Ontario Region

The Ontario Region is now in its 4th year of operation, which has gained a tremendous amount of interest and momentum from industry members over the past several years.

We thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at future Ontario Region breakfast meetings and networking events.

Don’t forget to visit the EFC Events Page for up-to-date information on all upcoming EFC and EC events!

2013 Ontario Region Gala Sells Out!

EC Ontario Region Gala Sells Out

View the 2013 Gala Sponsors

For the third year in a row, with the help of the EC Ontario Region committee, the event has sold out in record time.  With a sample display gala table at last week’s EFC Toronto Christmas Reception, over 26 tables have been purchased by returning gala member companies, along with a few new ones to round out the 2013 event guest list for the Chocolate and Cherry Gala.  Over $5,000 has also been raised through generous sponsorships from our members.  There is still time to sponsor, for only $400, your company will receive prominent logo placement on all event promotions, on-site signage and verbal recognition.  For more information, contact, Nathalie Lajoie at nlajoie@electrofed.com

Ontario Region Chair Murray Chamney claims this event is the Ontario Region’s 5th Annual Gala, and our numbers are holding strong. Matched with continuous rave reviews,  this mid-winter industry event is a huge hit including valuable networking, sumptuous foods and live entertainment.

EC Ontario Region 3rd Annual Golf Day

With over 85 registrants in this year’s EC Ontario Golf Day, it is no wonder it was deemed a success, matched with blue skies, bright sun and green vistas!

Shown here (from left to right)  Murray Chamney, EC Ontario Region Chair, Steve Fraser, Canadian Regions Chair, Cliff Backman, EC Ontario Region Chair, and our very own Jim Taggart, EFC President & CEO.

This event has grown tremendously over the past 3 years and we are proud to provide the Ontario Region members with a worthwhile and enjoyable industry networking event.

Mark your calendars for the fall EC Ontario Region breakfast meetings, September 14 and November 15th, stay tuned for more details.

Ontario Region Breakfast Meeting – March 28th

On Wednesday, March 28th EC Ontario Region held a Breakfast Meeting, featuring guest speaker Ted Olechna of the Electrical Safety Authority. Ted reviewed the upcoming changes to the 2012 code, which will be in effect May 1st. Based on member feedback, attendees found the session to be informative and helpful.

The event received an overall score of 4.5/5. Ted was particularly knowledgeable on the subject, answering questions in a detailed fashion. Members indicated that the information was useful and relevant, particularly when referring to specific sections and codes.

Jim Milne, President/General Partner of IED Limited Partnership II, had this to say:

“I attended this morning’s breakfast session on the Ontario Electrical safety code changes that come into effect May 1, 2012. The presentation was extremely informative about the changes that are about to hit Ontario.

If anyone was wondering about the quality of these sessions I want you to know that it was well worth the minimal time and financial investment and highly recommend taking a look at the next couple of sessions scheduled for September and November.”

- Jim Milne

Thank you to all who attended, helping make the meeting a success for all involved. We look forward to seeing you at future Ontario Region meetings.

2012 Ontario Region Gala ~ Goes Wild

The 4th Annual EC Ontario Region Gala~Goes Wild

On February 10th, close to 200 people attended the Ontario Region Gala~Goes Wild event at the Hilton Toronto Markham Hotel & Suites.

It was a roaring success with fun photo booths, zoo animal print attire along with a theme inspired menu.  Toronto’s top party rock band, the Slime Dogs rocked the place with songs from the Black Keys, Katty Perry, Neil Diamond, Bon Jovi, Adele, and so much more.

EFC’s Event Manager, Nathalie Lajoie, claims it was an incredible evening for our members and their guests, from industry networking, to fine food to entertainment and dancing!  Everyone appeared to truly enjoy themselves.  This event sold out in a mere 3 hours of ticket sales, as we even had to turn away a few member companies due to space limitation. Next year’s Gala event is scheduled for February 8th!

Door prizes were also drawn along with the Outstanding Contribution Award, presented to Steve Fraser, EC Ontario Chair, 2008-2011.

Click the thumbnail to view the full image:

   

Steve Fraser received the Electrical Council Outstanding Contribution Award for his work as EC Ontario Region’s Past Chair.

Murray Chamney and the EC Ontario Region executives will lead us in 2012, with 3 industry breakfast meetings, a regional golf tournament, and plans for next year’s 5th Annual Gala Event.

Our upcoming Breakfast Meeting is scheduled for March 28th featuring Ted Olechna, from the Electrical Safety Authority,  who will be showcasing the 2012 Code and New Equipment Requirements.

Gala Survey Results

Read how our survey respondents rated the event, along with their comments.  All ratings are based out of 5.

Overall Value for money 4.8

Overall Event 4.5

Hilton Markham 4.5

Entertainment-Slime Dogs 4.8

Food and Beverage 4.0

Comments;

Very very solid event.  It is becoming a significant “event” on the Ontario Industry calendar.  Well thought out, well put together.  Really good time had by all within our group. 

We had a wonderful time at the event. We especially enjoyed the networking/cocktail reception. Many companies had multiple representatives at the event unlike at the annual conference where we often only get to see the top executives. Reconnecting with so many of our friends from the former Gould Shawmut and Intralec was a real treat. 

We had a terrific time and you and your committee deserve tons of credit.

The Slime Dogs really did a terrific job of keeping the dance floor hopping.  We noticed that those who weren’t dancing still stayed at the event and seemed to enjoy just listening to the music. Others enjoyed mixing and mingling in the foyer. 

Having a photographer there to take photos was a very nice touch. Please thank the sponsor for providing such a thoughtful keepsake. 

I really liked the Hilton, especially since we usually stay overnight and the suites are very nicely appointed. It is easy to get to and parking is plentiful. The banquet staff is wonderful, friendly and very accommodating to my allergy. 

Past Events – 2011

Ontario Region Breakfast Meeting – Featuring Emily Wood of CanSIA

On October 25th, EFC hosted a breakfast meeting featuring guest speaker Emily Wood of CanSIA. The topic of discussion was the future of Canada’s solar industry, focusing on potential growth, expansion, difficulties and benefits of the solar industry as a whole.

The event was a success, and was EFC’s first sold-out breakfast meeting. Despite a last-minute speaker change, the meeting received an average score of 3.7/5 from those in attendance. Most selected “relevance to industry” as the strongest benefit – citing Canada’s potential for growth, job creation, and lack of government support as key information learned from the presentation. EFC would like to thank CanSIA and all those in attendance for making the event a success.

Ontario Region Golf 2011

EC Ontario Region 2nd annual Golf Day matched last year’s attendance!

The Ontario Region golf day on september 20th managed to have Mother Nature on their side with a balmy day at Deercreek Golf Club in Ajax.  51 industry golfers came from far and near, and drew in some special guests. The EFC Scholarship Foundation Program committee members hosted their meeting prior to the Ontario Region Golf Day.  Chair, Elaine Gerrie, claims, having the meeting on the same day,  made a great deal of sense to combine, but more importantly supporting the Ontario Region with their event was key.

Jim Taggart took the time to support the region, with another special guest, Kathryn Cosgrove (centre) who simply wanted to come out and greet the members.  Kathryn managed to find time to network with members while only a mere 3 days from her wedding.  Congrats Kathryn and Ben on your Wedding! We wish you both much love, luck, happiness and good health!

Past Events – 2010

Ontario Region Gala launch a huge success in record time!

Ontario Region Co-Chair, Danny Buchanan, Westburne Ruddy Electrical was recognized last Friday night during the Ontario Region Gala, as he is stepping down to Past Chair for the Region.

Steve Fraser, Ontario Chair, spoke highly of Danny’s leadership and outstanding contribution with respect to his three year commitment to the Ontario Region, along with his energy, enthusiasm and on going support to bring this region to where it is today, from the initial inception to reality. Danny was one of the key players with regards to the growth and momentum of the Ontario Region and should be proud of where the Region is today.

In photo, Danny (Centre) receives Recognition Plaque from Past Chairman, John Sencich, (Thomas & Betts Limited) and Ontario Region Chair, Steve Fraser, (Hubbell Canada LP).

Ontario Region Breakfast Meeting

A breakfast meeting was held in Toronto on October 26, at which Bill Wylie from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) led a discussion on new conservation programs. According to Bill, in the next few years, OPA has a targeted 6,300 MW reduction of peak demand. They need the industry to get involved. Incentive programs for your customers are being streamlined, simplified and increased to make sure this happens. View Bill’s Presentation. Survey results, click here.

Ontario Region’s 1st Annual Golf Day

Thanks to all who came out and supported the 1st Annual Ontario Region Golf Day. To view the photo gallery, click here. To veiw survey results from this years golf day, click here.

For more information on this region and its activities, contact Nathalie Lajoie, Manager, Conference & Special Projects at 647-258-7484.