2009 Store, Regional, CS Releases and anything 2009!

Sounds like we will know what the 2009 Store Event and Regional releases are very shortly!

Anyone care to speculate on what they are?

I was amazed that Tony's news about the Store Event pieces and Bill signings didn't create more chatter around here!

This bit of info I did pickup on a dealers website: The Store Event piece will be numbered - HL804 and cost us $61.

Anyone know when the next Legacy or Musings is due ???

NO! But anytime soon would be very nice.

Hey Bert! I just missed you the other day. I was coming out of the Plainville Post Office and I saw the MTNHKR plate going up the road.

Legacy? Musings? Harbour Lights doesn't seem to keep with an exact schedule on these. They will come when they will come.

Bob

Tybee Cut Range Front Light, GA is the 2009 piece.

I guess the news about the in-store event piece and the location of the signings is due any day.

It was supposed to be announced in February.

Must still have some issues to be hammered out before HL can make it official.

Anybody hear any rumors, or news?
Still no offical news on the In-Store event release.
We should be due for a new Musings, it's been awhile.
When's the next Legacy? April?
How about any rumors on the Collector Society pieces for 2009?

Wasn't it Rosanne Rosannadana who said "You ask alot of questions"!

I was wondering about Dave H. Is he still with HL? I thought I read a farewell note in the newsletter? I hope I was wrong and misunderstood it.

I should let Dave answer this but since I also am not an employee of HL I will attempt to explain.. Dave works with HL on their Regional's as a result of putting together and running the last Reunion as an outsource company for them. I shoot pictures for HL for their website and the Legacy as an outsource person, also. We are both longtime HL collectors from Indiana and lighthouse nuts in general. Together we formed the Hoosier Lighthousing Club which, due to some great people that joined from the start, is still going strong and has done some great lighthouse restoration work. Dave is one of the most avid lighthouse people you will ever meet and the forums are lucky to have him a part of them.

Thanks for the response and very nice words, Paul.

Terry, what Paul noted is pretty much the situation. About 2004 Harbour Lights realized that they no longer had the in-house manpower that they could dedicate to planning and conducting events. That is when and how I came into the picture. Sometimes I have planned just the event, sometimes activities around the event, or sometimes I have done both. Always fun, and some really great collectors have participated over the years.

HL is still trying to decide for sure how to approach this year - hopefully decisions will happen soon so there is time for planning by all.

Well thanks for letting me know Dave and WP. I have enjoyed my trips with all of you guys and hope to see you on one this year.

Thought I'd pass this info on to those interested:

Friends of mine in Florida just told me they won't be going to a Bill Younger signing at Saint Augustine this year, as there is no Bill signing at Saint Augustine this year.

Yes I also heard this rumor.

It is sad that the Bill signing at the St Aug festival isn’t going to happen. It has been a tradition in my family since 2001. There was one year, I believe it was 2006, that Bill wasn’t at the festival and it just wasn’t the same.

I figured The Bill event at St Aug wasn’t going to happen this year since many collectors at the N.O regional informed Tony how much they were bored with the event. I think what they were asking was for something different, but to my remorse I feel all us collectors in the south is going to get that is different is no St Augustine Bill event.

Well
I still have hope for a Charlotte Regional and a Bronze Lady store event.
Maybe HL can have a Tony or Harry event down here for us.

I'm not the least bit surprised that Bill is not coming to St. Augustine this year after the disappointing turnout last year. In the 2.5 hours I was there last year(Bill started at 10AM instead of 11AM) and I had to leave at 12:30PM, there were only 4-5 people that showed up for his signing. Bill was very disappointed but the few of us that were there had a very long time to chat and that was enjoyable. Hopefully the Bronze Lady will have a signing.

I can't say that I blame them for canceling after hearing about the terrible turnout the year before.

The heyday of Harbour Lights has long since past. That doesn't mean that the line is no longer popular with a faithful following, but rather is suffering because of the bad economy. Many people can no longer afford to travel great distances to visit briefly with the members of the Harbour Lights family. Unfortunately for Harbour Lights, people are paying close attention to just surviving and do not have the expendable cash as in the past.

Another problem is the lack of "new blood" among the collector family. Without the influx of another generation of collectors, the down trend will continue through attrition. The sad part is the product line has never been better. Harry keeps putting forth some fabulous work but people have to consider food, clothing, and shelter before they can spend money on items that are not necessary to survive.

The economy will turn around some day. The question is will it be too late when it does.

Bob

Last year at the St Aug festival there was around 15 to 20 for the 2:00 drawing. As store events go that’s not bad. Yes; compared to 2001 and 2002 there was hundreds but for today I think the St Aug store event is fun and still brought in collectors. Yes; those that were there were the regulars but they each bought a lighthouse or two. I know I spent about $230 on lighthouses, the night with Bill and the St Aug lighthouse membership fee. This is money HL and St Augustine will not see this year.

I guess since Bill is only having 4 signings this year, HL would best have him at larger attended events.

I would expect he will be at atleast one Great Lakes event, they seem to draw well.
Maybe he will be doing something along the Atlantic coast during the Summer tourist season.

I for one am hoping there is a Great Lakes event this year. Do to a busy work schedule we've missed the past couple of years. This year should be a little less hectic so we should have a better chance if there is one close.

Mike

I would love to see Bill at The Lighthouse Festival in Alpena. He always brings that something special to any event he attends. The last time he was there he was with his daughter Kim, and I won a set of Fersnel Lens Ornaments.
It was a really nice weekend. And the food at the Holiday Inn dinners is incredible!!!!

I don't have any inside info, but I sense this is the year we finally add a couple of Chops to our collection.

Might even be the Collector Society pieces.

Loon, .....going on a "gut feeling" you may be correct as "us" collectors have been asking and waiting for these for a few years now.

And I hope you are not referring to Pork Chops either... (ha ha) However, I hear the sale of Bacon is increased 10% in this country. Poor pigs.... Sorry, off topic!

I would look at Cape Annies Web site for a strong clue.

If it is the Chops, I'll be excited for all those who have expressed their wishes for them.

I have to say, I didn't know much about them until several CF members had them in their wishlist. After a little research, now I'm one of wishers!

As for rise in price of bacon, just another sign that the economy is still going in the wrong direction. Once prices start going down, then things will get better.

If the "Cape Annie's" hint is correct, than the 2009-2010 Collector's Society Piece should have MASS appeal.

Lets just ASSUME for a bit that the Chops are indeed the rumored collector's society pieces, then which light do YOU think will be the membership piece (free w/ membership) and which light will be the exclusive redemption piece?

I think it will be as follows:

East Chop Light (Just Tower) -Free Gift with Membership
West Chop Light (Tower w/ Keepers House) -Redemption Piece

What do you think? ....of course this is just "fun speculation", nothing official.... I'm sure someday we will see these light be made! (food for thought!)

I think you got it Christopher !!!

I had listed these as Collector Society pieces for 2010 in my Loon's Choice Wishlist post. Looks like I'll have to come up with a different set for 2010 wishlist!

Anybody get their Collector Society renewal letter?

Loon,

Not Me.

bobo

Nor have I seen a renewal letter.

I have seen nothing either.

Ditto. Sure hope HL is not going under with the rest of the collectible market. Maybe we just need to adjust to a changing pace?

Judy

Looks like no one has received them yet. I hope we seen the renewal soon.

I sure will be licking my Chops!!! (Not literally)

No letter still.

I talked to Patti at HL and she said they haven't gone out yet, they would in the next few weeks..

Well, there is still 2 full weeks left in April .....Soon time to " Chop Chop " !

Probably decided to wait till after the latest Founders Collection offer.

We've waited this long, a few more days or weeks shouldn't matter.

Genius takes time !!!

The latest "Founder's Collection" opportunity should be coming to a "close" today (April 15th) or relatively soon ......

I trust those who wanted to take part in this opportunity, somehow scrounged up some loose change and TOOK it.... as it may be the last time you see these being offered !

The offer was extended to the end of April.

I already let my dealer know that I wanted to renew my membership and pre-ordered the exclusive piece. So I will let him handle it all for me. That is the way I did it last year and it worked out great.

Only 12 more days till the start of the new Collector Society year.

We're almost there !!!

Only 9 more days till the start of the new Collector Society year.

Getting ready to go "choppin' ???

Good Thursday Morning!

2009-2010 Harbour Lights Collectors' Society Year is almost here!

Last February, I received more than 425 "choices" from Collectors, nation-wide, regarding possibilities for the 2009 releases!

The 2009-10 Harbour Lights Collectors' Society Replicas were the "choice" 125 times!

2009-10 Gift of Membership - East Chop MA
Cost of membership is still $39.00

2009-10 Society Exclusive - West Chop MA
MSRP: $75.00

These Replicas have left the factory and are expected in West Kennebunk the first week of May!

AJC

Tony - With that simple announcement you have made everyone happy, including me, a Florida "sunshine" man. Thanks!

Thanks Tony, You've made my day !!!

Two more gotta have !

Great choices BUT when will we get our CS membership renewal information??????
Rick

I couldn't wait. I called and renewed my membership already !!!

Just checked the Lighthouse Depot website. They have a pic of West Chop in the Harbour Lights New Release section.


Nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony,

Thanks for the "Official" announcement regarding the Chops (and I am not talking about Pork Chops either).

Since you have heard the official word, now everybody better either sign up or renew your membership for the 2009-2010 HL Society Year as it has been requested by collectors for the past several years.... CHOP CHOP!

Here is the path to Cape Annies site with a picture of the Regional. I am asuming it is okay to post this since Cape Annie has it on their site. It is listed as a production of only 550

Tybee cut range-regional Lighthouse

Aren't we due for another Musings ???

Lighthouse Depot now has a pic of the East Chop piece and the new Collector Society pin.

Nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't remember how long it has been since many folks suggested East Chop and West Chop (Martha's Vineyard, MA) be added to the collection. It's about time they were.

Bob

East and West

Interesting, the first thing that "popped" into my head when I saw the picture for East Chop is.... Edgartown, MA

Very similar lighthouse design. I am assuming that the same person designed numerous "similar" looking lights in MASS (?)

Yes, when I visited the LD site, I thought the same thing,
Edgartown.... Overall, this year's Society should be a good seller!

And here I thought I was going to have to stay up until Midnight tonight to get an "official" preview!

Anybody hear any HL news?

Might there be containers arriving in Wells, Maine with some new pieces ready for shipping to our favorite HL dealer?

Or are those West Chops shipping out this week?

Maybe a new Musings, think we're overdue!

What happened to the May Legacy?

How about the Summer HL releases, rumor had it we'd know in May???

As Rosanne Rosanadana would say "You ask a lot of questions" !!!

Loon,

Answers (in the order of questions asked)

Yup!, Possibly, Don't know, Perhaps, Apparently it didn't happen!, May is over and now it is June

Sorry, can't share anything else with you. Mums the word. Trust me, You'll be happy!!!!!

Christopher, You hanging around Dave or Paul?

No, Officially, I'm not allowed to say anything (and I won't as promised) until HL finally gets around to "officially" let everyone else know what is going on regarding the latest June releases. They have seem to be running behind on everything from Membership Renewals to Musings to announcements of the latest releases....

Just trust me on this one, you'll be happy with what is soon to be announced and a few may just be on your "Wish" list! Besides, you finally got the "Chops" right?

Hoping to find out soon.

I'll be glad if just one of my personal wishlist pieces are included, but I'm sure many of the CF will be happy if their's are included.

Can't take any credit for the Chops, they have been requested for many years. My only suggestion was they be released as the CS pieces.

Shown on Cape Annies site!! Some good looking pieces! Especially like the Burnt Island Christmas piece!
Rick

The Christmas piece looks nice. I'm trying to figure out why the Saginaw River piece is so expensive? At $120.00, there must be something special I can't see.

Mike

The latest June HL releases are now posted on the Lighthouse Depot (LHD) website as well with "zoom" images.

I only see 1-2 that interest me.

I don't see any this time around that I will be buying.

My East Chop Society Exclusive arrived yesterday. Cute little light.

Glad you like it, but what's your definition of "little" as compared to other HL releases.

Inquiring minds would like to know.

Bob

It's about the size of Edgartown and looks very similiar in design.

Thanks for the info. East Chop, like Edgartown, is basically a simple looking lighthouse. It's not large, just a basic design, and looks like what you would expect a lighthouse to look like. I have visited East Chop many times while I was docked in Oak Bluffs. It is a simple but picturesque setting. I'm sure many of you who have visited East Chop would agree.

Bob

Actually, that is what I meant. I have not seen this lighthouse but, it looks like a cute, little, lighthouse in a picturesque setting. The Society Exclusives are usually smaller than other LE's too.

Looks like we are in for a 2009 surprise!

Some info came my way about an offer if we buy at least 6 of the 8 new releases.

Those of us who buy at least 6 of them will get a Jordan Point, Virginia Limited Edition. FREE

It's about the size of the Detroit River piece.

Heres a link to a pic of the actual lighthouse: Jordan Point Lighthouse

Thank you, Harbour Lights !!!

And young man, where did that info come your way from?

Young man ??? Well since it's been a while since I've been called that, I'll tell you my source for this info.

Things seemed a little slow on the CF so I decided to email TonyC for a little HL info to spur some posting. Well I hit the jackpot with the Jordan Point info.

Thanks Loon. I called HLs and they said a postcard will be sent out to collectors and when you have bought the 6 pieces, you return the postcard to HLs and they send you the piece. I'm sure they will check to make sure you have actually bought the 6 pieces.

This is how it's gonna work:

With each piece will be a card. Fill it out with item# purchased and include sales receipt. Once you have six, mail them in to HL and they will send you the HL805 Jordan Point piece directly to you.

This piece will never be sold in stores. It will be retired once the promotion is over.

Is this 6 pieces of 2009 releases or just of the summer releases?

Only from the summer releases.

I believe it is 6 of the latest June announcement releases Melody, which was a total of 8 new pieces.

HL364 Sabine Pass, LA
HL375 Saginaw River Range, MI
HL376 Haut-Fond Prince, CAN
HL377 Makapu'u, HI
HL378 Pomham Rocks, RI
HL379 San Luis Obispo, CA
HL380 Fastnet Rock, IRE
HL725 Burnt Island, ME (2009 Christmas)

Tony, can you please advise us collectors if the above offer is on the 8 latest HL releases, listed above?

Christopher, It's clearly stated in the email I received from Tony. Summer releases only!

According to HLs, they verified it was only the 2nd half Summer releases. This could be very interesting as Jordan Point could be one of the rarest LEs ever released if it takes buying 6 pieces to get one piece. The edition could be less then 300 pieces figuring in autoship collectors and other collectors that will buy 6 new releases.

I hoping that it is a limited edition of 50!

Seriously, a collectors MUST purchase 6 of the 8 of the latest round of releases! Who is making up these crazy restrictions on stuff.

I think the thrill of the hunt is great and if collectors do buy 6 of the 8, this will be GREAT for Harbour Lights and dealers alike in this very very very sluggish economy that we are ALL experiencing. However, I just think the timing could be better as most people DO NOT HAVE the extra cash!

(Just my 2 cents)

Christopher, you stated the reason HL is doing this, a "very very very sluggish economy".

(IMO) This is a good business move. HL is not a mega company that can wait out the economy until us collectors have some moola again.

HL does think of us collectors, but the survival of there business most come first.

HL364 Sabine Pass, LA
HL375 Saginaw River Range, MI
HL376 Haut-Fond Prince, CAN
HL377 Makapu'u, HI
HL378 Pomham Rocks, RI
HL379 San Luis Obispo, CA
HL380 Fastnet Rock, IRE
HL725 Burnt Island, ME (2009 Christmas)

These are the eight pieces that comprise the FREE Jordan Point offer. 6 of the 8 for a freebie. When Tony called me about it, I believe he said the edition size of Jordan was 300 total.

Of course I threw in a Monkey wrench telling him I would like my autoship numbers reserved for my customers since they will be buying all of them. He told me no... but he was still thinking about it when we hung up. Actually, he called me a name too. Wonders why I want to make his life miserable... of course we all have our stations in life.

As for timing... business is business. It's slow out here which makes it slow for him. You can never blame a company for being pro-active.

If it increases our sales... thus his sales, he did good. Remember, if he can't generate a profit for the company, we'll have no Harbour Lights. So just try and keep that in mind. Nobody's forced to buy anything... It's a great incentive for those who do.

Very well stated Terry. At least Tony is out there trying to drum up business. I feel for him because no matter what he does, he catches it from someone.

Terry, You sure opened a can a worms with that request.

My bet is we don't get our autoship number. Similar to the Regional and Society pieces.

I'VE PURCHASED 9. SIX FROM JANUARY AND 3 FROM THIS GROUP. SO..........I NEED TO PURCHASE 3 MORE FROM THE SECOND TO QUALIFY? THAT STINKS.

I’m with WickyWacky I have bought 10, 2009 piece this year, plus some other year pieces, and now Harbour Lights is saying I must buy 6 more pieces of things I do not want to get to get one I do want. This is not a little amount of money either as these 6 pieces would total to at least $600.00. I think I have been more than supportive of Harbour Lights in these bad economic times. Another business decision like this and in 2010 and I will buy nothing because I will no longer collect. I think Harbour Lights should rethink this promotion to include at least all of 2009.

I can understand everyone's frustration over this special piece that will be given away free to anyone that buys 6 of the 8 summer releases. Remember though that HLs is a business and while they make some happy, they will undoubtably make some unhappy. The choice to buy 6 summer releases is everyone's to make just as the choice to attend a reunion or regional is a choice. I get frustrated over not being able to attend a reunion or a "not within 100 mile" regional because of my wife's serious back problems that will not allow her to spend a night in a strange bed. I'm happy that others are able to attend and don't consider giving up a hobby that I love just because I can't leave her alone.

Sure, HLs should have considered the economy and the impact of having to spend money that you may or may not have and maybe the Spring 2009 issues should have been included in the count, but, guidelines needed to be set and Tony and HLs set the guidelines as they felt was the fairest to all collectors. Considering giving up collecting something you love will not help HLs survive, it will only hamper their survival.

I think the whole idea with the promotion is to get us to buy more, not reward us for what we already buy.

But I did try. I asked Tony if theres a chance their might be a separate promo for the first half releases. I got a simple "No".

Seems we always find something to complain about with Harbour Lights.
As long as that stays true, it means two things:
- Their still in business,
- and their keeping us interested.

Steve (SDudley).. Hope you don't give it up over this promotion. Just think of it as you bought a new car in January and then the same car went on sale in July. Promotions are for new business. Whatever business each of us are in, every day is a new day and we have to find ways to generate new business daily. When I was asked my opinion about this promotion, I pointed out many of the things that would detract that are being mentioned here.... But the point was for new sales. I can't argue that.

Time will tell if it worked. If not, I'm sure another promotion will follow with any remaining pieces.

I will say this. HL is shipping all of the Jordan's directly to the customers to keep us sneaky dealers from finding ways around it. Good move Tony. My minds already working on ways to get Steve one of these:)

Here's a thought.....

if you really want to drum up some business by offering a small light as a promotional piece, how about the Jones Point lighthouse!

Collectors have been talking about this for how long now..... of course, then us collectors would be trying to find ways to work with our "Sneaky" dealers to get this much more desirable piece!

HA HA....

I just cancelled my order. I realize HLs is a business but I don't like being given the business. I've supported them from day one and they have just lost any future support. If this is their idea of a promotion, I see it more as a demotion. One of the things I liked about The Youngers was fair treatment for all. I'll say it again-THIS STINKS.

If someone gets the Jordan Point and for some reason does not want it, I would be willing to pay something for it, I just can not afford to buy 6 lighthouses to get it.

any news of a regional event for this year?

Good Tuesday Morning!

Let me put perspective into this 2009 Summer Release Promotion!

These are tough times for our Dealers. In-store "traffic" is at an all time low; even the most faithful of Harbour Lights' Collectors have slowed down their purchases, this past year. We (Harbour Lights) have a responsibility to our Dealers "to drive" business into their stores!

As we were developing the 2010 line up, i discussed with our team the concerns that many of our Dealers have about the slow down in sales. We thought of several ideas that nay create some excitiment, something that would create a second look at What's new? Add it all up a special limited edtion was born - HL 805 Jordan Point VA! Remember HL 805 Jordan Point is not being sold through our Dealers -it is available only through this special promotion!

Why the 2009 Summer Release - to put an emphasios on what's new!

I have checked around with several of my "collectible peers" this is the first time any could remember a limited edtion be used as a "Gift with Purchase"!

Perhaps we could have designed the program in some different manner - but the program stands. It is fair, well managed and could provide the imputus for future promotions.

On Monday, I heard from two Dealers, who because of this promotion were able to increse several orders!

I do want to address the concern of some that Harbour Lights is being managed like a business.
It is a business and like any other business, we are responsible for making a profit.In today's collectible market making a profit is very difficult! Dealers are closing "fast and furiously" and the intensity of collecting has diminished.

Promotions such as Jordan Point VA may cause controversy; I see that as healthy!

And by the way, I have seen the first completed 2010 Replica - all I can say is "UNREAL"!

Please call me 800.365.1219 with your gripes, groans and cheers! I am always willing to listen.

Tony C.

I certainly understand the economics of the business. However, there are various ways to move sales. Buy 6 of 8 and get a 20% rebate.
Buy 6 of 8 and get a one free. Buy 6 of 8 and get next year's Collector's Society piece and membership free. The one unique thing about collecting Harbour Lights is that we are dealing with "real life" replicas, not fantasy creations. There are many people who wait years to obtain a particular piece, I waited 10 years to get Point Vicente (frankly, the sculpture with its ridiculously tiny tower was not worth the wait). To expect someone to buy 6 pieces at all time high HL prices to get this particular piece is really not the greatest of marketing ideas. Frankly, if someone buys 6 of 8 of this summer's releases, you ought to give them an "original" Coquille free!

To express my views on this subject. I shall simply tell my actions.

I had put in an order with my dealer for 4 of these Summer Releases. On Sat. I contacted him to add 2 more! Do I need to say more?

Way to go Steph!!!

This is a healthy discussion. It gives Harbour Lights (Tony AND Don) direct feedback on an almost instantaneous basis.

These are tough times for collectibles -- both the manufacturer and dealer AND the collector.

Some loyal long-time collectors feel they should receive a reward for sticking with the product for so long. I understand that position.

Keep your comments coming. But keep your options open. Talk to your dealer about your concerns. They will give their feedback to Harbour Lights.

Tony has invited you to call him. Please make that call before you make a final decision -- either way. He needs to hear the 'positive' and the 'negative.'

Give him a call.

Pieces are smaller because of the cost of raw materials and labor. We can't get HLs for the same price they were 2-3 years ago when we were paying a buck a gallon for gas and now we are paying almost $3 a gallon.

Just returned from Oak Island and my favorite, Bald Head. Haven't lost my love for lighthouses. I've read Tony's response and having been in business I know you can't close the door on ALL or ANY opportunities. I also know when times are tough you rely on your "core base of customers." It's akin to me giving out a "free" dinner with your purchase of a $555.00 bottle of champagne. First of all NOTHING IS FREE. If I have to spend $555.00 ( cost of 6 summer limited editions) to get a "free" one, after I've spent at least that much for the January releases and got "NOTHING",
well it just tells me what us hard core collectors who purchased during the worst sale months of the year (January - May) are worth. So, therefore, I have to spend $1000.00. What Harbour Lights needs to consider is those that SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT. Nothing is cast in stone or in this case print(MUSINGS). In closing, this is, "IT STINKS #3".

Could we please stop with all this whining? Either buy them or don't. No one wants to hear the same crap over and over! No one!!

Is there a limit? If I buy 12 new releases, can I get 2 Jordan Points?

This may be one of the rarest HL's ever!

Since I'm already buying 8 what's 4 more. I can use the extra 4 pieces for gifts or have a club raffle.

Stan - you DA Man!

I have no problem with the promotion concept. Businesses do this kind of thing all the time.
You need to find ways to generate traffic at the retail level.

To me, the unfortunate part of the promotion is not spreading it over the whole year. As noted by other collector's, many of us purchased from the 2009 Winter releases because they were ones we wanted. We personally bought 5. Now, becauase the summer release doesn't have lights that interest us, we either have to buy lights we don't want to get Jordan Point or pass on a light we do want.

As Tony himself noted, traffic and sales at retail stores have slowed. For my wife and me personally, we can only afford to collect lights we have seen or are one of the special editions.
Since the summer release only has three that fit our criteria, we will have to pass on getting Jordan Point.

In any case, Harbour Lights has to do what it feels is necessary to support their dealers. If this helps them, that is great. Has it upset some of the "hard-core" collectors? Obviously. Can we all express on opinions here without fear of back-biting, etc? I hope so.

I would suspect we all owe a debt of gratitude to the successors of the Younger and Associates business; I can't imagine this business generates much profit, if any. Reducing LE editions sizes down to just above 1,000 compared to years when the business sometimes sold out at 10,000 LE pieces makes you wonder about the economic feasibility of this whole collectible line.

If the promotion, as designed, generates needed cash flow to both the "home office" and local dealers now, then I guess it is worth a try.

One comment to Don Devine, though... Your primary business is considered at the "very top" for marketing.. great catalog, great website, great selection, great concept. Can you explain why there is not a single summer release shown on the "harbourlights.com" website.?? (this is not a slam against that site's webmaster who has done more than his share to promote harbour lights over the years). Can't someone who works in Maine for LD handle this responsibility a couple times a year??

You know if you don't put your product in the "display case" you aren't going to sell anything...

Am I mising something? I can't even find the color ad listing the new lighthouses. My dealer hasn't seen anything either so now I am wondering where I saw them. They aren't on the HL website.

Judy

I discovered where I had seen the 2009 new releases. It was on the cover of the Lighthouse Depot catalog. That is the only place I can recall seeing the new offerings. Too bad HL doesn't get them up on the website.

Judy

I wonder when the regional piece, Tybee Cut Front Range, is due in?

Last update said it was due late May!

I've been told to expect it late next week so they must be arriving HL this week.

Thanks Terry !!!

What's that sound?

I think it might be the sound of a freighter arriving in Wells, Maine with the first batch of summer releases !!!

I have six of eight on order, I don't know about arrival dates. How do I get the promotion piece or is this accounting action taken automaticaly at HL and I do nothing except purchase the six?

I believe for each new summer release piece you buy you will get a certificate that you send to HLs along with a copy of your receipt from the store you bought it at. When HLs receives the proof that you bought 6 new summer releases, they will send the promotion piece directly to you.

Thanks, sounds almost too easy

When I picked up the latest four releases, I was expecting Tybee Cut Front Range and West Chop to be included, but that wasn't the case.

Update: Just got an email from my local HL dealer. The regional pieces have arrived.

Got my Tybee Cut Ranges today, as well as Makapu'u, Burnt Island, Haut Fond Prince and San Luis Obispo. It really is amazing how these pieces seem to get better with each release! I love Burnt Island! It's probably the one that exceeded my expectations the most. That's hard to do because I've become accustomed to Harry's great work and should know better!
Bravo!!!

I talked to Tony on Tuesday and one of the questions that I asked was if he wanted the 6 individual cards sent in separately or all at the same time. He preferred that the cards be sent in at one time along with a copy of each receipt. I thought I would pass this along to all concerned.

I was going to just send in one card with six boxes checked off and include copies of my sales receipts.

Tony said that will work also. They just prefer that individual cards/receipts are not sent in each time a piece is bought.

I picked the regional piece, Tybee Cut Front Range, today. Looks great !!!

My HL dealer did receive his Collector Society piece, West Chop, for his store display. Looks great as well. Hopefully CS members who ordered the West Chop piece will get their piece soon.

Got my Tybee Cut Front Range, West Chop and Duxbury Pier today. Still expecting East Chop soon from HL HQ.

Just got some news the last four 2009 pieces are due next week.

I better warm up the old credit card.