Engaging Network Connections: A Recap of Recent Discussions

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Over the past few weeks, several of EFC’s network groups have come together to engage in enriching discussions tailored to their respective fields, including human resources, IT, and marketing. The final group —focused on the supply chain—will meet in early November.

These gatherings offer a unique platform for members to dive deeper into the initiatives EFC is pursuing in these important areas. More specifically, they create a space for open dialogue on pertinent topics that enhance our understanding of skills, methodologies, and advocacy within each discipline.

Each session has been thoughtfully designed to foster professional growth and facilitate meaningful connections. With insightful guest speakers, pulse poll surveys to gauge member interests, and opportunities to participate in task groups, our network meetings empower members to not only advance their careers but also contribute to the effectiveness of their organizations and drive progress across the industry.

Highlights from Recent Network Connections 

Below is a summary of some of the guest speakers we’ve had the privilege of hosting, along with key takeaways from the recent network connects:  

HR Network 

Finding the Ideal Candidate – New AI Tools 

Colleen O’Brien – SMG  

  • 4 steps to Improve hiring quality and find your ideal candidate;  
    • Define, Target, Hire and Retain  
  • Common AI recruitment tools: 
    • Resume Screening: quick but potential human bias 
    • Chatbots: Process high volume but limited assessment of candidate soft skills 
    • Predictive Analytics: Provides insight into candidate’s behaviour 
    • Candidate Matching 
    • Video Interviewing 
  • Utilizing assessments to determine the successful traits 
    • Determine candidates’ quality & predict performance 
    • Interpretation support required to accurately assess strengths and weaknesses 
  • Learned how new AI Tools can be applied to personal data 

The New “Norm” of Flexible Work Arrangements 

Stuart Ducoffe – E2R 

Michelle Comeau – E2R  

  • Focus on various forms of remote work 
  • Benefits of adopting flexible work arrangements 
  • Appreciation of legal risks and the requirements of remote work policies 

IT Network 

Presentation on Table Top Exercises 

Darren Lapierre – Ignite Technology/Deep Singh – Mjolnir Security 

  • New Guidelines for the Cybersecurity and Privacy 
  • Interactive table top exercise: Exercise Highlights – Test coordinated response, Assess technical preparedness, Internal and external collaboration 

Cybersecurity Trends & Threats 

Maryna Kalnoochenko, Director IT, Laurent Renaud, VP of IT, Guillevin International Co. , Amy Moore, VP of IT, E.B. Horsman & Son 

Where to focus: 

  • Secure & Filter your emails 
  • Educate users 
  • Go beyond perimeter protection:  
  • Eliminate VPN for end users 
  • Secure access from user to application 
  • Secure access from application to application 
  • Step up internal security 
  • Scan for internal vulnerabilities 
  • Control internal network traffic 
  • Detect abnormal behavior 
  • Monitor 24×7 

Marketing Network 

Advocacy Update from the Canadian Marketing Association 

Sara Clodman – Chief Public Affairs and Governance Officer, CMA 

Natasha Upal – Chief Membership and Learning Officer, CMA  

  • The top 5 advocacy issues from last quarter: privacy law reform, youth privacy, artificial intelligence, digital sales tax and competition law. 
  • Quebec is the most recent Canadian jurisdiction to update its privacy law. CMA has a guide to help its members navigate the new Quebec law. 
  • Many government departments are studying the impact of AI on their public policy areas. AI will be a central topic at upcoming G7 and OECD meetings. 
  • The CMA has written to the Minister of Finance to revoke the Digital Sales Tax in light of the significant negative impact on organizations.  
  • Under new Competition Act provisions, companies must provide “adequate evidence” to support environmental benefit claims.

Mastering a B2B Content Marketing Strategy 

Stefanie Croley – Project Manager and Resident Storyteller, Amplify by ANNEX  

  • Know your audience. B2B buyers have specific pain points and decision-making processes. Understanding their needs, industries and challenges is key. You can accomplish this by reviewing market research, customer feedback and leveraging first-party data. Tailor your content to address specific problems, roles and industries.  
  • B2B buyers look for informative content that helps them make educated decisions. Develop content that provides actionable insights, educates on industry trends, solves specific business challenges, or highlights how your solution benefits their business. Your audience should walk away from your content having learned something new.  
  • Trust and credibility are major factors in B2B decision-making. The sources used to deliver messages must be credible, relatable and familiar. Thought leadership builds trust and positions your company as an industry authority.  
  • Reaching your target audience wherever they are to amplify your content’s impact. Once your core content is created and published, use distribution tactics like email newsletters, media brands and social media to expand your reach. One piece of content can be optimized for multiple platforms, reaching different audiences with your message.  
  • Content marketing is a long game – it focuses on building trust, authority and relationships with your audience over time, rather than delivering instant results. It requires consistent effort, strategic planning and, of course, patience. B2B buying cycles are longer and often include multiple stakeholders. When done properly, content can fit into each phase of your marketing funnel, capturing awareness to start, educating the audience at the consideration stage, and offering concrete information at the decision stage. 

Supply Chain Network 

Bi before Ai – Digital Maturity 

Mathieu Leblanc – Chef des operations, Ventriloc  

  • Understanding Data and how to implement programs on the appropriate scale & inform business decisions 
  • Scalability – small / big – deployment steps 
  • Rapid development in structured steps 

 Supply Chain Efficiencies 

Nick Lovatis – Managing Partner, Avalon CSC  

  • Volume Metric Data 
  • Value Added Services – Job Management – Just in Time 
  • Harmonizing Definitions (Best Practices) 
  • Leveraging IDEA data 

These sessions not only equip participants with valuable knowledge but also encourage collaboration and innovation among peers. If you’re interested in joining and attending future Network Connects, log into or sign-up for EFC’s Member Portal. The Member Portal showcases your personal engagement dashboard and allows you to update your profile with EFC including network participation and communication preferences. We look forward to networking with you!