With 300+ members, aligned suppliers, industry representatives,and guests, Lighting One lived up to its convention theme, “Together We Shine,” as the organization hosted its annual awards reception on June 20 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Dallas.
The lively group closed the Lighting One Convention with a dynamic party celebrating the accomplishments of peers throughout the industry. Honorees included Brecher’s Lighting, which is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, as the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The night also included a guest appearance from “Marylyn Monroe,” serenading Ira Phillips, past recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, in celebration of his 90th birthday.
Other Winners include:
Rising Star 2017
M&M Lighting
Humanitarian Award 2017
David & Betsy Heady
Dedication Awards 2017
Alan Karen, Satco/ Nuvo
Danny Levkowitz, Sun Lighting
Todd Tuchfarber, Quoizel
Representative of the Year 2017
Ron DeVries
Supplier of the Year 2017
Elk Group International
Member of the Year 2017
Jim Plutter, Denali Lighting One
Lifetime Achievement Supplier
James R. Moder
Lifetime Achievement Member
Bill Branham
Brecher Lighting
The Lighting One Convention began on Monday, June 19th with a focus on the value of the independent showrooms and how to boost their overall profitability. “The lighting industry is changing rapidly with new technologies and new consumer habits,” says Lighting One president, Gregg Garofalo. “Our goal is to provide members the tools and resources, not only to adapt but to thrive in this new world. Lighting One’s scale of over 300 locations provides members professional, premier programs at affordable costs, enhancing profitability and sustainability.”
One resource for the Lighting One Cooperative is the new national Web site designed to drive consumers into member showrooms by showcasing the total value of a showroom versus other channels, featuring Lighting One Exclusive Products and aligned supplier partners. “As we all know, most transactions are starting online. This new Web site captures consumer attention by highlighting the strengths and benefits that a Lighting One Member showroom provides compared to a big box or e-commerce retailer: service, expertise, local accessibility, and superior value,” says Garofalo.
The national Web site funnels all leads to a local member showroom. To support the development and marketing of the local sites, Lighting One introduced its digital marketing platform with MadWire, a Google preferred vendor, at the 2016 convention. “We started with a pilot program last year and have had phenomenal results in SEO and conversions,” Garofalo explains. With the pilot concluded, Lighting One is now rolling the program out to the entire membership. “Digital marketing is the future for consumer awareness and inspiration to purchase. We are excited to offer this outstanding program,” he adds.
New products and incentive programs exclusive to members were presented by Angie Prost, Lighting One’s Product and Supplier Manager. Other topics presented included social media strategies, hiring and retention, and succession planning. Providing insights from hiring to retiring, and even more important for some owners, from the daily course to the golf course. The educational portion of the day-and-a-half convention concluded with the capacity-filled roundtable networking session. “We truly believe that we are stronger together,” Garofalo comments, “when we share ideas and stand united as a group, we ensure our members continued success in the future.”
Showrooms and Suppliers interested in joining Lighting One should contact Madie Young and Angie Prost at info@lightingone.com. During Lightovation in Dallas, Madie and Angie will be available to meet interested professionals through Friday, June 23rd.
