Spotlight on Christiansburg: Leadership Team Connects Onsite
Our Christiansburg, VA manufacturing plant and pole shop recently hosted the company’s leadership team for an energizing visit, anchored by the Q2 Board of Directors meeting held onsite. This brought strategic discussions closer to the heart of operations.
The visit included a town hall where leaders shared updates, listened to feedback, and reinforced our shared vision. A team lunch sparked meaningful conversations and strengthened our sense of community. The visit highlighted the impressive work happening in Christiansburg and reaffirmed leadership’s commitment to staying connected with frontline operations.
AI Spotlight: What’s New & What’s Next
Great engagement in our AI training sessions!
If you missed the last session, click here to watch the recording. In Session #3 of our AI for You: 30min Series to Work Smarter, we explored how to use Copilot 365 like a Pro. Some real-world examples included:
- How to get insights directly from your work documents (SharePoint, OneDrive etc.).
- Summarizing long email exchanges directly in Outlook or messages/meetings in Teams.
- Draft personalized emails using previous conversations.
We also had Learning @ Work AI session, where multiple guest speakers shared real- world examples on how they and their teams have been leveraging Copilot in their day-to-day work operations. Best way to build and improve Copilot skillset is to practice.
What’s Happening Now:
- AI Access for All: Every employee now has access to Microsoft Copilot, which starts automatically with your device.
- Copilot 365 Pro: Testing licenses have been assigned to all test users.
- AI Translation Tool: Pilot completed. Marketing, sales, HR and legal teams will start using AI to make the process of translating documents quicker with greater flexibility and at a lower cost.
- AI Forecasting Tool: Scoping pilot for demand forecasting tool for supply chain operations.
What’s Next:
- Training Session: Copilot in Outlook – July 10 at 11:30am EST Overview of key features, capabilities, and how it integrates with daily email and calendar workflows.
- Training Session: Copilot for Power BI – Discover how AI can help you analyze and visualize data more effectively. Basic and Advanced training sessions next week. Dates to be confirmed this week.
- Business-Specific AI Projects: Stay tuned – more exciting updates on the way!
Get Involved:
We want AI to make your work easier. Please share your thoughts, questions, or feedback on our General | Current AI Connect Hub | Microsoft Teams . Your input helps us shape the future of AI at Current!
Be an Influencer for a Cause That Matters: Great Cycle Challenge
Safety in Action: Current Sites Celebrate US National Safety Month
Throughout the month of June, Current sites came together to recognize and celebrate the US National Safety Month—a time dedicated to reinforcing our commitment to workplace safety and well-being.
Hendersonville Celebrated with Reflection, Recognition, and a Sweet Treat
To celebrate National Safety Month, the Hendersonville team shared personal reflections on “Why I Work Safe” cards—highlighting the motivations behind their commitment to safety. These heartfelt messages are now displayed near the cafeteria as a lasting reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves, our families, and our teammates.
Christiansburg Keeps It Cool for National Safety Month
The Christiansburg team turned up the fun—and turned down the heat—with a refreshing Summer Safety Event themed “Stayin’ Cool”.
Employees enjoyed shaved ice treats and received safety-themed goodie bags, combining summertime fun with a strong message about the importance of staying safe both on and off the job. The event served as a great reminder that safety is a year-round priority, even during the hottest months.
Acuna Plant Celebrates “Report and Win” Champions
At the Acuna plant, safety took the spotlight with the latest round of the “Report and Win” program—an initiative that encourages employees to identify risks, report unsafe conditions, and suggest improvements to enhance workplace safety and comfort.
The recent raffle drew strong participation, reflecting the team’s dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. The plant also honored the top three contributors who submitted the most impactful safety reports and suggestions.
These efforts are vital to preventing workplace incidents, and leadership extends sincere thanks to everyone who took part. Every idea makes a difference—congratulations to all our safety champions!
CTP-Shanghai Conducts Fire Drills to Boost Safety Readiness
The Shanghai site held fire drills as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace safety. The exercises focused on improving emergency response, fire safety awareness, and team coordination.
Employees practiced evacuation procedures, learned proper fire extinguisher use, and identified potential hazards. The drills also tested communication systems and introduced new technologies like drone-assisted response. These efforts help turn safety knowledge into action, strengthening both individual preparedness and overall site resilience.
New Exclusive Benefit: Year-Round Sam’s Club Membership Discounts for All Employees
Exciting news for all Current Lighting employees in the United States and Mexico! Thanks to a new agreement with Sam’s Club, employees can now enjoy exclusive, year-round discounts on annual memberships—available at any Sam’s Club location.
This benefit gives employees access to savings on everyday essentials, household items, and more—at any Sam’s Club location across the globe.
Join the Foster Closet Drive at Christiansburg
Help make a difference by supporting the Foster Closet Drive. Drop off your donations at the designated area and be part of something meaningful. Let’s come together to support our community—every item counts!
Bait – Hook – Phish
Protecting Current and Yourself from Online Threats.
In today’s digital age, the threat of phishing has become a big concern for individuals and businesses. The estimated loss within Manufacturing companies is currently between $2 billion to $4 billion annually. Companies like Current experience compromises in supply chain and procurement, ransomware attacks, downtime in production lines, and theft of intellectual property or trade secrets. Phishing is often the entry point for these attacks.
Types of Phishing Attacks.
Phishing is a deceptive practice where cybercriminals try to steal data, infect systems, exploit trust, and trick you. The attacks come in various forms of emails, messages, or websites that seem legitimate but are malicious. Each form has its own unique deception approach:
Email Phishing is the most common type of attack. Cybercriminals send emails that appear to be from reputable companies or individuals, urging you to click on a link or download an attachment.
Spear Phishing and Waling are individually directed towards you. These emails are highly personalized, sophisticated, and meticulously crafted to appear as if they are from a known source (like Human Resources or a manager), which makes them harder to detect.
Smishing and Vishing are SMS/text phishing and voice phishing, respectively. These are methods where attackers use text messages or phone calls to trick you into divulging information. These tactics are becoming increasingly common as people grow more aware of email-based phishing.
Recognizing Phishing Attempts. Being able to identify phishing attempts is crucial in protecting yourself and Current from these attacks. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Unusual Sender: Check the sender’s email address or phone number. Phishing messages often come from addresses that are slightly altered or completely unfamiliar.
- Urgent Tone: Phishing messages typically create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without thinking.
- Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Look for misspelled or odd-looking web addresses.
- Unexpected Attachments: Be cautious with unsolicited attachments, especially if you weren’t expecting them.
- Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of addressing you by name.
Protecting Yourself from Phishing. To defend against phishing, consider the following habits:
- Educate: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and how to recognize
them. Participate in Current’s Phish testing and education programs. - Verify: Always verify the legitimacy of the sender before responding to emails or messages requesting personal information.
- Report: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the Current Security team using the Phish Alert Report button in your Current Outlook. Your personal email provider may also have similar reporting functions.
- Leverage 2FA/MFA: Use two-factor/multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security on your accounts.
- Use Security Software: Install and update anti-virus and anti-malware software to protect your personal devices.
- Backup data: Regularly backup important files to OneDrive or another storage.
Phishing scams are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated, and remain a significant threat. Staying vigilant and being proactive can protect Current and yourself from becoming a victim of these malicious schemes. As always, the InfoSec team is available to answer your questions at ~Current Security Team or
Security.Current@CurrentLighting.com.
IT Quick Fix Series: Tips to Keep You Connected
Welcome to a new three-part series from the TCS IT Support Team, designed to help you troubleshoot frequent technical issues with simple, step-by-step guidance. Each article will focus on a specific topic to help you stay connected and productive.
In this first edition, we’ll cover what to do if you’re unable to connect to AppGate VPN—the next steps can help you to fix the issue:
- Ensure that your device is connected to the internet. Try accessing a few websites to confirm connectivity.
- Close the AppGate client completely and then reopen it. This can resolve the majority of connectivity issues.
- Double-check your username and password to ensure they are entered correctly.
- Ensure that both your operating system and the AppGate client are up to date. Install any available updates.
- If possible, switch to a different network (e.g., from Wi-Fi to Ethernet or use a mobile hotspot) to see if the issue persists.
- Restart your computer to refresh the system and network settings.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Currently, where we’ll dive into: Shared Folder Access Troubleshooting (Remote Access). Keep an eye on your inbox—more helpful tips are on the way!
Manage Your Financial Future with Confidence
Fidelity Financial Wellbeing Discussions are coming LIVE to Hendersonville Tuesday, July 16. These sessions are designed to help you take control of your financial future with expert guidance and practical tools. Whether you're planning for retirement, managing debt, or just looking to make smarter financial decisions, these discussions will provide valuable insights tailored to your needs.
Managing My Money: Budget, Emergency Savings, and Debt Basics.
July 16th at 10:00 am.
Join in person at the Blue Ridge Conference Room Institute Building, Hendersonville or online by clicking here.
Make the Most of Your Retirement Saving.
July 16th at 2:00 pm.
Join in person at the Blue Ridge Conference Room Institute Building, Hendersonville or online by clicking here.
The Current Way: Code of Conduct
Report online at currentombuds.ethix360.com
Call toll free: 1-833-328-7669
If you see something, say something.
Global Holiday Awareness: A Tale of Two Birthdays
As July unfolds, both Canada and the U.S. take center stage with their national holidays:
Canada Day on July 1st, and Independence Day on July 4th. While they celebrate different histories, both holidays are moments to reflect on identity, resilience, and the spirit of community.
Canada Day – July 1
Canada Day commemorates the 1867 unification of three British colonies into one country—marking the quiet but powerful beginning of the nation. It’s a day for celebration, but also for reflection on the country’s evolution, including its ongoing journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Did you know?
- The name "Canada" comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word Kanata, meaning village or settlement.
- The Canadian flag as we know it—the red maple leaf—only became official in 1965.
Canada as we know it today was only completed in 1999, when Nunavut officially became a territory—separating from the Northwest Territories and giving Inuit communities greater self-governance.
Independence Day – July 4
The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776—a bold moment of rebellion and a declaration of new values. Today, it's about pride, history, and honoring the idea that freedom and equality are worth striving for.
Did you know?
- John Adams predicted Americans would celebrate independence with "pomp, parade, shows, and fireworks”—he just got the date wrong (he thought it would be July 2nd!).
- The Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed on July 4th—most delegates signed it on August 2nd.
- Frederick Douglass’s powerful 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, is still taught today as a critical reflection on freedom and justice.
The oldest annual Fourth of July celebration is in Bristol, Rhode Island—running since 1785!
Snapshots wanted!
If you capture a special moment—whether it’s fireworks, family time, or a quiet morning in nature—send your photo to culture.committee@currentlighting.com. We'd love to feature your slice of July in our next newsletter!
How to Be a Thoughtful Global Teammate
✔ Be mindful of time off – Some colleagues may be offline or attending commemorations.
✔ Schedule wisely – Consider “delay send” for emails and plan meetings around key observances.
✔ Stay curious – Ask your teammates how they celebrate—you might learn something meaningful.
LUMEN Live Session: Reignite Your Inner Child
Celebrating Together: BBQ & Q2 Townhall in Montreal
To mark both Quebec Day and Canada Day, the Montreal team gathered for a sunny BBQ celebration— just great food, warm weather, and time to connect with colleagues.
Following the festivities, the team shifted gears for the Q2 Townhall, where they welcomed Dave Donlin for an insightful session. Dave shared a transparent and forward-looking update on the Lachine product lines, highlighting both the challenges ahead and the strategies in place to modernize legacy platforms and strengthen our market position. A big thank-you to everyone who participated—and to Dave for his candid and motivating presentation.
Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Pride Month
Acuna
The Acuna site proudly celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a vibrant and meaningful event hosted by the Inclusion Committee. The day began with the raising of the Pride flag, a powerful symbol of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, respect, and visibility for all identities.
As part of the celebration, employees participated in a poster contest, using art to express their support for diversity and unity. The entries were both creative and inspiring, capturing the spirit of acceptance and the value of every voice within the organization.
Tijuana
The Tijuana team came together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and respect through a series of meaningful activities. The event began with the raising of the Pride flag, a powerful symbol of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community. This was followed by an awareness talk, where employees reflected on the importance of inclusion and how it connects to our core values as a company.
To cap off the celebration, employees from across the plant joined together for the traditional rainbow photo, a vibrant display of unity and support that brought together many departments in a shared message of pride and solidarity.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this celebration a true reflection of our commitment to diversity and belonging.
That’s all for this week!
We are thankful for the many contributions. The next currently is scheduled for distribution 07/15/2025.
Contact @Moran, Aimee with story ideas and submissions.
