Vol. 2, No. 10 | May 21, 2007
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Industry News [[HOT TOPIC]] It's Not Easy Being Green...(But It's Worth It) No, it's not easy being green, or so sang that gangly little frog, nephew to Kermit. (First reader to e-mail the name of Kermit's singing nephew wins a free response e-mail from SBI Update. Jeff Wooten not eligible.) But being green, these days, is something that everyone needs to think about. Just ask Al Gore. Of course green, in this context, describes an awareness of and a responsibility toward this green planet Earth we all inhabit. Green initiatives are popping up everywhere, and the sign industry is no different. And if you're reading this thinking you have absolutely no idea what eco-friendly, green signage is about, then I have four letters for you: SEGD. According to its Web site, the SEGD (Society for Environmental Graphic Design) is "an international non-profit educational organization providing resources for design specialists in the field of environmental graphic design, architecture, and landscape, interior, and industrial design. SEGD members are leading designers of directional and attraction sign systems, destination graphics, identity programs, exhibits, and themed environments. "Environmental Graphic Design embraces many design disciplines including graphic, architectural, interior, landscape, and industrial design, all concerned with the visual aspects of wayfinding, communicating identity and information, and shaping the idea of place." At the end of this month (May 30 - June 2), the SEGD will be hosting its annual Conference & Expo in Boston, Massachusetts. Amongst the various seminars, workshops, etc., will be a focus entitled "Gearing Up to Go Green." It is this direction for sign professionals that the SEGD is championing and bringing to the forefront of the industry. The conference will offer participants four opportunities to learn about sustainability and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): * LEED and overall architectural issues (Wednesday Pre-conference Workshop) * Artists for Humanity Platinum LEED building tour (Thursday Workshop on Wheels) * SEGD Green Paper and strategic examples (Friday Tech Session) * Collaboration between fabricators and designers in specification and methods (Saturday Professional Practice track). For the first time, Sign Builder Illustrated will attend the SEGD Expo as an exhibitor, to not only provide our knowledge to and learn from this important segment of the sign industry, but as a show of support for the green initiative that SEGD so strongly emphasizes. After all, Kermit's nephew said it best in his famous song: "When green is all there is to be It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why? Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful! And I think it's what I want to be." To get green, attend the SEGD show. Find out all the information you'll need here: http://www.segd.org/conference/boston2007/index.html Nexxus Lighting to Acquire Advanced Lighting Systems Orlando, Florida-based Nexxus Lighting, Inc, a provider of advanced lighting technology, including solid-state LED and fiber optic lighting systems and controls used in commercial, architectural, signage, swimming pool and retail lighting, recently announced it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire Advanced Lighting Systems, Inc. (ALS), which works in solid-state LED and fiber optic lighting technology and is based in Sauk Center, Minnesota. The transaction is scheduled to close on or before July 31, 2007, subject to satisfactory completion of a due diligence review, approval of Nexxus' board of directors, and other customary closing conditions. "Advanced Lighting Systems is an excellent strategic fit with Nexxus Lighting, not only in terms of LED lighting/fiber optic products, but also with respect to technology and market coverage," stated Mike Bauer, president and CEO of Nexxus Lighting. "They have an excellent team of people, and our strategy is to provide ALS the infrastructure and resources to help them flourish as a brand and accelerate new product development. Paul Streitz, the President of Advanced Lighting Systems, brings over 15 years of experience working with LED and fiber optic lighting technology. He understands and believes in our vision and how to effectively implement that vision at ALS. Paul is expected to become a significant part of the team driving Nexxus Lighting to gain market share." "All of us at Advanced Lighting Systems are very excited about becoming a part of the Nexxus Lighting team," stated Paul Streitz. "We believe that this is the time for companies like ours to consolidate in order to grow market share. As part of the Nexxus Lighting organization, we hope to increase the rate of new product development and quickly bring new ALS product designs to market. This transaction will no doubt show the LED lighting industry that Nexxus Lighting is committed to growing its market share through strategic mergers and acquisitions." The plan calls for ALS to remain at its current location and maintain its brand identity under the Nexxus Lighting corporate umbrella. Streitz will remain as President of ALS reporting to Bauer. He will be working closely with the Nexxus Lighting executive team and board of directors on executing the company's strategic vision to connect advanced technology with light. Both parties have agreed that no other details of the proposed transaction will be disclosed at this time. Quality Manufacturing Changes Hands Quality Manufacturing Inc., of St. Paul Minnesota, recently changed ownership when company founder Mort Huber sold the business, building, and property to four current employees. The new ownership team consists of Ross Pillsbury, president-production; John Hoffman, vice president-sales; Tim Condon, C.P.A. controller; and Len Sandstrom, head of purchasing and estimating. Quality Manufacturing has been a wholesale provider to the sign industry for over 45 years. Nichia Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Over White LEDs Nichia Corporation announced that it filed a complaint on May 17, 2007 in Osaka District Court against Japan Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd., the Japanese subsidiary of Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. of Korea (Seoul Semiconductor), and its distributor, Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Kyoei Sangyo), for alleged patent infringement. The complaint alleges that Seoul Semiconductor's Z-Power LED P9 series white LED products infringe Nichia's two patents (No. 3511970 and No. 2778349), and Nichia seeks damages for past infringement as well as an injunction against any further infringing activity. A lawsuit against Seoul Semiconductor in the United States is currently pending, in which Nichia is seeking damages for past infringement as well as an injunction against any further infringing activity, based on the U.S. design patents of Nichia on side-view type white LEDs.
New Appointments
Carlisle Coatings and Waterproofing, a manufacturer of air and vapor barrier products for coating and waterproofing signage, promoted Jason Covington to general manager of the company's waterproofing division.
Neschen Americas
promoted Ken Ferrigno to senior vice president of sales and marketing. Angela Mohni, current director of marketing, has been promoted to vice president of marketing. Douglas Jackson has been appointed vice president supply chain, responsible for strategic purchasing, logistics, warehousing, and inventory control. All appointemtns and promotions are effective June 1.
Meetings and Events
MAY May 30 - June 2: The Society for Environmental Graphic Design's 2007 SEGD Annual Conference & Expo. The World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Find out more by calling 202/638-5555, or visit www.segd.org/conference.html.
Elliott Equipment Corporation -- Elliott Equipment Corporation -- Award-winning HiReach & BoomTruck aerial-workplatforms and cranes. Elliott products increase your productivity, and give you the highest ROI available. Do more with Elliott. www.elliottequip.com Quality Manufacturing Inc. -- A wholesale industry leader in formed faces. Specializing in LARGE 3-D plastic forming and special shape illuminated UL-approved signs. 800/243-5473. www.qualitymanufacturing.com
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Nexxus Lighting Acquires Advanced Lighting Systems
