Partnerships that Advance the Industry

ALA has forged a number of partnerships that have helped us meet both challenges and opportunities over the years. 

Our working partnerships with CSA Group and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have expanded as new challenges impact the lighting industry. Twenty years ago, ALA was instrumental in harmonizing standards between Canada and the United States. That harmonization has saved the industry valuable time, as well as millions of dollars. 

With harmonization in place, we have expanded our working relationship to regulatory challenges in both Canada and the United States. Our strategy when considering lighting regulations issues has been to have government, at all levels, defer to standards that CSA Group and UL committees can develop. 

The benefit is standards can be amended/revised, whereas, government regulations/revisions are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to change. 

Recently, we have attended both the CSA Group and UL annual meetings with benefit of complementary registrations. I am pleased to report our partnerships are strong and relationships are open and positive for the future. 

The additional "good news" is that, in recent years, we have been able to expand our partnership with additional testing organizations, including Intertek Testing Services (ETL) and TUV Rheinland. They too have been responsive in helping us with regulatory issues, and, like UL and CSA Group, have worked effectively with ALA for the betterment of the industry and supported the ALA Annual Conference, which has benefited every attendee. 

Yes, developing and maintaining effective partnerships takes time and energy; however, these partnerships have proven to be well worth the effort.

With my retirement set for January next year, we need these new staff persons in place now, in order to have adequate time to ensure a seamless transition. 

Michael Weems has nine years of government affairs work experience, having served as Congressman Joe Barton's Legislative Director. Barton's Congressional Committee work has all been with the important Committee on Energy and Commerce.

I'll be personally working with Michael as we bring him up to speed on ALA's interests/concerns and challenges in Washington, D.C., the California Energy Commission, plus a variety of state and provincial issues in the U.S. and Canada.

As you can see, new persons are joining the ALA professional team, and each has brought enthusiasm and solid talent to ALA.