Hubbell has recently begun instructing its distributor channel partners, contractor and end-user customers to stop shipping and installing all Commercial GFCI Receptacle series—as well as products that employ GFCIs as a component of a finished product—as they may not function as intended. Hubbell is also instructing its distributor channel partners and contractors to advise their customers of this Product Notification.

All referenced material should be returned through your Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems Distributor immediately. For a complete listing of the products affected by the Product Notification, CLICK HERE to download a PDF from the Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA’s) website.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR CONTRACTORS

The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) has created some new business development tools specifically for electrical contractors. The Profitable Project CD Series is designed to help you improve business operations and increase sales. Featuring interviews with contractors and industry experts, the CDs primarily target contractor business leaders who want to grow their companies and improve marketing, sales and operations skills.

“Our intention is to help contractors become more profitable,” said Sandra Rosecrans, president of City Electric Co. Inc. (Syracuse, N.Y.) and past vice-president of NAED’s Eastern Region Council. “We want everyone in the contracting company to think like a salesperson and be able to present product upgrade options—especially the field people who are at the jobsite and in the position to identify upsell opportunities. Customers want to improve their lives, and electrical contractors can help customers by identifying electrical options for better living.”

NAED’s Eastern Region Council selected a CD format because of its versatility, allowing contractors to listen as they travel among job sites. The first two audio CDs are available now; the first focuses on improving financial acumen and performance, while the second (and following training sessions) will focus on improving profit margins using premium products and taking advantage of upsell opportunities.

Topics include: Understanding Financial Statements and Managing Your Bank Relationship (now available); Growing Gross Margins With Premium Products (now available); Getting Your Field People to Think like Sales People (January 2008); Create Demand Selling: A Whole Team Approach (May 2008); Exploring the Upsell Opportunity with your Customer (September 2008). For more information, CLICK HERE to visit NAED’s Profitable Project Contractors website.

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NEW POWERTEST CONFERENCE WEBSITE

The InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA), an accredited standards developer for the electrical testing and maintenance industry, recently unveiled its new conference website, which features more information about the upcoming PowerTest 2008 Electrical Maintenance and Safety Conference. It allows you to view conference details, register online and receive important updates on newsworthy conference events.

Conference highlights include an in-depth discussion on safety, reliability and equipment, a New Product forum, an industry-specific trade show, interactive panel sessions and symposiums, and numerous networking opportunities. The conference is attended annually by industry professionals and students involved with, or responsible for, electrical power systems. CLICK HERE to check out the new site.

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LEVITON UNVEILS NEW BRANDING VENTURE

“We have one of the most valuable and recognizable brands in our industry,” said Donald J. Hendler, Leviton’s president and CEO. “We intend to build on our past legacy of pioneering innovation and establish a strong emotional connection with the many audience groups we serve.”

Leviton Manufacturing recently unveiled a major rebranding initiative that, says the company, reflects a shift toward a more progressive identity. Central to the initiative is the replacement of the company’s all-blue “Building a connected world” logo with a motif that highlights the “ON” in the Leviton name in a bright green colour field. The company says the new brand identity resonated strongly in focus groups consisting of diverse market segments (i.e. electrical contractors, distributors, interior designers and consumers).

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T&B CANADA APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR

Michael Kenney, president of Thomas & Betts Canada, announced the recent appointment of Pascale Daviau to the position of director, business development and product innovation. A member of the Thomas & Betts Canada family since 1987, Daviau has occupied a number of key roles within the organization, including director of marketing and, most recently, director of business development. In this newly expanded role, she will work closely with product engineering, technical documentation and technical liaison to direct the new product development and execution process, ensuring the timely introduction of new products and services to T&B customers, end-users and specifiers.

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REVAMPED SITE SOLVES COMMON POWER PROBLEMS

Staco Energy Products Co. introduced a new website that provides ways of searching for solutions to common power problems, like power outages, overheated transformers, flickering lights, power factor penalties, voltage fluctuations and nuisance tripping breakers. To address these issues, Staco presents information on its voltage regulators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), power factor correction and harmonic mitigation equipment, variable transformers, test sets and more.

In addition to searching by problem encountered, you can also browse by product category, brand names and industries served. In addition to general and product-specific information, the site also offers technical information, such as product manuals, application notes, engineering drawings, product specs and software downloads. CLICK HERE to check it out.

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THE POWER OF LIGHT TRANSFORMS IALD BRAND

Announced last month at IALD’s Enlighten Americas educational conference in Montreal, the new International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) identity is formed by one distinct idea: The Power of Light to Transform. “Our passion for light transforms the way people think and feel and live their lives,” said IALD president-elect and branding committee chair Jeffrey I.L. Miller. “It is a natural extension for this to influence a transformation in the way people think about the IALD.” CLICK HERE to check out the new look.

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COMING EVENTS

Construct Canada
November 28-30
Toronto, Ont.
CLICK HERE for details

Lunch & Learn: Mary Shaw, Standards Director, IDEA
EEMAC (Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association of Canada)
November 29
Vaughan, Ont.
Contact Deborah Preston (905) 602-8877 ext. 220
or e-mail dpreston@electrofed.com

Networking Luncheon
Ontario Energy Network (OEN)
November 29
Toronto, Ont.
CLICK HERE for details

CLICK HERE to check out A TON MORE industry events at EBMag.com.
(Please let us know of any dead/missing links)

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