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Volume 4 • Issue 1
Message From The Editor
The challenges of the coming year are great, a step back to address them
At the beginning of the year, a somewhat special issue. Three profiles you read last year: Jason Prevost, who chairs the industry's Young Professionals Network; the Gerrie family, which now hosts the third generation in the family business; and because he is on the eve of his retirement, Jim Taggart — both to highlight his contribution to our industry and to get a glimpse of what may inspire him in his retirement. Good news, he will remain with us as a regular contributor. Our industry is aware of the role it must play in the community, and we introduce here an organization that is partnering with EFC. Also, as our industry faces generational transition, advice from our contributor on mistakes to avoid in the difficult and strategic decision-making processes. On this, good reading and above all a great year filled with success.
Line Goyette, Managing Editor
linegoyette@kerrwil.com
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Changing Scene
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Young Professional Network
EFC's Young Professionals Network Celebrates One Year
EFC's Young Professionals Network (YPN) has brought together over 300 young and talented members from across Canada, offering them opportunities to collectively gather, grow and give. This program is designed for employees who are 40 years of age and under, in any role/department. As YPN move into its second year, a number of new and exciting programs are being planned…
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Best Practices
Message to Presidents/Owners: Young Managers Can Cause Long-Term Problems
By Paul Eitmant
During the last few weeks I have had several conversations with manufacturers and distribution management, and both raised issues with the younger managers in our industry who have the attitude that they know everything and don't need advice. This type of management can lead to major concerns and downfall in any organization, affecting sales, operations and profits for the companies they work for. Now I am an "older" manager. I want to give back. As a business coach…
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Looking Back
Future Gazing — By Franz H. Tyaack, President, Westinghouse Canada Ltd
By Franz H. Tyaack
Golden anniversaries are celebrated by the mature, and our industry is allowed to celebrate this anniversary because it is indeed mature. Those who forecast the future for mature industries, particularly if they extrapolate from past industry experience, usually become pessimistic. On the other hand, if one recognizes the future is not necessarily an extrapolation of the past, a much more optimistic forecast can result. There are some important discontinuities that have occurred in the world since the electrical industry was born. The driving forces that help shape the future are not necessarily the same ones that were dominant in the past.
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Corporate Social Responsibility
EFC Partners with Habitat for Humanity Canada
By Julie Kerr
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) has chosen Habitat for Humanity Canada as its partner of choice for industry social responsibility initiatives. Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. Like Habitat for Humanity Canada, EFC also believes in bringing communities together as a way to help families establish stability and independence through home ownership. "Habitat has great alignment with EFC as many members are already engaged with the charity and the 'Power to Build' program is an opportunity for other EFC members who manufacture and sell electrical," says John Jefkins, EFC's VP Marketing & Communications.
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Peers & Profiles
Jason Prevost — Gather, Grow and Give (A Recipe for Successfully Closing a Generation Gap)
By Line Goyette
Here again, our profile of Jason Provost. But first, new introductory comments from Jason himself. One year ago, Electro-Federation Canada launched its Young Professional Network to give the industry's youth a voice. "We have come a long way in one year and I am proud to see what the team has built and continues to build. YPN came from an idea and was driven by a passion to make a difference. My words of advice to all YPN members are...
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Peers & Profiles
The Gerrie Family - A Solid Mix of Legacy and Looking to the Future
By Line Goyette
In September 1957, Ken Gerrie opened a storefront electrical supply counter in the growing town of Oakville, Ontario. The business would expand into one of Ontario's most dominant electrical supply companies.
Elaine and Heather Gerrie, the two daughters of Ken, co-lead the company today. Of the two sisters' six children, three have joined the company ranks. I had the great privilege of meeting them all in Halifax last spring at Electro-Federation Canada's annual conference. Three generations gathered around the table. No questions had been distributed in advance, leading to a lot of spontaneity and laughter.
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Peers & Profiles
Jim Taggart: A Steady Hand, A Stellar Career
By John Kerr
Jim Taggart loves three things: a great deal, fishing and tennis. They all draw on the same skill sets: agility, finesse, patience, power, and a creative flair. Jim Taggart exudes all these attributes. His career in Canada's electrical industry has served him so well. The experiences and time, the challenges and the many wins he has had have all positioned Taggart to get Harald Henze's nod as the current president of Electro-Federation Canada.
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SURVEY SAYS
Median Salaries by Skill or Specialty
Among 10 listings, sales ranks first. Accounts receivable comes in last.
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In The Next Issue
Transgenerationals — if the difference were not so great between the generations?
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The Electrical Stock Market
 Track the stock market performance of 25 publicly traded electrical equipment suppliers and electrical wholesalers. Updated weekly.
View Current
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Careers
Time for a Change? New Job Openings
Access the latest job and career opportunities in Canada's electrical industry today. New listings posted regularly.
View Current
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Events Calendar
Training, networking and professional development opportunities for members of Canada's electrical industry.
EDIST 2017
January 18-20,
Markham, ON
OEN Networking Luncheon, with IESO's Bruce Campbell
January 31, 2017
Toronto, ON
2017 Canadian Energy Industry - Updates and Insights
February 6, 2017
Ottawa, ON
Manitoba Electrical Expo
February 22-23, 2017
Winnipeg, MB
View all Events
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