CEDA: Years of Continued Growth 1960 to 1963
July 9, 2020
In 1960, the directors were very serious about conventions and proposed that any member in attendance at the convention but failing to attend convention sessions be assessed a penalty. No details are given either of proposed penalties, or whether the suggestion ever got beyond the suggestion stage.
The early ’60s was a time of continual growth and expansion for CEDA. A colourful new logo had been approved as the official CEDA insignia.This could be used by member companies with their name on the left side and Canadian Electrical Distributors Association on the right, thus allowing members to display their affiliation with the association.
Tto increase delegate representation at the association’s conferences, the board agreed that transportation costs for one delegate per member company (on the basis of economy return air fare) should be paid by CEDA.
Ontario members decided that they did not want to conduct a salary survey as it would be of little value to them.
Lever, Hoskin & Co. was appointed the association’s auditor, at a fee not to exceed $150.00.
An important milestone in the distributors’ quest for a separate identity came CEDA’s way in 1963, courtesy of the Bell Telephone Company. After months of negotiation, Bell agreed to separate wholesalers’ listings from manufacturers’ listings in the Yellow Pages. Bell further agreed to give consideration to reclassifying appliances at a later date. It was suggested that these changes would eliminate the “hard to read” headlines some distributors were complaining about.
CEDA’s affiliation with other organizations was also growing. The Wholesale Council of Canada approached the association with regard to receiving financial support for its Distributive Trade Council, a body that regularly dealt with the government.The Board agreed to give $1000 to the council (the minutes noted): “This was the best way of assisting the Council while relieving members of direct subscription, and assist in presenting a case before the Federal Government to correct some complaints we have regarding the Combines Act.”
Source: CEDA: Fifty Years of Service – An Historical Review of the Canadian Electrical Distributors Association, 1934 to 1984, Kerrwil Publications. Please feel free to reach out to us any time if you have great photos, historical anecdotes or perspectives. We would love to hear from you; linegoyette@kerrwil.com.
