News Updates for the Week of October 11

1. October is Energy Awareness Month - October has been Energy Awareness Month since a presidential proclamation in 1991. For more than 15 years, government organizations — in partnership with businesses, associations, and concerned citizens — have observed this month with activities and programs to promote public understanding of our energy needs and to reduce energy consumption in our everyday lives. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=energy_awareness.bus_energy_awareness

2. Lower Margins - The firms on EC&M’s 2010 Top 50 electrical contractors list reveal 2009 as a year of fierce competition for fewer projects with lower profits. In 2009, the effects of the recession, which officially began in 2008, took their toll on the total revenue for electrical and datacom services reported by the firms on this year’s Top 50 electrical contractors list. http://ecmweb.com/construction/top-50-electrical-contractors-20100901/

3. GE Lighting Commits to $60 Million Investment in Bucyrus Plant - In a ceremony this morning, GE Lighting committed to investing $60 million in the company’s manufacturing plant in Bucyrus, Ohio. GE Lighting, headquartered in Cleveland, named the production plant in Bucyrus GE Lighting’s global center of excellence for the manufacture of energy-efficient linear fluorescent lamps. Employment is expected to nearly double with more than 130 jobs added over the next few years as the Bucyrus plant ramps up production. The first fluorescent lamps made from the newly installed equipment will begin to roll off production lines in December. 10/01 Electrical Marketing

4. DEP: Advantage Grant Program Opens to Small Businesses Looking to Increase Profitability by Reducing Energy Costs and Pollution - Small- business owners in Pennsylvania seeking to improve energy efficiency to save money and prevent pollution can apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant through the Department of Environmental Protection. Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching grants of up to $7,500 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes. 10/4 PRNewswire-USNewswire epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us

5. San Diego State University Selects Lithonia Lighting RTLED for First LED Lighting Project – The University took the first step toward LED lighting by installing 80 Lithonia Lighting RTLED in a new 215-person lecture hall general ambient lighting.. This is the first LED lighting project the university completed as a long-term solution to reduce energy, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability. http://ecmweb.com/news/lithona-lighting-rtled-20101005/

6. 10 Trends for 2011 and Beyond By David Gordon and Stan Rydzynski - The past few years' economic upheaval is changing how electrical distributors need to market and grow their businesses. While providing best-in-class service to existing customers will always be important, reaching new markets and new customers will be more important than ever. We have identified 10 ideas for distributors to consider for beyond 2010. Next month's article will explore ideas from electrical manufacturers.
1. Use the Snap-On tool approach
2. Sell strategically
3. Rethink your counter area
4. Recalibrate your inventory levels and stock management strategies
5. Beef up your data analysis
6. Rethink how you reach specific demographics
7. Think retail
8. Integrate your marketing and sales strategies so you can customize your sales pitches
9. Harness the power of social media and web-based marketing
10. Blend in new products with your existing basket of products

7. The City of Kenosha Lighting Project Goes to Amerlux - “Going Green” was the goal. Kenosha wanted to keep “the look” of their existing street lighting in the proposed area. Amerlux Exterior appealed to them early on because they proposed a “retro fit” engine allowing them to keep not only their existing glass acorns, but also the fitters and poles. As the ROI was being calculated it became clear that a “retro fit” solution was the path Kenosha wants to take. The order from The City of Kenosha via Johnson Controls in the amount of $459,000 was received on August 26, 2010.
www.amerlux.com

8. CPUC Adopts Plan to Save 60-80 Percent Lighting Energy Use Statewide - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today adopted a plan to transform the lighting market and achieve a 60-80 percent reduction in statewide electrical lighting energy consumption. This plan will be a new chapter of the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. The CPUC said that lighting accounts for approximately one-fourth of California’s electricity use and promoting the widespread use of energy efficient lighting can lead to significant savings. For more information on the CPUC: www.cpuc.ca.gov

9. When Selling Energy Efficiency, Don't Say 'Retrofit,' Say 'Upgrade' -- Study In a study (pdf) of programs aimed at improving residential energy efficiency, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found much to learn from. For starters, the researchers said, don't offer "audits" or "retrofits" -- customers shy away from the negative connotations. Instead try offering "energy assessments" and "upgrades," but focus messaging on health benefits, improved comfort, community pride or other benefits that consumers tend to care more about. 10/05 New York Times www.greenwire.com

10. DOE Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium - It's estimated that there are 35 million street lights in the U.S. They consume as much electricity each year as 3.9 million households, and generate greenhouse gas emissions equal to that produced by 8 million cars. Converting a significant portion of these street lights to LED technology could make a real difference, both in terms of energy savings and a cleaner environment. DOE's Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium is working to help cities make good decisions on SSL purchases, in order to maximize these benefits. To learn more about the Consortium, or to join, visit www.ssl.energy.gov/consortium.html.