John Bachner Retires from the National Lighting Bureau After 43 Years

April 17, 2019

John Bachner, founder and Executive Director of the National Lighting Bureau, is retiring after 43 years. John started the NLB in 1976 in response to the energy crises. His initial goal was to focus less on energy consumption and more toward quality of light — a goal that is even more important today. John has published hundreds of press releases, magazine articles and handbooks on high-benefit lighting, defined as efficient lighting designed to optimize human performance, health, safety, and commerce.

“John’s passion and dedication for the NLB is one of the main reasons I became involved with the organization,” says Raymond E. “Ray” Kasmark, Jr., Chairman of the NLB, stated. “He will be truly missed and the NLB owes him a debt of gratitude, which cannot be measured.”

Randy Reid, Editor of the EdisonReport, will replace Mr. Bachner as Executive Director. “In the past 43 years, John has accomplished more success promoting the quality of light than anyone I have ever met,” says Reid. “Most lighting organizations do a great job of talking to each other — all within the industry. John focused the NLB’s efforts on the end user executive, who has the authority to make the best overall lighting decision.”

Bachner will receive a lifetime achievement award in Philadelphia on May 20. Tickets are still available at edisonreport.eventbrite.com.

The National Lighting Bureau is an independent, IRS-recognized not-for-profit, educational foundation that has served as a trusted lighting-information source. The bureau provides its services to the public free of charge, thanks to the generous funding of the organization’s sponsors, which include professional societies, trade associations, labor unions, manufacturers, and agencies of the U.S. government. Find out more: nlb.org.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDucation 2024 – Concluded with Record-Breaking Attendance

    The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest annual lighting industry… Read More…

  • Part 1: How Many Studies Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

    March 18, 2024 How studies in vision inform lighting standards at Night By Noah Sabatier Changing a light bulb in our home is perhaps the most simple task in which we can still credit ourselves for performing household maintenance. The amount of thought such an operation receives rarely extends beyond looking for the most efficient… Read More…


Design

  • Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    February 6, 2024 Since 1940, WFCU Credit Union is a prominent and forward-thinking financial institution based in Windsor and Essex County. For over 80 years, WFCU has been dedicated to serving Ontario residents, community, organizations, small businesses, commercial entities, and public institutions. Their new headquarters in Kitchener was created as they continue to grow their… Read More…

  • Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    December 5, 2023 At 170 m (554 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) high, the Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the longest suspension footbridges in North America and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships. For several years, the Parc de la… Read More…


New Products

  • Liteline ORBIT 2″ Gimbal Recessed Fixture

    The ORBIT is a 5 watt 2″ gimbal recessed light fixture for retrofit applications, with 360° rotation and 80° tilt. It is a high-performance, easy to install downlight solution that offers good light output, energy-efficiency and streamlined design. Suitable for wet locations and ideal for vaulted ceiling and soffit installations. BodyDurable aluminum body with 360°… Read More…

  • Acclaim Lighting Introduces All-Weather Terra Drum with Multiple Color Options

    Acclaim Lighting introduces the Terra Drum series, rugged, all-weather inground, drive-over ready rated fixtures designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications.  Available in 15-, 30- and 60-watt versions, Terra Drums have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lbs. (2,721kg). They are offered in 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, Dynamic White (2700K-6000K), Quad Spectrum… Read More…