogo 400 There were slightly fewer active businesses (-0.1%; -1,208) in May compared with a month earlier, marking the first time since May 2020 that the number of closures outpaced openings.

Many of us have been shopping online more than ever. The dramatic increase in online shopping during the pandemic is likely to continue as the majority of us have adopted online buying habits during lockdown.

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Monthly Estimates of Business Openings and Closures, May 2021

Statistics Canada There were slightly fewer active businesses (-0.1%; -1,208) in May compared with a month earlier, marking the first time since May 2020 that the number of closures outpaced openings.

The number of business openings decreased by 11.5%, the largest percentage decrease since December 2018 and the second consecutive month with negative growth (Chart 1). The number of business closures declined by 2.9%, following a 2.5% increase in April. The decline in the number of business openings in May was largely driven by fewer entrants (-16.4%). The number of entrants in May was below the 2015-to-2019 average for the first time since August 2020.

488 Days: Thoughts on the COVID Period — March 17, 2020 to July 17, 2021

By John Kerr

Looking back to early 2020, the industry entered the first quarter with a sense of a solid year ahead, one that would easily eclipse 2019, and then in mid-March the brakes went on and relatively quickly.

On both the supplier and distribution sides, many took a reactionary stance and then quietly planned their next moves. Thinking differently, adding stock and doubling down on inventory, looking at alternative shipping methods and figuring out how to stay close to the customer are among the attributes of those that pivoted well and have come out of the dark in great shape.

Non-Mortgage Borrowing From Chartered Banks in March 2020 Shattered the Previous Record

Non-Mortgage Borrowing from Chartered Banks in March 2020 The outstanding credit debt of private non-financial corporations doubled from the height of the financial crisis in 2008 to early 2020. At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, businesses added a record $52.1 billion in credit debt to their balance sheets. However, according to a new study, as other sources of financing became available and businesses adapted to the pandemic, outstanding loan balances with banks declined for eight consecutive months.

The study Trends in Canadian business debt financing: Before and during COVID-19 looks at the types of credit debt private non-financial corporations incurred prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and examines how they used that liquidity to weather the economic turbulence during this period.

Investment in Building Construction Dipped 1.9% in May

Investment in building construction cooled slightly in May, decreasing 1.9% to $19.4 billion. This was the first drop in seven months. Residential construction investment (-2.7%) was down for the first time since April 2020, while non-residential construction increased slightly.

On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction declined 2.7% to $14.8 billion in May.

By David Gordon

As we transition from the pandemic many wonder about the future of sales, meaning, “What will the sales process (sales model) look like in the future,” and, essentially, “What is the role of / for outside salespeople?”

In reality, this question was asked pre-pandemic as management lamented that Sales wasn’t being as productive as they desired. Companies are always seeking to improve their processes, whether it is having salespeople better penetrate accounts, identify and call on new customers, use a different (new?) sales method...

Littelfuse Appoints CSA Enterprises LTD. as the ...

Beginning October 1st, 2021, we are pleased to announce CSA Enterprises Limited will be become the ...

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