SOUTHLAKE, TX — ProSource, the largest audio, video, and integration buying group in the United States, hosted a welcome reception on May 3 for members and sponsors to celebrate the unveiling of the new Lighting Technology Learning Center at the Dallas Market Center. The space is home to the exclusive ProSource Lighting Technology Certification Level 2 training. The certification program was announced last summer when the online Level 1 Certification went live on the proprietary ProSource University LMS platform. Hundreds have begun the training, and over 40 members completed all units and are now certified. Lighting is a complex industry, and profession and Level 1 training takes on average 16 to 24 hours to complete.
The ProSource LTLC permanent showroom features interior and landscape solutions in a fully built smart space with lighting and controls. The Level 2 Certification curriculum takes the program to the next level with hands-on live experiential training, and nothing sells lighting like an experience.
The ProSource Lighting and Shading Committee, chaired by Jonathan Wesco, President of Allegro Home Entertainment, championed dealer training as the key to unlocking enormous success in the lighting category. With the support of vendor partners investing in new CI-exclusive brands and products for members to offer complete technology solutions to their customers, ProSource members are experiencing tremendous growth from the sale of controls and light fixtures. Featured vendor partners include Proluxe by American Lighting; Colorbeam Lighting; DMF Lighting; Savant/USAI; Vantage; and AiSPiRE, a WAC company.
The customized space, designed by David Warfel and Mark Langston, both of Light Can Help You, a lighting design firm and exclusive ProSource partner for education, also provides an opportunity for Dallas Market Center retail and design-build customers to learn about lighting applications and advancements in an immersive setting. The Dallas Market Center is also home to popular trade shows such as LightOvation, which welcomes customers from around the world.
“I am very proud of the work by the ProSource Lighting and Shading Committee to bring the Lighting Technology Certification Level 2 training to life,” commented the Committee Chairman, Jonathan Wesco, President of Allegro Home Entertainment. “This stunning interactive space is truly an industry first and working with David and Mark to make it happen has been a very rewarding experience.”
“The LTLC provides a strategic advantage for the ProSource members to accelerate their growth from the $44 billion U.S. lighting category,” said Dave Workman, CEO and President of ProSource. “We have seen members add seven figures to the bottom line in just a year or two.”
Information on becoming a ProSource member is available from Sherry Dantonio, Senior Director of Education and Member Recruitment, (562) 810-1706 or Sherry.Dantonio@Prosourceinfo.com.
ProSource is a cooperative, member-governed, not-for-profit buying group representing more than 550 specialty retailers and custom integrators. With annual sales of more than $6 billion, ProSource is the largest specialty and consumer-electronics merchandising group in the United States, which allows it to negotiate stronger programs with manufacturers, help independent dealers stay relevant to consumers, and keep the specialty A/V channel competitive.
For additional information go to: www.prosourceinfo.com.
