The recent American Lighting Association (ALA) Conference, held last week in Palm Beach, Fla. at The Breakers resort, was the opportunity for the ALA to give public appreciation to outstanding ALA members in each sector (manufacturer, representative, and showroom) for their unique and meaningful service to advance the lighting industry and the ALA’s programs and mission over the past 18 months. The Pillars of the Industry are nominated by ALA members and staff and selected by the ALA Awards Committee. According to Todd Phillips of Quoizel, who is on the Board of Governors, “They model the Wow Factor.”
James (Jim) Decker, vp/brand management for Progress Lighting, was selected as the Pillar of the Industry in the manufacturer category for his leadership in developing the decorative lighting industry’s first product data standard. He is a key member of the ALA Finance Committee and the Governors Nominating Committee and has served as the chair of the Electronic Technology Committee.
Fred Fennell, CLMR, owner of Fennell Marketing and Sales Ltd., received the Pillar of the Industry in the manufacturer’s representative category. He currently serves as the chair of the Canadian Government Affairs Task Force and has been a member of the Long Range Conference Committee and the Manufacturers’ Representatives Steering Committee. “I encourage you to get involved with the ALA; it will sharpen your competitive edge,” Fennell said.
In the showroom category, Larry King, LS, president and owner of Capital Lighting in Ohio, was honored with the Pillar of the Industry. He was lauded for being instrumental in assisting the ALA in the transition to online Webinars and the development of the Certificate Specialist monograph series. He serves as the chair of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees and the Foundation’s Nominating Comittee. “If you’re a member of ALA, take the time to get involved. Your time and effort will come back to you tenfold,” he remarked.
