ALA Conference

Even though the past month has been very challenging following the decision to cancel the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Puerto Rico due to health concerns associated with the Zika virus, I have been overwhelmed by the support of the membership in this difficult situation. ALA is our industry family, and our decision was entirely focused on ensuring the safety of our members. 

The decision was truly a group effort. Several members called offering their input, as staff continually monitored and researched all developments related to Zika. ALA's Executive Committee reviewed all pertinent information and had many discussions throughout the process. Ultimately, it was up to the leadership of the ALA Board of Governors to assess the situation and make the tough decision to cancel the conference. 

With that decision, ALA has been significantly impacted in two ways: (1) Loss of conference revenue, and (2) Hotel fees from the conference cancellation. 

The amazing part of this story is that nearly every major sponsor for 2016 has kept its sponsorship in place, which will significantly mitigate losses of conference revenue and help with cancellation fees. Sponsor after sponsor made similar commitments, stating that ALA should not be hampered by making the right decision and that the association can count on their support this year and in the future. 

Additionally, most attendees are rolling over their pre-registration fees from 2016 to 2017, and some have donated their funds to be utilized by ALA this year. In recognition of this continued support, ALA will be promoting both the sponsors and members that are continuing their important financial support. I hope all our members will recognize these companies and thank them for their generosity. 

Although I am saddened that ALA was not able to find a suitable conference relocation property on such short notice this year, I am proud of our industry and want to offer my heartfelt thanks for your tremendous support. This sustained commitment is a testament to the strength of both the industry and of our organization. 

Lightovation

ALA is looking forward to seeing members next week at Lightovation in Dallas. ALA has scheduled over 20 committee, board and foundation meetings, and we hope you will make plans to take advantage of our educational offerings. For a list of ALA seminars, click here.

ALA is also co-hosting an event; all industry members under the age of 40 are invited to join the ALA Young Executives, ART Under 40 and Young Gift Executives groups for the second annual Beers with Peers event. The event, hosted by Dallas Market Center and sponsored by Aidan Gray and Varaluz, will be Thurs., June 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., in D15 Lounge on the 15th Floor of the World Trade Center.

With many ALA showroom members up for the Showroom of the Year Awards, sponsored by Residential Lighting magazine and the Dallas Market Center, we encourage all members to attend the event and celebrate the finalists and honor the winners. The awards presentation will be held in the Loft 4 area, 4th Floor, Dallas Trade Mart, on Wed., June 22 at 7:00 p.m.

LED Experience Center

I am excited to attend the Grand Opening of Light Bulbs Etc.'s new LED Experience Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., in July. Melvyn Kahn, president of Light Bulbs Etc., and his team have created the LED Experience Center to take advantage of the growing consumer demand for high-functioning, energy-efficient LED lighting.  I am encouraged by the continued innovation of our members and want to share Light Bulbs Etc.'s positive actions to be successful in a changing marketplace.

New Overtime Rules Could Impact 

Your Business

A recently finalized rule overhauls the exemptions governing overtime pay. Taking effect Dec. 1 of this year, workers, regardless of their classification as salaried or hourly, are entitled to overtime pay if they earn less than $47,476. This is more than double the current exemption level. Employers should note that this is not a one-time increase, as the exemption level is set to automatically grow every three years. The Department of Labor, in an effort to protect small  businesses, put in place an exemption from the rule for businesses that make less than $500,000 in annual sales. 

ALA participated in the rulemaking process. Click here to read our comments. 

For more information about the final rule, click here.

As always, I appreciate the amount of time and dedication that our members give to our industry. Your membership and participation is the only way that ALA can remain a strong voice for the lighting and ceiling fan industry.

Sincerely, 

Eric Jacobson, CAE

President and CEO

American Lighting Association