A Quick Chat with The Neon Group

ST first heard about The Neon Group when we received an email correction about an Associated Press story we posted on our affiliated website, www.signweb.com. We subsequently received a letter from Patti King, the group’s executive director, which we published (see ST, December 2008, page 12). So we wanted to know more about this group, whose formation was several years in the making. Patti King provided these answers as well.

How did The Neon Group originate?

The Neon Group originated from a small group of neon tubebenders, transformer manufacturers, component manufacturers and distributors who are interested in promoting neon’s positive values. In recent years, large corporate forces in the marketplace have painted neon as an inefficient, outdated and complicated light source. The Neon Group decided it was time to shed some light on neon’s positive advantages.

Most misconceptions about neon haven’t occurred via sign companies, but by lighting designers/specifiers and end users who have promoted new lighting technologies as “better” than neon with unsubstantiated energy and longevity claims. Many of these technologies have already been replaced by newer versions and shorter warranty periods. These comparisons typically used neon’s worst-case scenarios and best-possible results with other light sources.

With large corporate budgets and professional salesforces, the assault on neon continues. The Neon Group is committed to promoting neon as a proven, durable and efficient light source while educating and supporting the sign industry, not dictating the use of our products.

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When did The Neon Group become official?

With the financial commitment of 22 companies, which united neon manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, The Neon Group formed an Arizona nonprofit corporation on June 27, 2008. We plan to soon conduct a membership drive to include maximum industry professionals – most at lower-cost membership levels.

The Neon Group’s founding members are: Allanson, Daco Neon Equipment, Dothan Neon, Electrobits Intl. Inc., Eurocom-Inc., France, Graphic Solutions, Herring Sales Inc., Hudson & Hudson Neon Inc., LECIP USA, Lee Neon Signs Inc., Masters Technology Inc., Neon Power Pro, Northern Advertising Neon LLC, Paige Electric Co., Reece Supply Co., Spectrum Neon Co., Tecnolux, TFT Intl., The EGL Co. and Ventex Technology Inc.

What is The Neon Group’s official designation?

The group is a nonprofit corporation in Arizona and has applied for designation as a 501c(6) by the Internal Revenue Service.

What is its mission?

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The organization strives to advocate neon’s positive attributes and protect the neon-lighting industry’s interests. The group represents neon as a time-proven form of illumination that is superior in brightness, durability, reliability and energy efficiency. Through a united effort, we believe we can change public misconceptions and re-educate consumers on the proven financial, environmental and creative benefits of neon.

With the recent rise of other light sources, such as LEDs and fiberoptics, neon has been under attack with unsubstantiated claims that, due to a lack of unbiased comparative studies, have been taken as fact. Until recently, the neon industry has been silent about these facts, and the negative consequences have been manifested in distorted public opinions and misrepresentations.

Neon is today’s best overall lighting solution when considering brightness, energy efficiency and durability. With comparable energy usage, neon provides a visibly brighter lumen output than LEDs. In addition, neon’s front-end investment is considerably lower than other light sources.

Neon is also more durable if you consider that a properly processed tube can last more than 20 years. Neon is manufactured locally, which means more domestic jobs and less environmental impact in shipping. And, because of its durability, neon requires less or no replacement, which reduces waste. Neon is time-proven, with a nearly 100-year track record of reliability and performance.

Who can join?

Anyone who believes in our mission can join. We anticipate primarily neon manufacturers, neon wholesalers, distributors, signmakers, lighting designers and artists. We offer four membership categories, with various levels of financial commitment. Neon wholesalers vary widely in size, and, because they are critical to our success, they may join in any membership category except the Affiliate category.

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The membership categories are:

• Executive Membership. Executive members are product manufacturers, distributors, neon wholesalers and sign companies whose primary business relies heavily on the neon-lighting industry. These members are the main financial contributors as well as the controlling body of the organization.

• Corporate Membership. Corporate members are product manufacturers, distributors and sign companies whose business is related to the neon-lighting industry, but whose reliance on the industry isn’t substantial. Neon wholesalers may join as Corporate members.

• Associate Membership. Associate members are product manufacturers, distributors and sign companies who have an interest in the purpose and objectives of The Neon Group, but whose primary business isn’t related to the neon-lighting industry. Neon wholesalers may join as Associate members.

• Affiliate Membership. Affiliate members are firms or individuals whose business is other than that of manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler or sign company, but have an interest in supporting The Neon Group’s objectives and purpose.

Will there be any published materials? Scientific papers/studies? Case histories? Data on market size? Book with photo galleries? Historical treatises?

The organization will rely heavily on its website to provide all of the above. The Neon Group will develop a knowledge center and a technical-support page on its website to support its members and the sign and lighting-design industries.

To what extent would The Neon Group certify products or companies?

At this time, we have no established criteria to certify products or companies. However, as time goes by, this will be an area that will need to be incorporated into our function.

To what extent would The Neon Group issue statements or official positions, with regard to the NEC, UL or other regulatory-type organizations?

Our members are currently, and will continue to be, involved with legislative advocacy. For example, The Neon Group provided substantial technical information to the ISA Mercury Task Force. Loren Hudson, the organization’s president, will also serve on ISA’s energy subcommittee and the Southern California energy committee. In addition, The Neon Group’s proposed marketing strategies include educational workshops.

What types of information will the website include?

The website is currently an excellent tool, but it’s being revamped. The updated website will roll out in late January and include: the group’s mission and goals, history of neon, a neon vs. LED comparison video and charts, a lighting-demonstration video, membership information, industry news, and a knowledge center/technical support information.

How can the Neon Group help the sign industry?

The Neon Group believes professional, experienced and knowledgeable suggestions from sign manufacturers have been overridden by specifiers who aren’t experienced sign builders or designers. These decisions are mostly based on sales hype and “shell game” salesmanship, rather than real-world experience.

We believe, by educating lighting designers and specifiers, sign companies can give the end user the best illumination package for each application. We believe it’s far better for the sign professional to specify lighting techniques, based on experience and knowledge, rather than hype and unsubstantiated sales claims.

We intend to support sign professionals with information and education concerning neon lighting as a system. In today’s low-bid/value-engineered climate, we also plan to educate with installation tips, best practices for loading and sizing transformers for most efficient operation, as well as the color and amount of neon necessary for proper illumination.

Why will neon remain the best choice?

Neon has been used in the sign industry for nearly a century. It works day after day, month after month and year after year – in most cases, outlasting the business. Properly manufactured and installed, neon tubing provides the end user with decades of serviceable life. Unlike some counterparts, with this month’s version’s lifetime in question, the neon-lighting industry offers a system field tested and proven in numerous applications.

Remember, things that sound too good to be true often are.