Under the 2016 theme “Shine On,” Lighting One kicked off a dynamic party last night with its members and aligned suppliers at a lively Welcome reception in Dallas. More than 200 members, suppliers, and representatives gathered to share time together before the official start of Lightovation (formerly known as the International Lighting Market) to celebrate Lighting One’s 15th anniversary as part of CCA Global and to start another strong year in the lighting industry.
The “Shine On” theme will be the catalyst for the upcoming June 2016 Lighting One Convention, which will be held in Dallas prior to the lighting market. “We see it as a great way to have our members come together in June, but also bring more showrooms to the normally less-attended June market. Last year Lighting One members doubled the amount of member showrooms that attended in June 2014, and we intend to accomplish that again,” states Gregg Garofalo, President of Lighting One.
“2015 was a record year in regards to both membership and purchasing power growth for the Lighting One cooperative, which now has over 275 member locations,” Garofalo says. Last year was supported by new programs, a new convention format, exclusive products, and special buys. “2016 hold even more tools to enable members to be more profitable, competitive, and sustainable,” he adds.
“The Lighting showroom industry faces much change ahead and, while challenging, Lighting One strongly believes it brings opportunity for our members to succeed and is ready to embrace it with solid initiatives on product and marketing initiatives including a National Digital Web program to drive consumers and industry pros to our members and feature our suppliers and products. Lighting One is poised to conquer the changes and challenges ahead as we Shine On in 2016,” Garofalo comments.
To better support the CO-OP, two new members have been added the Lighting One National team. Madie Young is the new Membership Coordinator; she will be focused on Member communication and participation. Angela Prost – who was previously with Weekends Only, Save a Lot Stores, and Dillard’s – has joined as the Product and Supplier Relations Manager. She will work closely with the Lighting One suppliers to continue to bring new products, categories, and additional benefits to the membership.
LeAnn Day will now be focused on membership expansion and the training of new members, assisting them in getting fully engaged in the Cooperative and its benefits. Lighting professionals interested in becoming a member of Lighting One should email LeAnn Day at lday@lighting-one.com. During Lightovation in Dallas, LeAnn Day will be available to meet interested professionals through Saturday, January 23.
Congratulations to Lighting One!! Many fond memories!