May 6, 2022
5 Things to Know: Week Ending May 7
A Massachusetts casino project spawns a bribery scandal, while RGB bridge lights in Florida might once again ignite controversy.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. WESCO reported Q2 sales of $4.9 billion - a new record.
Each of the electrical distributor's global business units delivered double-digit sales and profit growth, with results that are now well above 2019 pre -pandemic levels — thanks, in part, to the 2020 Anixter acquisition.
2. Architect Convicted in Massachusetts Casino Bribery Case
David DeQuattro, Managing Principal of Providence architecture firm, RGB Architects, has been convicted of bribing a former Massachusetts Native American tribal leader in exchange for nearly $5 million in contracts related to a large Mashpee, MA casino project. Bribery payments included a used Bowflex Revolution home gym. Yes, used.
3. Component Demand Remains Incredibly Strong
-
After a record 2021, global semiconductor sales are up 23% this year
-
Chip supply issues are still giving some of world’s biggest companies a major headache
4. Passing vehicles generate electricity to run highway street lights
One wind turbine in the middle of a motorway can generate as much electricity as 30 solar panels.
5. With Pride Month Approaching, Another Bridge Lighting Controversy Seems to be Brewing in Florida
As we reported last year, rainbow lights on a high-profile Jacksonville bridge marking Pride Month were turned back on after backlash. With Pride Month less than four weeks away, a repeat controversy seems to be brewing.
