November 2016
Eric Jacobson, CAE
 President and CEO
American Lighting Association
Lightovation
To view a schedule
of all ALA Committee meetings at Lightovation,
click here.
Lightovation
 Seminars

Wednesday, Jan. 18
How LED Lighting is Opening New Opportunities for Showrooms to Expand into the Light-commercial Market
Instructor:  Joe Rey-Barreau, AIA, IES
Time: 4 - 5:30 p.m. 

Thursday, Jan. 19
Why, How and Where are Local, Regional 
and National Home Builders Adopting
 LED Lighting?
Instructors:  Joe Rey-Barreau, AIA, IES
Time: 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Creating Strategies that Work
Instructor: 
Mark Okun, LS
Time: 4- 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20
Building Brand You
Instructor: 
Mark Okun, LS
Time: 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Upcoming Webinars
Thursday, Dec. 8
How to Incorporate 
LED in a Kitchen and Bath Remodel
Instructor:  Joe Rey-Barreau, AIA, IES

Tuesday, Dec. 13
Connected Lighting Series 1
Instructors: 
Terry McGowan

As we wrap up 2016, I appreciate all the time and energy members give us to drive ALA's mission to sell more lighting and ceiling fan products. This year, I have been extremely proud and overwhelmed by the support we received from members during the difficult time that led to the decision to cancel the 2016 ALA Conference. Although the decision presented financial challenges, the ALA Board and member volunteers never wavered in their belief that it was the right thing to do. Additionally, we appreciate the conference sponsors and members that helped ALA mitigate losses. To view the list of companies who have generously maintained their 2016 sponsorship support, please click here.

2017 Action Agenda

As we prepare for 2017, ALA will look to promote and drive training to the technical changes continuing to lead the lighting industry. LED lighting is transforming the industry and creating opportunities that are driving consumers and the design community to think differently about their lighting needs.

Connection is the key. Whether it's members learning together to help drive their businesses or lighting becoming a key component in our connected world, these seismic shifts are allowing ALA to move the lighting industry forward from a product-based industry that serves a need, to one that helps create an experience that impacts one's overall health, wellbeing and safety. 

ALA education programs will reflect these changes. Starting in 2017, we will also offer a full "Sales Training" webinar series to improve members' sales abilities. 

ALA Volunteer Community

The drive and energy that you bring to ALA is appreciated, and is a testament to the success of each of your individual businesses. If you would like to participate on a committee in 2017, please complete the committee volunteer form and email it to my attention. I also want to recognize that many members have difficulty serving on a committee, task force or board because of the time commitment it requires. That is okay. Volunteerism comes in many shapes and forms.

ALA Promotion

Your promotion of ALA is another way in which you can give back to the association. ALA offers myriad resources to help you drive consumer sales. We encourage you to place the ALA logo ( JPEG) on your advertising materials, website, shipping boxes, etc. That is just one of the many ways your membership provides added value to your brand. Our focus is on providing a variety of promotional tools for you to utilize as is, or customize for your particular business. It's easy to connect with your customers through the ALA blog, Bright Ideas e-newsletter, Lighting magazine, the ALA Newsfeed, and our new "Lighting Trends" video

In Memoriam

This year, ALA has said goodbye to some dedicated and wonderful members. It is with fond memories that we look back on the following individuals:

Raymond "Ray" deSteiger, Ray Lighting Centers
Arthur "Art" Director , CLC, Connecticut Lighting
Centers, ALA Lighting Hall of Fame
Stan Johnston, CLC, CLMR, Johnston Lighting
Associates, ALA Lighting Hall of Fame
David Lu, Lite Source, Inc.
Gary Pitkin, EGLO Canada
Robert "Bob" Rueff, Rueff Lighting Co.
David Stark, Lighting Concepts International

If there are any members we neglected to mention here who have passed away this year, please let me know, as we would like to honor all individuals in our industry.

With the holiday season approaching, I wish everyone a prosperous and joyous conclusion to the 2016 year. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to ALA and the lighting industry.

Sincerely, 
Eric Jacobson, CAE
Eric Jacobson, CAE
President and CEO
American Lighting Association