February 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1
The Focusing Lens Employee Newsletter
MP’s Top Objectives for 2011 In this Issue...
MP Lighting would like to share the business’ top objectives and goals for 2011 with all employees. We want to keep everyone informed about plans for the current year so that we can work together to reach our goals. In 2011, the company is going to focus on developing three areas: Product Focus, New Programs, and Company Organization.
Company Objectives for 2011
The Focusing Lens will be featuring a series of ‘status report’ articles, which will include employee success stories and progress reports to see how on track we are to reaching our goals and objectives. Employee input about new ideas or how we can better reach our goals is welcomed! Please use the comments box located in the 2nd floor kitchen.
MP Winter Outing NEW Quick Ship Program Employee Announcements Understanding your Employee Benefits Christmas Party Candids
MP Lighting would like to thank all employees for their continued hard work, efforts, and contributions to the company’s success and development. We anticipate that 2011 will be a great year! Product Focus 1) L101 – MP has introduced a new 2000K color temperature for select linear products. This product is unique in the industry as the light output is very similar to an incandescent bulb. The marketing and sales department will be highly focused on promoting this product to restaurants, lounges, hotels, and other commerical applications. 2) L141 – We had a lot of success with the recessed fixtures last year (so much that we can’t keep parts in stock!) and we will continue to focus on these products in the current year. The design for the L141 and L142 will be streamlined to correct a few design flaws, which will allow us to stock larger quantities and purchase parts at a lower cost. 3) High-Wattage Recessed Fixtures – MP Lighting hopes to introduce two new high-wattage recessed fixtures in 2011: a 26W and 40W. These fixtures will be similar in design to the L141 and L142. Article continued on page 3.
It’s Time to Hit the Slopes at Cypress! MP is ready to hit the slopes! MP Lighting is organizing a Winter Outing at Cypress Mountain on February 19th which will include skiing/boarding and snowshoeing. A sign-up sheet is available in the 2nd floor kitchen, please choose either skiing/ boarding OR snowshoeing. The plan is to meet at Cypress Mountain at 10am. Those interested in carpooling can meet at MP Lighting at 9am to arrange for rides. Once at the mountain, skiers and snowshoers will enjoy a few hours on the trails before meeting at the lodge for a group lunch (MP has generously offered to pay for lunch – Thank you!). After the meal, attendees are free to do whatever they like: snowshoe, ski, snowboard, tube or go home. Please note that MP Lighting is not sponsoring this event. Attendees are required to pay for their own passes, rentals, and snacks. A waiver form must also be signed prior to the trip.
1
The weather at the top of the mountain can quickly change, so please dress accordingly. Cypress Mountain recommends good winter boots, layered outwear, waterproof pants and jacket, gloves, and hat. For more details, visit www.cypressmountain.com or ask Blair, Carlos, or Aleisha. We hope to see you there!
16 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Y 1G3 Canada
t 604.708.1184
f 604.708.1185
Photo courtesy of cypressmountain.com
The view from Cypress. This could be you! www.mplighting.com
February 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1
The Focusing Lens
MP launches Quick Ship Program In spring 2011, MP Lighting will be launching a Quick Ship Program for a select number of LED products.
Mark your Calendar... Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day Feb 19 - Winter Outing at Cypress Mountain Mar 4 - MP Potluck Lunch Mar 16 - LEDucation Tradeshow
Products will include LED in-ground, walkway, spot, downlights and linear systems which will be available to ship in either 5 or 10 business days. The purpose of the Quick Ship Program is to create awareness to agents, electrical distributors, and specifiers about MP’s ability to provide short lead times on select products. Many competing manufacturers have similar programs in place and we want to offer our customers the same kind of shipment guarantee. The marketing team is currently designing a promotional flyer for the program. Further details about this program will be announced in lateFebruary. All departments will need to work together to make sure Quick Ship products are sent out on time. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with An or Carlos.
Arrival of New LED Catalogue The new 2011 LED catalogue is expected in-house by February 16! The catalogue has been updated to reflect new fixtures, specifications, and photometric data. We have also included a fold-out LED driver chart which lists some of our most popular driver and fixture configurations. We hope this, along with the Recommended Drivers for LED Fixtures Tool on our website, will help customers choose the correct driver. The marketing and design department are currently working on the 2011 Price List and a new catalogue featuring LED Low Voltage products. Thanks to everyone who helped get the 2011 LED catalogue to press!
Quick Ship Product Options:
L01
L36
L72
L141
The NEW 2011 LED catalogue - Coming Soon!
MP Announcements: New Employees 1) As most of you know, Adam Hueston has left his position at MP and moved to Powell River to be with his family. Adam worked for MP Lighting in various positions for the past 10 years, most recently as VP of Productions Operations. His efforts will be greatly missed and we wish him and his family all the best in the future. 2) Serena Zhou has also left her position as Web Designer. We wish her the best of luck in her future pursuits and we welcome her replacement, Noah Fang. Noah will be responsible for maintaining the website and other internet applications. 3) We have also hired a new sales rep for New York City, Catherine Hoa. With the addition of Catherine to our sales team, we hope to expand our presence in the New York market as she will be responsible for calling on local specifiers. Catherine has a background in Sales and Interior Design. 4) We have also hired several new employees in Production/ Shipping. Welcome to the Team!
a) Charles Galem – Assembly Technician b) John Le – Assembly Technician c) Oliver Sylvester – Paulmann Lighting Shipper
16 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Y 1G3 Canada
t 604.708.1184
f 604.708.1185
www.mplighting.com
February 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1
The Focusing Lens
MP 2011 Goals & Objectives Announced: New products, industry certification, production procedures, & more
Article continued from page 1. New Programs 1) Light Testing & CSA/ UL Certification – A primary focus in 2011 will be to increase the company’s professionalism and credibility in the LED industry. The new building will allow us to set up the much anticipated Light Lab so we can start testing our products for Energy-Star approval. The lab will also allow us to perform partial independent testing for CSA/ UL certification. 2) REVIT Library – MP plans to have the REVIT library of products completed in time for LightFair (May 2011). This will give us an edge in the industry as most manufacturers don’t have an online library of 3D product models. We hope to generate more market penetration and more specifications by offering this tool to our customers. 3) Inventory – MP plans to improve the inventory tracking process by using a new version of Navision. Currently, we are able to keep an accurate count of parts on the shelves; however, we are not able to keep track of parts that are still in production. Navision will allow us to account for this so we can make accurate decisions about ordering parts, product lead times, etc. Company Organization 1) New Building – MP Lighting hopes to occupy the new building by the end of March. The building will more than double our factory’s floor space, allowing us to expand the shipping, production, and office departments, set up the new light lab, purchase new equipment, and more. This space will be a huge asset to the company’s growth and development in 2011. 2) Production – Management plans to introduce several strategies to improve production procedures, including several new tools: a screw feeder, a new pick & place machine, silicon mats, and storage boxes. This will help to improve the overall productivity of the department, allowing us to decrease lead times and increase quality control. 3) Communication & Organization – Another focus for 2011 will be improving communication between departments so everyone is kept up to date about new products, changes to product designs and procedures, and general company related issues. MP will also focus on expanding our sales force to increase brand awareness and to continue developing relationships with clients.
Recap of MP Christmas Festivities A special thanks to everyone who participated in our Desk Decorating Contest and attended our MP Christmas Party! The party was our best event yet and we hope everyone enjoyed the food, drinks, company, door prizes, and games. MP is planning several other great events for the year, including a trip to Cypress Mountain (see page 1 for details). Thank you to everyone who helped organize the party!
Desk Decor Challengers: Hellen vs. Blair
Yogurt & Family
Deogelio & Charles enjoy a festive drink
16 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Y 1G3 Canada
t 604.708.1184
f 604.708.1185
www.mplighting.com
February 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1
The Focusing Lens
Employee Benefits Explained: Online Tools to Understand your Extended Medical MP Lighting provides all employees with a comprehensive benefits package including extended medical, dental, vision, and other services. Sun Life Insurance, our group benefit provider, supplies all employees with a membership card, group benefits booklet, and claims forms at the time of enrolment. Sun Life also has a useful website which provides more in-depth information about services covered under our group benefits plan (chiropractic care, massage therapy, etc). The instructions below will demonstrate how to create an online account, sign-in, and find useful information about your coverage. How to Create and Sign-In to your “My Sun Life” Account:
1) Visit the Sun Life website at www.sunlife.ca 2) Under the “Sign-In” heading, use the drop-down menu to select “my Sun Life” 3) Create an account by clicking “Register Now” and following the prompts 4) Sign-in using Access ID and Password
How to Use your “My Sun Life” Account: 1) Medical Coverage – To search medical services covered by your plan a) From the Home page, click “My Coverage” b) From the top menu, click “Coverage” and then click “Medical” c) Choose from a list of medical services including vision care, paramedical, ambulance services, etc. d) Click on a specific service to find info related to deductible, percent covered, limits*, eligibility and more
*Note the maximum amount covered in a specific category may also be shared with other procedures.
2) Dental Coverage – To search dental services covered by your plan Note: Your dentist may submit claims on your behalf. However, it is important to know your coverage because your dentist only knows as much as you do about your plan. a) Under the “Coverage” menu, click “Dental” b) Choose from a list of dental services including Diagnostics, Restorative, Preventative, Oral Surgery, etc. c) Click on a specific service to find info related to deductible, percent covered, limits*, eligibility, and more *Note the maximum amount covered in a specific category may also be shared with other procedures. Ex) Preventative and Basic Restorative
Procedures have a combined limit of $1000.00 per benefit year.
3) E-claims – To submit a claim electronically a) From the Home page, click “My Claims” b) Choose from a list of e-claims and complete your claim in 4 easy steps i) Verify banking and contact information ii) Accept the Terms & Conditions iii) Select who the claim is for iv) Enter claim details (type of expense, amount paid, amount claimed, etc. c) Review claim summary to verify information and click “Submit.” SunLife will send you instant confirmation that your claim is being processed Claims will be deposited into your account within 48 hours 4) Direct Deposit – For claim payments to be deposited directly into your account a) Use the drop-down menu on the Home page to “Update Direct Deposit” b) Verify contract number and update bank information c) Verify email address and click “Done”
Photo courtesy of www.saunaray.com
5) Claims – Access info on recent claims and print claims forms a) From the Home page, click “My Claims” b) From the top menu, click “Claims” c) Choose from the drop-down menu to access claim summaries, file e-claims, or print forms
6) Drug Search – To search drugs covered by your plan a) From the top menu, click “Coverage” and then click “Drug” b) Enter the DIN (Drug Identification Number) or drug name in the search box and click “Search” 16 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Y 1G3 Canada
t 604.708.1184
f 604.708.1185
www.mplighting.com