Innovation Roundtable – Getting the Trades, Distributors and Manufacturers Together

I was invited to an industry roundtable event recently in conjunction with a regional trade show for the electrical industry, Electro Expo 2012 in Cleveland. The event was the brainchild of Rob Fisher from Madison Electric, which also hosted the event.

What was so unique about the event is that there were manufacturers, distributors, electrical contractors, electricians, building inspectors and even representatives from the IBEW and NAED there. Topics included industry landscape, building partnerships, media revolution, marketing best practices, emerging technologies and innovation and culture.

The event was two hours and the groups were broken up into tables with each disciple represented to discuss specific topics. At the end, someone from each table gave a summary of the issues and possible recommendations on solutions. A white paper will be issued and when it is, I’ll post a link.

It was a great event, and my compliments to Madison Electric for hosting it. Too bad other industries aren’t doing something similar to get all the stakeholders together to talk about common goals and ways to make doing business easier.

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Thanks To All That Supported the Habitat Tool Drive

Sonnhalter recently completed a local tool drive for Habitat for Humanity for the Cleveland area. Thanks to everyone’s generous support, we received more than $16,000 in tools and building supplies.

“The Sonnhalter Tool Drive was a huge success! Their employees and clients contributed thousands of dollars worth of brand new or lightly used tools and materials,” said Frank Drahan, from the Greater Cleveland Habitat.

We’d like to thank the Berea Rotary and a few local distributors who collected tools for us. A special thanks to the manufacturers who stepped up and gave us donations: Arbortech, Council Tool, Knipex ToolsMadison Electric, Mid Continent NailMr. Heater, Molex, RIDGIDWork Area Protection, Wright Tool.

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