January 25, 2025
5 Things to Know: January 25
A niche U.S. lighting industry acquisition just happened. Plus, the leader of a lighting association is stepping down.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. Tariff Countdown: February 1
Many leading U.S. lighting companies rely heavily on Mexican and Chinese factories, making our beloved industry particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump postponed plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, pushing the potential implementation to February 1.
According to The New York Times, Mexico, Canada and China account for over a third of U.S. trade, and the tariffs could significantly disrupt supply chains and raise costs for American manufacturers and consumers. Economists warn that the tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, increase consumer costs, and shrink the U.S. economy.
As tensions rise, Foreign Policy Magazine highlights Mexico’s efforts to both counter and prepare for the tariffs. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ramped up trade diversification efforts, securing a deal with the European Union and exploring agreements with Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. FP points out that Mexico has agreed to accept deported Mexican citizens and some foreign nationals but has resisted fully accommodating the U.S. policy for asylum-seekers.
2 . Entertainment Lighting Acquisition
Chauvet, a Florida-based maker of professional entertainment lighting, has acquired California-based LiteGear, a company specializing in LED lighting solutions for film and television. The acquisition includes the launch of the Chauvet Cinema Group, a new division dedicated to cinematic lighting, led by industry veteran Mike Wagner. The division will focus on expanding markets for image capture lighting, initially featuring LiteGear and KinoFlo Lighting, another Chauvet-owned brand.
LiteGear co-founders Mike Bauman and Al DeMayo stated that the partnership would leverage Chauvet’s global manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet industry demands. The transaction was facilitated by Intrepid Investment Bankers and Greenberg Glusker.
3. ALA Announces Leadership Transition
The American Lighting Association (ALA), which focuses on the residential lighting industry, announced the upcoming retirement of Larry Lauck, who has served as the organization’s leader for the past two years. The ALA described Lauck’s role in restructuring ALA’s internal operations, bringing in new talent, clarifying staff roles, and realigning its organizational structure. Before stepping into his leadership position, Lauck had a long tenure as ALA’s Vice President of Marketing.
With Lauck’s retirement effective next month, Laurie Gross, a past chair of the ALA Board of Governors, will serve as interim president while the search for a permanent leader is underway. Gross, an experienced lighting industry professional and longtime ALA leader, is tasked with maintaining the organization’s momentum during this transitional period.
4. LEDs Magazine Content Migrates to BUILDINGS
Following the December 2024 closure of LEDs Magazine, its content has recently been partially migrated to BUILDINGS, an online media property also owned by Endeavor Business Media. The old ledsmagazine.com URL now redirects visitors to BUILDINGS, where hundreds of archived articles from the 20-year-old publication can be found. While not all content was preserved, this transfer ensures that portions of LEDs Magazine’s legacy remain accessible to industry professionals.
The shutdown of LEDs Magazine sparked reactions on social media, with many in the lighting industry lamenting the loss of its valuable resources. The magazine’s social media accounts have since disappeared, leaving no official platform to communicate with its audience. Founded in 2004, the publication was a trusted resource for LED innovation, chronicling its journey from niche markets to mainstream applications. Its archive on BUILDINGS represents a significant effort to preserve its legacy.
5. RPI: Masters in Lighting
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center (LRC) is now accepting applications for its one-year Master of Science in Lighting program, starting in Fall 2025. This specialized, full-time program is designed for individuals with backgrounds in engineering, science, architecture, or related fields. Students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge lighting technologies, including light sources, sensors, controls, and optics, while also learning business and leadership fundamentals. A guaranteed paid internship or research opportunity is included before graduation, providing valuable industry exposure.
With applications now open, prospective students are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of merit scholarships and discounted tuition for qualified candidates. The program concludes with a master’s project that is often presented at international conferences. Visit Rensselaer’s graduate admissions website for more details and to apply.