Lighting One Goes “Full Force” at Dallas Market
Lighting One kicked off the new year at the International Lighting Market with the theme “Full Force: Moving Ahead.” At the organization’s convention gala, members waved toy light sabers in the air – in a cinematic nod to the movie Star Wars – to underscore the slogan “The Force Is Strong With Lighting One.”
“We’re stronger than ever. This is our fourth consecutive year of positive growth,” notes Gregg Garofalo, Senior Vice President of Lighting One, headquartered in St. Louis. It was estimated that existing Lighting One members were up 16 percent on average in 2012.
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Among the initiatives discussed during the convention’s sessions was the possibility of forming a group purchasing program and the expansion into new categories to purchase.
The highlight of the Lighting One event was the awards ceremony. The largest percentage increase in sales award – a $2,500 prize – went to Hacienda Lighting in Arizona, which had a 100 percent increase. The Light House in California and Gadsden Lighting in Alabama were also lauded for their sizable sales increases and received $1,500 and $1,000 for their achievement.
The Rookie of the Year Award was won by two retailers this year: Michael Gladstone of Royal Lighting and Fred Naimer of Union Lighting.
The 2012 “In It to Win It” Award went to Howard Greenberg of Quoizel, while the Rep of the Year Award went to Todd Tuchfarber of Quoizel.
The Dedication Award was bestowed on Steven White of Philips Luminaires. The Humanitarian Award in the retailer category was given to Don Brose of Brose Electric in Michigan while the Humanitarian Award among suppliers was awarded to Kichler. In addition, Lighting One presented its first ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Sam Minoff of Kichler.
The Supplier of the Year Award went to Artcraft Lighting of Canada. “We’ve seen a 40 percent sales increase,” notes company president Howard Bernstein. “We’re very optimistic [about 2013], encouraged, and we lobe what we see here [at the Lighting One convention].”
The Member of the Year distinction went to Wally Zich of KBL Design Center in Illinois.
In addition, Jimmy Adcock of Lighting Concepts in Alabama was the lucky recipient in a sweepstakes drawing for a $250 gift card. Several other promotions are on tap during the Dallas Market and members are encouraged to shop at Lighting One supplier showrooms for the chance to win additional prizes.
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