EFC Names 2009 Industry Recognition Award Recipient

 

EFC Names 2009 Industry Recognition Award Recipient

 

Toronto, ON, April 2, 2009 – Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s Industry Recognition Award (IRA).

Michael Kenney, Thomas & Betts has been named the 2009 Industry Recognition Award recipient. Mr. Kenney is President – Canada, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia, Thomas & Betts.  

EFC will present this special award to Michael Kenney on Tuesday, April 14^th, 2009 at an awards dinner, following EFC’s Annual General Meeting Program at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario. Industry friends and colleagues are invited to celebrate Mr. Kenney’s honour at the AGM program and awards dinner by registering at: http://www.electrofed.com/event_education/events/evtqrptMsyaWP.html.

"Mike’s long record of exemplary service in the electrical industry and to the community reflects his loyalty and strong business values," says Tim MacDonald, Chair, IRA Nominating Committee. "He joins a prestigious group of past award recipients, all of whom share Mike’s vision and leadership. I look forward to joining the industry in congratulating Mike on this coveted award on April 14^th."  

Mr. Kenney’s dedication to the Canadian—and global—electrical industry is remarkable. He currently leads Thomas & Betts' operations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, and manages the Company's emergency lighting business on a global basis, overseeing an organization comprised of more than 3,000 employees, 23 manufacturing facilities and three regional distribution centres. Mr. Kenney joined Thomas & Betts in 1996 as President of Canada, Australia, and Asia and assumed responsibility for the Company's European operations in 2007.  

Mr. Kenney began his professional career with GTE, progressing steadily through a variety of management positions, including Vice President, Controller of GTE International Lighting; Vice President and General Manager of Latin American Lighting Operations; and President of GTE Sylvania Canada Limited. He also served as President of OSRAM SYLVANIA Limited, a Siemens company.  

In addition to his professional background, Mr. Kenney has also been an active and visible presence in Canadian electrical industry associations for many years. He has served as Chair of both Electro-Federation Canada and the Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association of Canada. Mr. Kenney continues to actively participate in association activities and provides strategic guidance on industry best practices.  

The Industry Recognition Award is presented annually to an individual who has influenced the Canadian electrical, electronics, appliances, or telecommunications industry either as a current or retired industry delegate, or as an industry supporter. The award recipient demonstrates strong leadership through their personal and professional industry involvement and symbolizes dedication, balance, and achievement in regional, national and/or community activities. The IRA Nomination Committee calls out to members for nominations, acts as a screening panel for nomination entries, and selects the recipient based on award criteria.

Past Industry Recognition Award recipients include:

•    Bill Buckley, ShawCor Ltd. - 2008
•    Ken Gerrie, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited - 2007
•    William E. Saylor, Rexel Canada - 2006
•    Reginald D. Gemmell, Whirlpool Canada LP - 2006
•    John H. MacDonald, Ideal Supply Company Limited - 2005
•    Gerald G. Dunnigan, Techspan Industries Inc. - 2004
•    Robert T.E. Gillespie, General Electric Canada Inc. - 2003  
•    Jeannine Guillevin Wood, Guillevin International Inc. - 2002  
•    William Torrance, Rockwell Automation Canada Inc. - 2001  
•    George Horsman, E.B. Horsman & Son - 2000  
•    James G. Sinneave, EECOL Electric Ltd. - 2000