Under the 2016 theme “Shine On,” Lighting One kicked off a dynamic party last night with its members, aligned suppliers, industry representatives, and guests at a lively awards presentation and Welcome Reception in Dallas. More than 300 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 continue the momentum of another strong year in the lighting industry. “Shine On” is the theme for the Lighting One Convention as well as the year ahead.
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“2015 was a record year in regards to both membership and purchasing power growth for the Lighting One cooperative, which now has over 295 member locations,” states Gregg Garofalo, President of Lighting One. This year’s convention kicked off with member-driven roundtable discussions focused on methods for measuring members’ businesses.
The General Session featured several guest speakers, such as Randy Pennington, a nationally recognized expert on “change,” Matt Belcher from the National Home Builders Association, and Mark Brunetz from HGTV.
In addition, Lighting One’s new digital marketing and brand awareness program was unveiled. This program is designed to funnel consumers from a national level to the local Lighting One independent lighting retailer by using the scale of the group. “2016 hold even more tools to enable members to be more profitable, competitive, and sustainable,” Garofalo comments.
Last night, the Lighting One family celebrated its 15th anniversary, shining the light on the history of the group and awarding those members, suppliers, and individuals who shone brightest in the previous year. Special recognition for Lifetime Achievement was presented to Harry Rosenblatt, founder of Access Lighting (manufacturer) plus Arthur, Herman, and Max Lebersfeld of Capitol Lighting (retailer). “It was such an honor to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Lebersfelds, as Capitol is where I began my career in the lighting industry,” Garofalo shared.
Other Award Winners Include:
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 John Howard of Agency 51, LLC in Florida |
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 The Lighting Corner in Michigan |
Today’s session will include comprehensive information on labor laws; Lighting One Exclusive marketing initiatives; employee retention; and exclusive product / program introductions.
From there the Lighting One member’s will be participating in the Lightovation Market, bringing even more showrooms to Dallas in June than last year.
