Well, there’s certainly gotta be better news on the horizon, right?
Homebuilding is at its lowest point in record, foreclosures are at a high point, and now incandescent lamp sales are up because they’re cheaper than buying compact fluorescent lamps. What the hell is going on here?
A news story over at The Light Board calls attention to the low score of the NEMA index, and what is going on:
According to the National Lighting Bureau (NLB), just-released NEMA Lighting Systems Index data reveal fourth-quarter-2008 lighting-equipment shipments to be the lowest in the Index’ history, a dubious distinction previously held by third-quarter 2008 Index performance, when shipments contracted 4.3% from the second quarter. In its latest tumble, the Index contracted 4.8 percent from the third quarter to the fourth, resulting in a year-over-year decline of 11.2 percent.
Established in 1998, the NEMA Lighting Systems Index is a composite measure of lamps, luminaires, ballasts, emergency lighting, exit signs, and other lighting products shipped nationally and internationally from the United States by the 450 companies that comprise the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), one of the National Lighting Bureau’s founding sponsors. NEMA members manufacture a wide range of products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, and control of electricity, as well as innumerable end-use products in addition to those used in lighting. The value of NEMA members’ annual shipments totals $100 billion.
*sigh*
Let’s all keep our heads up, folks. I know this will get better. I’m doing my part, and I know there’s parts for us all to play to keep our industry alive and well. We’re inventing technologies that are revolutionizing the world’s lighting, and we’re a planet full of very intelligent people. I love our lighting industries, and I will continue to bring as much news as I can humanly write.
