Russ Steele
Lighting Science Group of Rancho Cordova is closing their California facility and laying off 50 employees. Lighting Science is an environmentally responsible company that develops LED lighting systems for business and industry. They created the very green Times Square crystal ball that signals the start of a new year on New Years Eve.
From the LSG web site:
Energy conservation and environmental responsibility have become the most important issues in the lighting industry today—and Lighting Science is the leader in developing innovative “green” LED lighting solutions.
We believe that in order to manufacture and to market sustainable products, we must begin by committing to sustainable practices in our sourcing, product development, manufacture and delivery. Our commitment extends to the use of our own products in all of our facilities, recycled materials and soy based inks in all of our packaging and promotional literature, and a program designed to take back old technology lamps and fixtures that are replaced by our LED products and guarantee that they are disposed of in a responsible way. Our technology is completely “clean” and recyclable, our LED lamps and fixtures contain no pollutants such as mercury or other hazardous materials.
Beyond saving energy and building a more sustainable world, we are committed to saving our customers money starting day one. By reducing energy and maintenance costs, sourcing utility and government rebates and offering the unique Lighting Science Cash Flow Positive (CFP) program we can provide you with a financially responsible way to go “green” allowing you to shrink your carbon footprint the minute the lights are switched on.
Lighting Science Group of Rancho Cordova is closing their California facility and consolidating their operations in Florida. Why are they leaving California? The primary reason is the shrinking economy is forcing consolidation. The secondary reason is California's highly regulated business environment. They had a choice -- consolidate in Florida or California. They decided that Florida had a much more business friendly environment, thus they are leaving California, laying off 50 employees that will not be moving to Florida.
Green companies will be California’s economic salvation according to Steven Frisch, Sierra Business Council, President in a debate on the viability of Prop 23, now this one is leaving the state. If California is the land of milk and honey for green business, and our economic salvation, how long is it going to take for the green economy to emerge if "green companies" continue to leave the state? Perhaps Steven Frisch has the answer?
Exit Question: Will more "green companies" be leaving California for more business friendly states?