Submissions are now being accepted online for the 2014 IES Illumination Awards. The awards provide a unique opportunity for public recognition of professionalism, ingenuity, and originality in lighting design based upon the individual merit of each entry judged against specific criteria.
Read more: Submit Your IES Illumination Award Application Now
Canada generated 48.7 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity in October 2013, up 1.1% from the same period in 2012. The increase was led by gains in hydro (+2.1%) and nuclear power (+3.1%) generation. Combined, the two sources represented 78.9% of total power generation. Canadian demand for electricity rose 0.6% to 44.9 million MWh. Exports to the United States rose 11.5% to 4.8 million MWh. Read on for key provincial figures.
Jigsaw’s SPA Control platform is the first contract management system that encompasses the entirety of the SPA management process, from contract setup, administration and auditing SPA rebate claims to measuring contract performance via an impressive array of simple, easy-to-use analysis tools. The web-based platform, which is currently being used by more than 100 electrical distributors, has thus far delivered impressive results with 40% increases in SPA revenues, 12% improvements in SPA profitability and 85% decrease in administrative expenses.
Read more: Company Feature – Canadian Electrical Wholesaler...
There are really only two ways to increase sales: sell to new customers or sell more products to existing customers. Both require that distributor sales management and salespeople effectively evaluate their customers, and identify new opportunities and manufacturers’ salespeople (direct and reps). Marketplace competitiveness requires a back-to-basics sales approach that differentiates you, especially in light of the movement to more e-communications/e-commerce. No longer will “let’s see what today or this week brings” succeed. Planning and applying basic selling skills are the order of the day, so ask yourself these eight questions.
Read more: Sales and Marketing - How Can Joint Sales Calls...
It is always interesting to see manufacturers develop new products for the electrical industry. Lately we have seen an influx of hi-tech products that require a special type of salesperson at the distributor level. Over the past few years we’ve seen CFL and LED lighting, solar energy, wind power, Wi-Fi enabled lighting solutions, and the expansion of industrial controllers that incorporate new features and related benefits. The challenge for electrical distribution: are you willing to invest time and money in this new hi-tech market by hiring and training salespeople who have the skills to pitch the product and the expertise to answer relevant questions that will arise during a typical sales call?
As a distributor considering participating in a supplier’s Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program, you might be asking yourself, “Why should I let a supplier manage my inventory?” It may seem counter-intuitive that you can improve inventory management and increase sales by allowing suppliers to maintain your inventory. But more and more distributors are happily doing just that with key suppliers. In fact, many distributors are now encouraging key suppliers to include them in their VMI programs. Why? Because for you the distributor it results in increased sales, improved inventory turns, and reduced administrative costs.
Read more: Best practices - Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)...
Contribute Your Product Knowledge to Develop the Industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM)
Have you heard about the industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM) initiative? IDEA, in partnership with NAED, is calling all product experts to get involved and be recognized by the industry. People who join the Product Expert Task Force will impact the future of the electrical distribution channel.
In the next 6 months, subject matter experts (SMEs) will be harmonizing the categorization for dozens of product categories. It’s an opportunity for industry experts to participate as a SME in the HDM initiative.
For more information Go Here.
McKenna Agencies Selected to Represent EGLO Canada in Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Parts of B.C.
By Rhonda Cox, Regional Sales Manager, Western Canada, EGLO Canada
It is with pleasure that EGLO Canada annouces the nomination of McKenna Agencies as our representation in the specification market as well as electrical distributor channel for the markets of Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and parts of B.C.
Covering various interveners within the specification market (engineers, architechts and designers), McKenna Agencies is a privately-owned-andoperated company whose history under its current ownership dates back to 1988.
Sonepar Acquires CioffiRenato in Italy
Sonepar has officially signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of shares in CioffiRenato. Founded in 1974, CioffiRenato is a company active in the distribution of electrical material operating in the Lecce province, with its headquarters in Casarano.
In 2021, with its two branches serving all the area, the company recorded sales of around €10 million. It employs 17 associates and 2 sales representatives. Thanks to this acquisition, Sonepar, already present in Puglia with six branches, will strengthen its business in the region.
Electrozad Announces Retirement of Sales Representative Chris Farrah
Electrozad have recently announced the retirement of Sales Representative Chris Farrah, on July 29th, 2022. Chris began his career with Electrozad on February 20th, 1983. His first position was doing deliveries as a truck driver, then advanced to a warehouse position, then a Customer service/Counter sales representative.
Finally in 1991, Chris was promoted to the position of Sales Representative where he continued to excel and increase his relationships with customers and vendors for the remainder of his career. Chris had been a valuable member not only of Electrozad's business but of the Electrozad family too.
Franklin Electric Releases 2022 Sustainability Report
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. released its third annual Sustainability Report this month, once again providing transparency, insight and data related to the Company’s performance toward Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and goals. The commitment to these initiatives and goals led the Company to be named to Newsweek’s 2022 list of America’s Most Responsible Companies.
This year’s report includes several details related to product advancements, employee health and wellness programs, and manufacturing initiatives.
Changing Scene
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Bunting as Senior Sales Manager, Western Ontario District effective Aug 2nd, 2022. Doug will continue to report directly to me. Doug is a well-known industry veteran who has held many leadership positions over his 35 years with Westburne.
In this role, Doug will drive commercial sales activities and will help recruit, mentor, and develop our team of commercial account managers, branch staff, and project managers. He will focus on accelerating sales growth in the Western Ontario District and will play a key role in supporting vendor and customer relationships.
Stanpro Announces Retirement of Greg Parsons, VP Sales, at the End of the Year
It is with mixed feelings that Stanpro recently announced that Greg Parsons, Vice-President of Sales, will be retiring at the end of the year. Greg has been with Stanpro for the last 18 years as well as four years with Standard prior to joining Stanpro. Greg has been a key contributor to the success and growth Stanpro has known. He has been the face and leader of the sales force; he has built strong long-lasting relationships with customers and partners and he has been a pillar and mentor for many.
With Greg retiring, Stanpro are very pleased to announce the nomination of Adam Silverman as the National Sales Director. This nomination is effective immediately.
Magic Lite Announces the Appointment of Jennifer Penton to Management Team
Magic Lite is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer (Jen) Penton to the position of National Sales Manager. Jen joins the team with a proven track record having spent the last 10 years in business development and project management with engineering consulting firm GHD.
Prior to this she earned a PhD at the University Of Western Australia. As the daughter of Magic Lite founder and CEO Tom Penton, Jen is very familiar with the company and its operations and is looking forward to bringing her passion and drive to the family company.
RESA Power Bolsters Its Presence in Canada With the Acquisition of Advanced Electrical Services, Ltd.
RESA Power, LLC has recently announced the acquisition of Advanced Electrical Services, Ltd. Based in Alberta, Canada, Advanced Electrical Services (AES) is a NETA accredited company that has two locations in Calgary and Edmonton from which it has been providing electrical testing services since 2008 throughout Western Canada.
AES specializes in providing medium and high voltage services and products into the renewable energy, mining, commercial, utility, and oil & gas market segments in Western Canada. RESA Power was acquired by Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, in December 2021 and this marks the first add-on acquisition under their ownership.