Data centers are perceived as a “huge” market opportunity by almost every manufacturer. Many distributors believe that they should be able to win some business there. Reps are expected to win business there. And yes, there are lots of data


Data centers are perceived as a “huge” market opportunity by almost every manufacturer. Many distributors believe that they should be able to win some business there. Reps are expected to win business there. And yes, there are lots of data
The tale of two lighting companies couldn’t show a more divergent course than Acuity’s growth and diversification into growing markets and Signify’s steady decline. The choppy seas are the same environment that both companies compete in (albeit different geographies and
Recently we supported NEMRA on a project to estimate the total distribution sales sold via the assistance of NEMRA independent manufacturer representatives. The percentage exceeded 50% of industry revenues (and if you want to know more, contact Jim Johnson.) Yes,
As we look forward to 2026 the crystal ball right now is showing slow growth aside from those who will benefit from data centers and possibly the industrial market if they are receiving a new factory or expansion. Those in
IDEA’s recent 2025 eBiz conference held earlier this month in Nashville brought together almost 160 people representing 20 distributor, 20 manufacturers, service companies, and IDEA’s staff. The conference expanded its contextual reach from talking data into the burgeoning topic of
Moments after my last article was published on “throwing strikes in strategy,” I was discussing marketing plans with a distributor to comply with information we had received on their customer’s expectations, and where they might improve. We discussed various issues
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve solicited the industry input into the pulse of the lighting industry in Q3. We had heard, nationally, and on average, that business was challenging, and, for the most part, that’s what the results
Historically those of us “south of the border” (the Canadian border) estimate that the Canadian electrical market is about 10% of the US market. We’re close. According to the latest Pathfinder report, compiled by Kerrwil Media in partnership with Electro-Federation
Last week NEMRA opened registration for its 2026 Annual Conference and over 1300 people have already registered, about 65% of those who will eventually attend (and if you haven’t, better register soon if you want a room at the Marriott!)
Summertime is over. 3 1/2 months till the end of the year. The race is on to finish strong while beginning to plan for 2026! Tariff decisions were essentially made (maybe!) but, as an industry, everyone adjusts. The construction market,
While AI burst into the mainstream relatively recently, “techies” have commented that it has been around for a while. As distributors have found out, seemingly every technology solicitation call is from an AI company. There is Chat, Perplexity, Grok, Claude,
As the year comes to an end, NSI is making moves in the Midwest and New England with its independent manufacturer representative network that will create some interesting opportunities in positioning the company for 2026 and beyond. NSI Consolidates Lines
Hubbell announced its 2025 earnings on October 28, 2025. Net sales increased 4%, and 3% organically for the entire company, operating margin was 22.0%, and adjusted operating margin was 23.9%, reflecting robust pricing and productivity gains amidst cost inflation. The strong
Casambi, the global leader in wireless lighting controls, today announced a new partnership with Thea Enterprises, a respected manufacturer’s representative in the New York metro area. Casambi and Thea Connect in New York This partnership combines Casambi’s LightingOS™, known to
The tale of two lighting companies couldn’t show a more divergent course than Acuity’s growth and diversification into growing markets and Signify’s steady decline. The choppy seas are the same environment that both companies compete in (albeit different geographies and
ABB’s search for an independent manufacturer representative to serve New England has led the company to C.C. Pierce. ABB Partners with CC Pierce According to ABB’s press release: “ABB partners with C.C. Pierce to serve New England electrical market ABB