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Message From The Editor
Another Year of Doing Business Differently
At the International Builders’ Show, organized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), held this month in Florida, it was no surprise that the industry outlook is good. In fact, today the NAHB reports, based on Census Quarterly stats and its own analysis, that the average (mean) square footage for new single-family homes has increased to 2,561. This is a contrast to what was happening for the past four years (2016-2020) when the average home size declined as more starter homes were being built.
The article, written by NAHB’s Chief Economist and Senior VP for Economics & Housing Policy Robert Dietz stated, “Going forward we expect home size to continue to increase, given a shift in consumer preferences for more space due to the increased use and roles of homes (for work among other purposes) in the post-Covid-19 environment.”
More spaces to furnish – including the wildly popular outdoor living room – larger interior rooms, and more square footage overall means healthy demand for lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and controls. A recent survey of home buyers specifically ranked exterior lighting and ceiling fans in their top five must-have amenities (see article below in this newsletter).
With this high demand comes the same challenges we’ve all been dealing with for the past two years — materials shortages and hiring difficulties. In our featured article below, How to Protect Your Bottom Line From Rising Material Costs, experts share their process for staying on top of unexpected changes without sacrificing profit. In a post-COVID era when it’s certainly not “business as usual,” we all need to learn new tools and methods for remaining successful. |
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Featured Story
How to Protect Your Bottom Line From Rising Material Costs
 The past two years have been fraught with delayed containers, product shortages, and price hikes — all of which have eroded profit margins. Two housing industry experts share proven strategies for success. Read More |
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Housing Trends
Outdoor Lighting & Fans Make Home Buyers’ Short List
 Good news for lighting showrooms and electrical distributors: NAHB data reveals exterior lighting and ceiling fans are among the top requests among home buyers. Read More |
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Housing Starts Stall Despite High Demand
 According to recent housing reports, this year looks to be more of the same when it comes to housing starts. Demand remains strong, but supply chain troubles are holding back growth. Read More |
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Housing Trends
NAHB and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Aim to Solve Labor Shortage
 To expose younger generations to the opportunities in the home building trade, the NAHB has inked a new agreement with Boys & Girls Clubs of America Read More |
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This Just In
The Search Is On for the Best Smart Home Products
 The 2022 CEE Integrated Home Competition is now seeking submissions in a broad array of smart home product categories. Read More |
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This Just In
LightFair 2022 Registration Opens With Early Bird Pricing
 Discover what’s new in architectural and commercial lighting at LightFair 2022, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas from June 19-23. Read More |
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Chicago Completes Smart Lighting Program, Will Save $100 Million
 The city of Chicago has just completed its Smart Lighting Program, converting approximately 85 percent of the city's HPS streetlights to energy-saving LED. Read More |
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People on the Move
SimplyLEDs Changes Leadership
 SimplyLEDs has a new CEO as current President Stephan Schmitt takes on CEO duties while company founder Bob Deely steps down as CEO to resume his role as Chief Technology Officer. Read More |
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Tania Patone Named NY Showroom Manager for Wired Custom Lighting
 Lighting resource Wired Custom Lighting – with showrooms in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New York City, Chicago, London, and Dubai – has appointed Tania Patone as its New York Showroom Manager. Read More |
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People on the Move
Selux Appoints Diana Mesh as Specification Sales Manager in NYC
 Lighting industry veteran Diana Mesh has joined Selux as its Specification Sales Manager for New York City. Read More |
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Case Study Spotlight
The Science Behind Properly Lighting an Operating Room
 The lighting in a hospital’s OR is complicated. There’s the brightness needed to perform surgery, but also the benefit of green lighting that helps reduce eyestrain and improves visual acuity when reading medical monitors. Read More |
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Case Study Spotlight
James Bar Brightens Its Vibe
 After more than a decade as a beloved community gathering spot, the James Bar in Missoula, Montana recently received an interior refresh that included a warm wash of light from LEDI. Read More |
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Legislative News
NEMA Creates Online Portal to Find Infrastructure Funding
 NEMA aims to speed the process for its members to find funding opportunities available through the newly passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Read More |
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Legislative News
NEMA Clears Up Confusion Over Light Output in Replacing HID
 To clear up any confusion over the variations in light output equivalents listed for certain HID lamp wattages, NEMA has prepared a paper that makes recommendations. Read More |
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DOE Publishes 2022 Solid-State Lighting R&D Opportunities
 A new report released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) outlines the research and developement opportunities in the LED and SSL field for 2022. Read More |
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