AD North American Meeting shows how we are “better together”
Categories: Canada
November 1, 2024 – Ah, Chicago. When it was incorporated as a city in 1837, Chicago was ideally situated to take advantage of the trading possibilities created by the United States’ westward expansion.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1848 created a water link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, but that route was quickly rendered obsolete by railroads. (In fact, did you know that 50% US rail freight continues to pass through Chicago?)
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed most of the city, but Chicago rebuilt quickly—even hosting the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 just 22 years later.
From reversing the flow of the Chicago River to rebuilding itself after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city has shown us time and again how its citizens demonstrate a collective ingenuity and adaptability to reach greater heights, which sets the perfect stage for AD’s North American Meeting of the Electrical Supply Division.
Hailing from all over the continent, these independent electrical distributor members (and those who supply them) also demonstrate ingenuity—both individually, and as “citizens” under the AD banner.
Electrical Business Magazine editor Anthony Capkun at AD’s North American Meeting of the Electrical Supply Division. Photo by: A helpful stranger.
AD is North America’s largest marketing/buying group for construction and industrial supplies, comprising 850+ independent members with over 5000 branches. At this annual meeting, member distributors and suppliers discuss how—in the words of the meeting’s theme—they can be “better together”.
The meeting culminates with the Spirit of Independence awards dinner, which was attended by roughly 1100 delegates. Here, both distributors and manufacturers were recognized for the various ways in which they are better together. (As usual, we focus our attention on Canadian organizations and those doing business in Canada.)
Congratulations to the following:
Best Marketing Planning and Execution award
Presented by AD Canada’s vice-president (Electrical) Kristen Yong, the Canadian nominees for this award included distributor Bartle & Gibson (Edmonton) in partnership with Leviton Canada, and distributor Franklin Empire (St-Laurent, Que.) in partnership with Genlyte Solutions.
The team from Bartle & Gibson, winners of the Best Marketing Planning and Execution award (2024), along with Leviton Canada. Photo: A. Capkun.
The winners were Bartle & Gibson and Leviton Canada for their collective efforts surrounding the distributor’s 80th anniversary celebrations this year.
Senior vice-president (Electrical) Greg Stephenson thanked “our oldest partner” for being alongside them for over 40 years. (Leviton Canada [Pointe-Claire, Que.] was also recognized with a “Best Workplace” award.)
Bartle & Gibson along with Leviton Canada, winners of the Best Marketing Planning and Execution award (2024). Photo: A. Capkun.
“Emphasizing Bartle & Gibson and Leviton Canada’s strong sense of teamwork, strategic planning, and creative execution, this well-deserved recognition highlights their industry-leading efforts. Their commitment to delivering innovative and impactful marketing initiatives has driven exceptional results and elevated their brands in the community,” said AD Canada.
Supplier of the Year award
This award recognized an AD supplier who achieved “significant growth” across Canada, the United States, and Mexico: Hubbell.
Hubbell Canada, recognized alongside all of Hubbell, with the Supplier of the Year award (2024), on stage with the AD Canada team. Photo: A. Capkun.
“Hubbell showcased exceptional growth across all three countries while providing outstanding support for the AD community,” said AD. “Their active engagement in programs and commitment to maximizing partnerships significantly impacted the AD community this past year.”
Hubbell Canada, recognized alongside all of Hubbell, with the Supplier of the Year award (2024). Photo: A. Capkun.
(Hubbell Canada [Pickering, Ont.] was additionally recognized as a “Best Workplace”, as were Atkore and nVent.)
Canadian Member of the Year award
O’Neil Electric Supply president Stephen Kleynhans accepted this award from AD Canada president Rob Dewar.
O’Neil Electric Supply with its Member of the Year (Canada) award (2024). Photo: A. Capkun
The Woodbridge, Ont.-based distributor has been a member of AD for 18 years, Kleynhans said, adding that it has grown 10-fold without acquisition.
“Skillfully leveraging the group’s tools and steadfastly engaging with our supplier partners to grow their business and maximize conversions, this honouree has achieved magnificent growth over the past year,” said AD Canada.
O’Neil Electric Supply with its Member of the Year (Canada) award (2024), along with the AD Canada team. Photo: A. Capkun
Other recognitions…
Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd. (Burlington, Ont.) was recognized as AD Canada’s 2024 All-In Member of the Year (Electrical). “Through Gerrie’s dedication to growing with AD suppliers, combined with their unwavering support of AD initiatives and their commitment to fostering long-term partnerships, this organization personifies what it means to be ‘all in’,” said AD Canada.
E.B. Horsman & Son (Surrey, B.C.) was recognized with AD Canada’s Spirit of Canada award. “With their Canadiana gear and enthusiasm to match, this team brought the energy and pride of the True North, strong and free during this year’s AD Canada Night,” said AD Canada.
Members of EBH & Son at Canada Night, along with team members from AD Canada, Franklin Empire, Legrand, and Signify. Photo: A. Capkun.
(A bit of trivia! AD Canada’s Rob Dewar said 275 Canadians were registered to attend the meeting, yet 500 delegates showed up to Canada Night! Of course, everyone was welcomed.)
The next North American Meeting of AD’s Electrical Division is scheduled for October 27-30, 2025. It will again be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
MORE PHOTOS (Awards Winners and Candids)
Did we shoot you? Want a copy? Email acapkun@ebmag.com.
* With files from City of Chicago.
