Supply Chain Snapshots, Distribution Center Investments, and Key Leadership Transitions
Electric Avenue welcomes you, where every month we delve into the fascinating interplay of the electrical and lighting industries. Our focus remains on the news, trends, and economic factors that mold the landscape of electrical distribution, construction, contracting, and manufacturing.
Electric Avenue is your go-to resource for up-to-date information regarding significant electrical industry events that may sway North American lighting markets. Throughout this month’s edition, we spotlight ongoing supply chain strains, notable distribution center investments, strategic acquisitions, and pivotal leadership transitions in the electrical sector, along with economic indicators that are shaping the outlook for 2026.
Electrical Distributor News
Codale Opens Las Vegas Distribution Center
Codale, a Sonepar company, has merged three of its branches into a centralized distribution center located near the iconic Las Vegas Strip. This facility boasts the first U.S. AutoStore system within Sonepar’s network. The innovative Kardex-implemented automation streamlines Codale’s ability to serve a high volume of walk-in customers in a densely populated urban environment, eliminating the necessity for a more remote facility.
Check out the new CDC in action here!
Rexel Showcases Data-Driven Sustainability Strategy
In its Sustainability Shapers series, Rexel features insights from Maxime Jourdain, Director of GIGAMEDIA, who emphasizes the indispensable role smart buildings play in achieving energy efficiency and promoting the energy transition. With buildings responsible for 30% of global energy consumption, GIGAMEDIA’s data communication solutions—like Power over Ethernet—are revolutionizing energy efficiency by enabling connected systems that optimize electricity usage.
Jourdain highlights GIGAMEDIA’s sustainability journey, encompassing initiatives like the GO4BLUE ESG program and achieving EcoVadis Platinum certification. Amid rising demand for sustainable solutions, GIGAMEDIA collaborates with suppliers and customers to offer low-impact products and support carbon tracking.
For more information, visit Rexel’s sustainability portal.
World Electric Expands with New Atlanta Regional Distribution Center
World Electric, another Sonepar company, has unveiled a new regional distribution center in Suwanee, Georgia, covering a space of 155,000 square feet. This facility is designed to enhance service across the Southeast by facilitating quicker deliveries and offering specialized services tailored to commercial and industrial clients—including solar and EV charging markets.
The new center also provides features like prefabricated assemblies and advanced jobsite material management tools, aimed at optimizing labor and reducing project costs for contractors. The facility will be overseen by Bobby Minter and David Ramsey.
Wesco Ranked #10 on Fortune’s Inaugural AIQ50 List
Wesco International has made headlines by securing the #10 spot on Fortune magazine’s inaugural AIQ50 list, recognizing it among Fortune 500 companies leading in AI adoption. The list acknowledges organizations leveraging artificial intelligence to foster innovation, efficiency, and value creation.
Wesco has been commended for its enterprise-wide implementation of AI, which reflects its commitment to responsible governance and workforce development, positioning it as a frontrunner in digital transformation.
Agent News
Eric DeMaio Promoted to Partner at Yanow, Inc.
Yanow, Inc. is celebrating the promotion of Eric DeMaio to Partner, further enhancing his leadership role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction and growth initiatives. Having been with the company for 13 years, DeMaio continues his responsibilities as Sales Manager while embracing broader duties as Partner.
President Randy Pinkofsky commended DeMaio’s dedication to the company’s core values, illustrating the impact of his long-term vision from their first encounter.
Thea Enterprises Acquires Estrin Zirkman Sales
In a significant strategic move, Thea Enterprises has acquired Estrin Zirkman Sales, a notable agency serving the New York City metro area since 1993. This acquisition enriches Thea’s portfolio by integrating E-Z’s rich legacy and experience with prominent lighting brands like Kichler and American Lighting. This development not only bolsters Thea’s regional presence but enhances its ability to serve designers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers.
To learn more about this expansion, visit Thea Enterprises’ announcement.
Executive Moves
Eric Genoway Appointed President of North Coast
Sonepar has elevated Eric Genoway to President of North Coast, effective March 16, 2026. With over 21 years of service at Sonepar, Genoway aims to carry on the legacy of growth and associate empowerment at North Coast, continuing a focus on customer-centric service in the Pacific Northwest.
United Electric Supply CEO George Vorwick to Retire
After a commendable 47 years in the field, United Electric Supply announces the retirement of CEO George Vorwick, effective May 1, 2026. Vorwick has been pivotal to the company’s success since becoming CEO in 2009. His leadership has centered on operational enhancements and strategic acquisitions. He will be succeeded by Tony Buonocore, emphasizing United’s intention to maintain leadership continuity.
Richelle Bishoff Takes Helm as VP of Industrial Solutions at Border States
Border States has welcomed Richelle Bishoff as Vice President of Industrial Solutions, succeeding Shane Kerska ahead of his retirement. With 15 years of experience within the company, Bishoff is set to lead the company’s industrial strategy, aiming for growth and improved customer experiences.
Gregory O’Brien Named SVP of Global Services at Wesco
Wesco has recently appointed Gregory O’Brien as the Senior Vice President of Global Services for its Communications & Security Solutions business, overseeing a global team focused on delivering strategic services across key markets.
Charlie Hoertz Joins Border States as VP of Digital Transformation
In a newly created role, Border States has brought in Charlie Hoertz as Vice President of Digital Transformation. With 15 years of extensive experience in manufacturing and supply chain, Hoertz is tasked with leading initiatives concerning AI, automation, analytics, and IoT to revolutionize efficiency and customer experience.
Economic Factors
ABC Construction Backlog: Data Center Work Drives Gains for Large Contractors
According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.2 months in December, spurred by a rise in data center work primarily enjoyed by large contractors, while smaller firms faced a decrease in backlog.
ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted that the ongoing nonresidential construction momentum is primarily concentrated in the data center segment, creating an uneven landscape for smaller contractors.
For detailed insight, refer to ABC’s latest report here.
ABC Non-Resi Construction Spending: Flat Trends Amid Manufacturing Slowdown
Despite significant economic signals, national nonresidential construction spending was relatively stagnant in October, marking a 0.9% year-over-year decline to a total of $1.25 trillion. The ABC analysis attributes this to the waning momentum in manufacturing investments driven by the conclusion of CHIPS Act megaprojects, although strong demand persists in the data center sector.
For thorough analysis, visit the ABC’s findings here.
What We Are Reading
What We’re Listening To: EW Chats with Greg Knowles
In the latest Electric Wholesaling podcast, industry leader Greg Knowles shares insights from his new book, From Nothing to Next. Drawing from his vast experience, Knowles provides actionable strategies that distributors can employ to make informed decisions and spur profitable growth. The episode particularly features insights from major Las Vegas projects, delivering valuable business advice.
Access this thought-provoking episode here.
Rexel’s Jordan Lomheim Tackles AI and Data Centers
Continuing an exclusive interview series with tED magazine, Rexel USA’s Jordan Lomheim discusses the company’s expansion into the data center frontier and its strategic AI initiatives, emphasizing the critical importance of intelligent engagement as AI transforms the sector.
Check out the full coverage here.
Five Key Construction Trends Shaping 2026
The insights compiled by Construction Dive indicate that construction contractors need to pivot toward high-performing sectors, notably data centers and infrastructure, as the overall construction activity appears to decelerate. With demand from the data center market remaining robust, success in 2026 hinges on strategic adaptations to evolving challenges.
For a deeper look, read Construction Dive’s analysis here.
DC Power Transformation in Building Infrastructure
An intriguing presentation by Bolis Ibrahim, co-founder of Cence Power, highlights direct current (DC) power’s potential to simplify installation and improve energy efficiency across commercial lighting retrofits. As sustainability objectives gain prominence, DC distribution is increasingly regarded as a strategic avenue for the future of energy-efficient buildings.
Learn more about this essential topic in Electrical Business’s feature article here.
Border States on Supply Chain Trends and Economic Outlook for 2026
In its latest update, Border States outlines the resilience of global supply chains despite volatility in costs and labor markets. With rising copper and aluminum prices fueled by electrification demand, the focus remains on inventory investment and collaboration to navigate ongoing market fluctuations.
For further insights, refer to the full report from Border States.
Daily Copper Prices
The copper pricing index is crucial for understanding market movements and pressures across various sectors. Monitor real-time data as it updates to ensure the latest insights guide your investments and decisions.
Global Container Freight Rates
Tracking the fluctuations in freight rates is vital for businesses involved in global commerce—these rates reflect not just market trends but also broader economic health.
Stay tuned for more enriching content from Electric Avenue as we continue to navigate the intricate relationship between the electrical and lighting sectors.