Electro-Federation Canada Names Bob Shapiro 2016 Industry Recognition Award Recipient

EFC 2016 Industry Recognition Award winner Bob Shapiro

April 18, 2016

Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) presented its 2016 Industry Recognition Award to Bob Shapiro, President of Franklin Empire, during EFC’s Annual General Meeting on April 13.

A graduate electrical engineer, Bob joined his father’s business, Franklin Electric, as a salesman. Eventually succeeding his father as President and overseeing the acquisition of specialty distributor EW Playford. His leadership resulted in Franklin Playford merging with Empire Electric forming Franklin Empire.

Bob has been active in the electrical industry in Canada and as an EFC advocate and a Director on the Board. “Bob is a leader in our industry and has been a great mentor to the next generation of workers in EFC’s Young Professionals Network. He demonstrates strong leadership through active involvement in our industry,” says Jim Taggart, EFC President and CEO.

EFC’s Industry Recognition Award is presented annually to an individual who has influenced the Canadian electrical industry, either as a current or retired industry delegate, or as an industry supporter. A nomination committee calls out to members for nominations early each year, acts as a screening panel for nomination entries, and selects the recipient based on award criteria.

Past Industry Recognition Award recipients include:

  • Harald Henze, WESCO — 2015
  • Charlie Cipolla, Rockwell Automation — 2014
  • Doug Baldwin, Schneider Electric — 2013
  • Wayne Donaldson, Rexel Canada Electrical — 2012
  • René Marineau, Philips/Canlyte Inc.— 2011
  • Richard (Dick) Waterman, Rexel — 2010
  • Pat Costello, Toshiba of Canada Limited — 2010
  • Michael Kenney, Thomas & Betts — 2009
  • 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

Related Articles

Latest Articles

  • Lever Connectors and Twist-Ons: How to Decide Which is Right for the Job

    Lever Connectors and Twist-Ons: How to Decide Which is Right for the Job

    There are many different types of wire connectors, and sometimes it can be hard for electricians to determine which one is best to use. Read More…

  • Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Low-Risk Voice, Data, Video & Security System Installations

    Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Low-Risk Voice, Data, Video & Security System Installations

    September 17, 2026 Certain types of installations may qualify for a low-risk voice, data, video (VDV) and security system electrical permit. For information related to regular VDV/security system installations, see winnipeg.ca/vdvsystems. Applications must be submitted through Permits Online. Electrical permits and inspections are needed for certain installations of security and similar alarm systems. This makes… Read More…

  • What Type of Outdoor Light Do I Need for My Application?

    What Type of Outdoor Light Do I Need for My Application?

    September 17, 2026 By Stanpro The right outdoor light starts with the space you need to illuminate and how that space is used. For commercial projects, parking lots and large exterior areas point toward area lights; entrances and building perimeters toward wall-mounted or security lighting; signs, facades and targeted areas toward flood lights; pathways toward… Read More…

  • Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share their Perspectives

    Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share their Perspectives

    September 16, 2026 In Alberta’s skilled trades labour market employers and tradespeople are facing growing pressure from tariffs, rising costs, hiring challenges and labour mobility barriers. CAF-FCA’s new report, Hiring, Mobility and Needed Supports: Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share Their Perspectives, takes a closer look at what’s happening on the ground. Based on surveys of… Read More…

Changing Scene

  • Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Transform how Canada Builds

    Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Transform how Canada Builds

    October 2, 2026 The world is changing rapidly. In response, Canada is focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more independent, and more sustainable economy. We are leveraging our strengths and moving with speed to open new markets, strengthen supply chains, accelerate projects, and unlock our natural resources. As we build, we are… Read More…

  • Ontario Awards Construction Contract for New Little Current Swing Bridge

    Ontario Awards Construction Contract for New Little Current Swing Bridge

    October 2, 2026 The Ontario government has named a construction manager for the Little Current Swing Bridge replacement project. The new bridge will replace the existing bridge on Highway 6 connecting Manitoulin Island to the mainland, providing reliable, year-round access to the provincial highway network and making it easier for workers and families to connect… Read More…

  • Construction Starting on new Pitt Meadows Secondary School in BC

    Construction Starting on new Pitt Meadows Secondary School in BC

    October 2, 2026 Construction is beginning on the new Pitt Meadows Secondary school, which will provide students with a safer and more modern environment to learn. “Pitt Meadows is a vibrant community with a bright future and I’m proud that the local high school will soon better reflect the community it serves,” said Lisa Beare,… Read More…

  • Major Construction Underway at Woodbine GO Station

    Major Construction Underway at Woodbine GO Station

    October 2, 2026 Major construction is underway at Woodbine GO Station, marking another significant milestone in the Ontario government’s plan to provide two-way, all-day service across core segments of the GO Transit network. Crews are now building station platforms that will connect thousands of daily riders to the Kitchener GO Line, Union-Pearson (UP) Express and… Read More…