Leadership Promotions in Customs and Trade Compliance
We are pleased to announce the following leadership changes, effective June 2, 2025, that reflect our continued commitment to operational excellence and global compliance.
Meg Downing Promoted
to Global Customs
Manager.
Meg Downing will now oversee the daily Customs operations for Current. In this new role, Meg will lead our Customs teams based in the U.S., Acuna, and India, and will be responsible for:
- Customs clearance operations
- HTS classifications
- COO determination
- Valuation for Customs
- Entry audits and tariff payments
- Broker management
- Oversight of Free Trade Agreements, duty drawback programs, and Customs data
Meg reports directly to Michael Turner, VP of Supply Chain – Global Operations.
Gerry Philp Appointed
Trade Compliance
Manager.
Gerry Philp will assume the role of Trade Compliance Manager within the Legal Department, reporting to Jason Fokens. Gerry will lead compliance programs related to Customs and Trade, including:
- Development of an Importer Self-Assessment program
- Oversight of global communications with Customs authorities
- Management of legal and regulatory instruments (e.g., Powers of Attorney, surety bonds)
- Monitoring and evaluating new trade laws, Customs regulations, rulings, and global trade programs
Gerry’s expertise will be instrumental in ensuring our continued compliance and strategic alignment with evolving global trade requirements.
Please join us in congratulating both Meg and Gerry on their new roles and responsibilities at Applause! We are proud you are part of the team.
CEO Insights: “Rallying Around Profitable Growth”
In his most recent blog, Steve Harris, CEO, recognizes the incredible work happening across the company and shares how we’re navigating recent challenges — including the impact of tariffs — with strategy, resilience, and teamwork.
👉 Read the blog here.
AI Spotlight: What’s New & What’s Next
Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent AI survey! Your feedback shows that AI can help us save time, work more efficiently, and better prioritize our tasks.
What’s Happening Now:
- AI Access for All: Every employee now has access to Microsoft Copilot, which starts automatically with your device.
- Safe & Secure: We’ve put an AI compliance policy in place to ensure everyone uses AI tools safely and securely; be sure to acknowledge in ADP.
- Training: Bi-weekly sessions are available - “AI for You: 30min Series to Work Smarter.” If you missed the first session, you can catch up on our AI for You - 30min Series to Work Smarter | Current AI Connect Hub | Microsoft Teams.
Survey Says: Your Top Concerns:
- Accuracy, Privacy, and Training: We hear you! Copilot offers strong security and privacy, and our training sessions will help you get the most out of AI while understanding its limitations.
What’s Next:
- More Tools Coming Soon: In the next two weeks, many of you who have expressed interest in AI tools via our survey will get full Copilot 365 and Perplexity access. We’re working to safely expand access to more tools for everyone.
- Business-Specific AI Projects: Stay tuned—exciting updates are coming!
Get Involved:
We want AI to make your work easier. Please share your thoughts, questions, or feedback General | Current AI Connect Hub | Microsoft Teams. Your input helps us shape the future of AI at Current.
Log into ADP to acknowledge the AI Policy.
HLI Atlanta Regional Distribution Center Operational
We’re excited to announce that the HLI Atlanta Regional Distribution Center is now fully operational following a successful soft launch. This new facility is ready to serve our customers across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.
The Atlanta center marks a major improvement in our logistics capabilities, significantly reducing delivery times. Orders now reach customers in just one day via FedEx Ground, compared to the previous two-day delivery from Hendersonville or Harrisburg. Additionally, local customers can now take advantage of a convenient Will-Call option for direct order pickup.
Nate Caraballo, Robert Wininger, Alex Dalziel, Mike Estevez (CLI), Shonda Martin, Gary Hinchliffe, Ben Watts
A huge shoutout to the entire team for their outstanding work in managing the order volume and ensuring a smooth launch. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this project a success! This milestone not only boosts our operational efficiency but also strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Empowering the Frontline: Product Knowledge at Acuna
Knowledge is power—and that power belongs on the frontline. In 2025, we proudly launched a transformative initiative in Acuna to deepen product understanding across our team, ensuring that every member is informed, engaged, and aligned with our mission.
Spearheaded by Rafael Barajas, Technology Manager, this initiative's goal is simple yet impactful: to ensure that everyone understands what we create, how it works, and the value it delivers to our customers.
By integrating this focus into our daily operations through the Frontline Initiative, we’ve fostered a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and pride. Team members are now more connected than ever to the products they help bring to life—strengthening not only our technical expertise but also our shared sense of purpose. Together, we’re building more than just products—we’re building a stronger, smarter, and more united team.
Wellness in the Outdoors
With warmer climates in all of our global locations, we know that fitness isn't always a strict routine. And often times, it is super fun. So, if you are planning your vacation days or asked your manager to leave a bit early, make sure you have all of the tools necessary for success.
Key tool reminders: water, breathable clothing, sunscreen and footwear.
Team sports that you can play outside in the summer can help you work on endurance, cardio fitness, agility, power, speed, and coordination. GVL has pickleball racquets and nets at the office, contact GVL Security to schedule court set up 48 hrs in advance.
Go for a paddle. To support upper body strength, try a paddling water sport like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or canoeing. Check out Lake Austin and Lake Travis in Texas on your next Round Rock visit: Austin Texas Things to Do.
Ride a bike. Cycling is an excellent sport for cardio, conditioning, and endurance. Cleveland Metroparks in Ohio provides over 100 miles of paved, all-purpose trails for cycling, walking, running, and inline skating.
Climb a rock. There are few outdoor activities you can do in the summer that are as challenging and as beneficial for upper body strength as rock climbing. Near the HVL factory are amazing hikes and scenic drives. Check them out: Visit Hendersonville.
What is your favorite sport in the summer? Send us some photos and ideas for future articles.
June is National Safety Month
We’re pleased to invite all employees to join us in promoting a safe and healthy workplace.
Throughout the month, our U.S. locations will be hosting a variety of safety-focused activities designed to raise awareness, build good habits, and reinforce our commitment to a safe working environment.
We’d love to see you in action. If you participate in any of the activities, feel free to send your photos to Bruce Noe so we can celebrate your involvement and share the great moments with the rest of the team. Let’s work together to make safety a priority—not just in June, but every day!
Unlock Your Potential at The Talent Lab!
Visit The Talent Lab today
USB “Juice Jacking”: Protecting Your Devices and Data
During summer vacation and travel time in today's digital age, finding an open USB charging station in airports, hotels, cafes, travel plazas, and other public spaces seems like a useful solution for keeping your devices powered up. While these stations may offer convenience, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using them.
Public USB charging stations can be vulnerable to a type of cyberattack known as "juice jacking." This occurs when a hacker tampers with the USB charging station connecting your smartphone or tablet to an infected port or cable can allow malware to infect your device. This can compromise your personal data, passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive files.
Precautionary Measures: To mitigate these risks, consider the following precautionary measures:
- Use Your Own Charger: Whenever possible, use your own charger and power adapter to avoid connecting directly to public USB ports. Use a wall outlet instead of a USB port.
- Carry a Portable Power Bank: Invest in a reliable portable power bank to charge your devices without needing a public charging station.
- Utilize USB Data Blockers: USB data blockers are small adapters that allow you to charge your device while preventing any data transfer.
Staying Vigilant
In addition to these measures, staying vigilant and being aware of your surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to juice jacking. By taking these precautions, you can protect your devices and data from
potential threats and enjoy the benefits of modern technology with peace of mind. As always, the InfoSec team is available to answer your questions at ~Current Security Team or
Security.Current@CurrentLighting.com
Cybersecurity Awareness Training – Due by End of June
Please complete your Cybersecurity Awareness Training before June 30th. Staying informed helps protect both you and our organization from cyber threats.
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.
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.
This June, We’re Celebrating One Of The Best Ways We Grow: by Learning From Each Other.
Whether it’s through a question that sparks new thinking, a challenge that stretches us, or a kind truth that helps us shift—real feedback is a real gift. We’re curating the best bite-sized videos to help you stay sharp without slowing you down. Got 4 minutes?
👉 Click here to learn How You Can Give the Gift of Feedback with Shanita Williams.
Need access? Email learning@currentlighting.com for a login request.
What happens next? We’ll feature selected stories on the Learning Channel all month long, so we can all learn from each other’s moments. Every submission is entered into a raffle.
Tijuana Hosts “Harmony and Emotional Self-Care” Talk
As part of Mental Health awareness efforts, the Tijuana plant recently held an engaging and insightful session titled “Harmony and Emotional Self-Care”, open to all employees.
The talk focused on essential topics such as self-care techniques, stress management strategies, and maintaining a healthy emotional balance. Attendees had the opportunity to learn practical tools to support their mental well-being and to share their experiences in a supportive and understanding environment. This initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of empathy, emotional resilience, and holistic health in the workplace.
Breaking Barriers: Acuna Hosts Men’s Mental Health Awareness Session
he Acuna plant held a powerful and heartfelt session dedicated to men’s mental health—a topic that is often overlooked but critically important in today’s workplace. The session aimed to challenge stigma, foster open dialogue, and remind our male colleagues that seeking help is a courageous and empowering act. Together, we explored the unique emotional challenges men face and emphasized the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where everyone feels heard and valued.
Let’s continue to support one another and keep the conversation going—because mental health matters for everyone.
That’s all for this week!
We are thankful for the many contributions. The next currently is scheduled for distribution 06/17/2025.
Contact @Moran, Aimee with story ideas and submissions.
