IDEA’s Barbara Prince Retires

IDEA

Barbara Prince, Manager of Data Quality & Distributor Services of the Industry Data Exchange Association, Inc. (IDEA) is retiring after five years with IDEA and 45 years within electrical channel. She will continue to work as an IDEA consultant with a dedicated focus on IDEA’s Data Certification Program and related data quality initiatives.

“Barbara has been a key member of the IDEA team for the last five years, bringing with her a deep understanding of the electrical channel and the relationship between manufacturers and distributors,” said Mike Wentz, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, IDEA. “Most recently, she has played an integral role in the development of the Data Certification Program, and we certainly would not have been able to successfully launch the program without her.”

Prince joined IDEA as a Data Quality Analyst, working with manufacturers to load and maintain their data in the Industry Data Warehouse (IDW). She then transitioned to the management of IDEA’s Industry Data Exchange (IDX) for a year and a half, before moving back to the IDW to oversee the IDW Data Quality team.

Prior to her time with IDEA, Prince began her career in the electrical industry working with Mau-Sherwood Supply, a small industrial distributor in Cleveland, before moving to Carlon/Lamson & Sessions. During her 35 years with Carlon/Lamson & Sessions, Prince supported the company in a number of roles, including data entry, programming, total quality, and electronic data interchange (EDI). There, she was also responsible for implementing and supporting the company’s IDW data. When Thomas & Betts later acquired Lamson, Prince helped with integration and IDW data support efforts. Throughout her career, Prince participated on various industry standards committees to develop EDI standards, packaging guidelines, and bar code guidelines, emphasizing the need for standards in the IDW and in the channel.

“From early on in my career, I’ve understood the IDW from a manufacturer’s perspective, appreciating the effort it takes to keep the data current and the value that results from doing so,” said Prince. “During my time with IDEA, I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to help develop the Data Certification Program, and I look forward to continuing to ensure its success.”

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read more on Section 24 — Health care areas Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…