To consolidate emails and bring relevant people news to your mailboxes, we aim to bring you just-in-time communications with currently. Have questions or want something to be featured in the next currently? Send an email to aimee.moran@currentlighting.com
GRAYBAR TRAINING SESSIONS
Graybar, one of Current’s largest distributors, continues to invest in education for their internal team to build for the future. The Current team recently hosted Graybar training sessions at the Institutes in Greenville (HLI) and Hendersonville (GLI). Approximately 30 Graybar attendees attended, with a wide variety of background and experience, from 20 different branch locations across 12 different states. Graybar provided extremely positive feedback on the depth and breadth of Current’s latest lighting products & solutions.
NEW CENTRALIZED MARKETING TEAM
Earlier this month leadership came together to identify how to best centralize the marketing team. The enterprise, commercial and product marketing teams have now been consolidated into one team to create alignment, efficiencies and deliver greater ROI to the business. The marketing team is led by Tamara Douce, reporting to Chip Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer. For additional information on team members and priorities, please check myCurrent.
CURRENT SIOP JOURNEY
We have made excellent strides in our Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) journey. Our commitment to continuous improvement has led us to significant achievements in critical areas:
• Optimizing Forecasting: Accurate forecasting is the cornerstone of our supply chain success. With collaboration and data-driven insights, we've substantially improved our forecast bias demand prediction by 16% since Aug-2022, ensuring that our inventory aligns with market needs.
• SKU Rationalization: Our diligent efforts in SKU rationalization (26% fewer SKUs in forecast Aug-2023 vs Aug-2022) have not only streamlined our product portfolio but have also enhanced our overall operational efficiency. By focusing on products that truly matter, we've reduced complexity and paved the way for more agile decision-making.
• Service and Inventory Improvements: We've redefined the balance between customer service and inventory management. By aligning our strategies with customer expectations, we've achieved improved service by 20% while simultaneously reducing inventory levels by 16% YTD.
• Enhanced Cross-Functional Communication: Collaboration across functions has become more seamless. Our SIOP journey has fostered a culture of open communication, enabling teams to work together harmoniously to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
While there is still more progress and improvements needed, these progressions are a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt and evolve to an ever-changing landscape. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we embark on the next phases of our SIOP journey.
IT STEERING COMMITTEE ALIGNS STRATEGY & EXECUTION
We have established a new IT Steering Committee to review all present and future IT initiatives, ensuring we are proactively investing in the highest priority system changes. Success is directly tied to focusing resources on projects that will set Current, and our partners, up for winning.
We are proud to share that Craig Levin has assumed the role of Project Management Office Leader. Craig will coordinate with business and IT workstream leads to identify projects that meet organizational goals and requirements. These projects will then be evaluated by the IT Steering Committee to prioritize and establish timelines for completion. Craig will develop and implement PMO processes and policies to enable consistent project tracking and progress reporting. In this role, Craig will be reporting to Mark LeClair and Barry Webb.
Graig has served in various roles in the past 8 years with Current, most recently as Manager, Planning and Execution for the Customer Excellence Team, where he was responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements. Previously, he led the Separation Management Office during the acquisition and carve out from Hubbell.
Craig is happy to call Cleveland home, where he resides with his wife and three children. Please join us on Applause to congratulate Craig in his new role! 
ON TREND
Looking for top trends in lighting designs and the retrofit market? Check out US Lighting Trends who recently spoke with Clayton Smith, Director of National Distribution, Carla Bukalski, Director of Industry Insights & Events, and David Kelley, Director of Specifications and Controls Sales.
STEPHEN CARSON & PRICELESS MEMORABILIA
As a 3rd generation employee with over 30 years of experience at our HVL plant, Stephen Carson started on the production floor and is now a Technical Support Manager. In addition to inspiring others throughout his journey, Stephen is holding a priceless photo from 1960.
Stephen’s grandfather, Paul Carson, is featured with a young actor, Ronald Reagan, as he toured the outdoor lighting department in Hendersonville, NC. At the time that the photo was taken (May 19th, 1960), Ronald Reagan served as the Screen Actors Guild president, prior to later becoming the 40th President of the United States of America. Current is proud of the memories that we have shared with countless generations of families.
Cyber Security Awareness launches with New Resource Site
https://gecurrent.sharepoint.com/sites/ITSecurityAwarenes.
This site is now your source for updated company and personal security information. Topics include phishing, personal protection, smartphone security, holiday scams, and more. The InfoSec team will post new information each week. We encourage you to check out the content and bookmark the site. Email questions, comments, or topic suggestions to security.current@gecurrent.com.
THE CURRENT WAY – CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS
Report online at currentombuds.ethix360.com
Call toll free: 1-833-328-7669
If you see something, say something
Read more about The Current Way
EMPATHY AT WORK & WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Empathy is our basic ability to see humanity in each other and in ourselves. Treating people with empathy can lift others individually and collectively from fear, anxiety, and sadness to a place of hope and resilience.
As we near World Mental Health Day on Oct 10, let’s practice two key skills now – curiosity & listening.
When we give empathy, we are living into our collective humanity. When we receive empathy, we can feel a little less alone.
Knowing how to be empathic can help you improve communication with others and create stronger relationships.
Access Here: http://global.resourcesforyourlife.com
Company Code: Current
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COMMITTEES AROUND THE WORLD
FOOD WASTE AWARENESS
Continuing with the cooking classes organized with LUMEN, we enjoyed entering the home kitchen of Angela Hare in our recent virtual class. She shared with us different delicious appetizer recipes including filled mushrooms, jalapeño poppers, and mozzarella sticks. She also taught us how to prepare a tasty cocktail with lemon, applesauce, & apple cider vinegar.
TIJUANA POTLUCK
Tijuana held a potluck with delicious Mexican food, where all earnings were donated to the abandoned children of the “Mar de Ilusión” Community Association.
MONTREAL COOKING CLASS
Our Montreal team combined cooking, unity, and sustainability. They learned to make delicious dishes while reducing food waste. The event included a cooking demonstration, hands-on cooking, waste reduction, and sharing food-saving tips.
RELATIONSHIPS & A PAINTING PARTY
As part of the LUMEN activities, the Acuna site held an artistic opportunity for colleagues to strengthen ties and share experiences while they painted the canvas of Frida Kahlo, iconic Mexican painter.
T&L EXPENSE POLICY REMINDERS
Recently had an expense report rejected? Take a moment to refresh your knowledge.
In-Flight Wi-Fi: Permitted only for critical business needs for $20 per day.
TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry The company will reimburse high frequency air travelers only.
Daily meals reimbursement is CAPPED including taxes and gratuities.
• Breakfast: Up to $15.00
• Lunch: Up to $20.00
• Dinner: Up to $40.00
Cell Phone/Telephone: Employees should avoid expensive cell phone roaming charges.
Internet or Wi-fi: Expenses related to remote, or home office telephone and internet are not reimbursable.
Parking: The Company will reimburse parking incurred during business travel.
Personal Car Mileage Reimbursement: Current will reimburse employees only for mileage that qualifies as business.
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS & CURRENT INVITE YOU
Join the conversation with host, Rommel Espinal, and special guests, Bianka Guzman, and Giovanna Gonzalez to hear their perspectives on topics such as when to use cash and ways to keep your money accessible while investing.
This webinar will be available in both English and Spanish and is available to all employees. Register now
USA 2024 OPEN ENROLLMENT October 16th
If you live in the USA and need benefits next year - mark your calendar. In person and virtual education sessions coming soon. The schedule is posted on the ADP Home Page. If you have any questions, please contact benefits.support@currentlighting.com
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That’s all for this week! We are thankful for the many contributions. The next currently is scheduled for distribution 10/17/2023. Contact @Moran, Aimee with story ideas and submissions.