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

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