August 18, 2023
5 Things to Know: Week Ending August 19
LEDVANCE relocates its Lightpoint training center. Plus, more lighting news from Quebec.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. B-K Lighting lawsuit update
In April, a remarkable lawsuit was filed against B-K Lighting that questioned ownership transition transactions, corporate jet expenses, a $2 million consulting agreement, a $5 million insurance payout and even what was described as a “sham” forklift lease. The case highlights some of the complexities surrounding Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and fiduciary responsibilities in the business realm.
In June, the defendants – which includes the Hagen family, descendants of B-K Lighting's former owner Doug Hagen – filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The Hagens argue that the plaintiff lacks legal standing to sue and has not adequately supported the allegations against B-K Lighting. They challenge claims that the ESOP Committee and the Hagen family breached fiduciary duties and participated knowingly in violations. Additionally, they highlight that the plaintiff’s indemnification claim is outdated. The motion underscores discrepancies in the case, suggesting it lacks merit and should be dismissed.
Recently, the plaintiffs reasserted their stance claiming that the ESOP Committee breached their fiduciary duties, violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and were involved in prohibited transactions. They further allege the Hagen family had knowledge of these ERISA violations and seeks equitable relief.
2. The latest Quebec lighting market development
Earlier this week, the inside.lighting I-Team revealed all of the big lighting brand moves that are changing the landscape of the commercial lighting market in the Canadian province of Quebec. Our report highlighted that Cree Lighting was expected to announce its new representative imminently.
Cree Lighting Canada has now officially chosen its two new agency partners to represent its products in Quebec. The changes are effective immediately.
• Solutions BFC will cover the Montreal area.
• Optimum Lighting will handle Quebec City and Eastern Quebec.
Ottawa-based Flux Lighting continues to represent Cree Lighting in the Gatineau region of Quebec.
3. LEDVANCE cuts ribbon at new Lightpoint training center
On Wednesday, LEDVANCE opened the doors to its new Lightpoint training center in historic Westfield, Indiana. The company has had operations in Westfield dating back to the 1990s under various banners of Sylvania, Osram and now LEDVANCE. The Lightpoint training center had previously been located in Massachusetts for decades, first Danvers and most recently Wilmington.
Photo credit: Lisa Everling
4. This streetlight saga has a heartwarming ending
In New York City’s borough of Queens, residents of a block close to the Nassau County border faced frustration for a year due to a non-functional streetlight. This, according to an in-depth report recently broadcast by WABC New York.
Despite the city boasting over 315,000 streetlights, this particular one went out, plunging the block into darkness and proving dangerous for seniors, including those using walkers. Local Rob Thomas Sr., particularly concerned for his elderly neighbors, reported the malfunction to the city numerous times. Although contractors removed the faulty light, leaving only its base, subsequent complaints were repeatedly closed with claims of the light being fixed.
The situation changed when ABC 7 New York's "7 On Your Side" journalist Nina Pineda intervened. Shortly after, the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) repaired the light. Residents expressed their unwavering gratitude by unofficially dedicating the streetlight to Pineda.
5. IES Progress Report: The (almost) complete Accepted Products list
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has made its 2023 Progress Report index available on its website, embedded below. The full version of the Progress Report will be published in the November 2023 issue of LD+A magazine. The IES Progress Committee accidentally omitted the Aculux WarmDim product from Acuity Brands, but that is expected to be part of the LD+A report, when published.
