BRONX, N.Y.—Maria Scutaro has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president, sales and marketing for Murray Feiss Lighting.

Scutaro will retain her product development and merchandising duties and all associates currently reporting to her will continue to do so.

In addition, all sales department executives, Gary Biarsky, Steve Joffre, Christy Mutino and Melody Rojas as well as the Murray Feiss Lighting and Home Décor sales associates will also report to Scutaro.

TRADITINAL CHANDELIER

BRONX, N.Y.–With more than 30 years of experience in the lighting industry, Barbara Cote has joined Murray Feiss as product development manager, reporting to Maria Scutaro, vice president of merchandising.

Cote’s background includes positions in sales and merchandising and as a product specialist and showroom manager. At Murray Feiss, she will be responsible for developing new product, studying fashion trends and creating marketing strategies, as well as working closely with the sales force and customer dealer base.

CLEVELAND–Mark Yoss has been appointed national sales manager at Kichler Lighting, responsible for planning and executing sales efforts within the lighting showroom and electrical wholesale channels.

With more than 20 years of sales and management experience in commercial and industrial products, Yoss was most recently national sales manager for Panasonic Home and Environment Company, which makes energy-efficient indoor ventilation systems. He will relocate from Atlanta with his family.

CHICAGO–Several lighting manufacturers—including Murray Feiss, WAC Lighting, Bulbrite, Fanimation, Hinkley Lighting, and Schonbek—have banded together to set a goal to raise at least $50,000 from the lighting industry for The H Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research.

Nesquehoning, Penn.—E.L.K. Lighting has acquired certain assets of Baldinger Architectural Lighting/Louis Baldinger & Sons, an Astoria, N.Y.-based company that is closing.

The deal was made through E.L.K.’s sister company, Mount Summit Lighting Inc., and was finalized June 25.

Baldinger will become a separate division within E.L.K. and will offer two product lines: Baldinger Architectural Lighting and Louis Baldinger & Sons.

By Andrea Lillo

Lighting introductions at this month’s Dallas International Lighting Market may range in styles, but overall clean design still reigns, and manufacturers differentiate collections by mixing materials, focusing on shapes or adding details such as crystals or specialty finishes.

In addition, demands for lower price points and energy efficient options also continue to shape manufacturers’ offerings.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va.–Uttermost will give away three iPads as part of its launch into social media.

The giveaway is for Uttermost’s “New Product Ideas” contest, where retailers and designers are invited to share their suggestions for Uttermost’s product line by clicking the “Enter to Win” tab at facebook.com/UttermostCo.  Suggestions can include sketches and illustrations, and there is no limit to the number of entries per person. 

By Warren Shoulberg

The Conran Shop has moved downtown—and downstairs too.

The iconic home furnishings store—a cornerstone of contemporary design and often the launch point of important new products—is marking its second decade in the United States with an entirely new store in an entirely new location.

But it’s still very much Terence Conran’s place.

This month the Conran Shop will have its official grand opening on the lower level—it’s too nice to be called a basement—of the equally-as-iconic ABC Home store on Broadway and 18th Street.

NEW YORK-The deadline is Monday, May 24, for sending in new product information and high-resolution images for possible inclusion in HFN’s coverage of next month’s Dallas International Lighting Market. To submit information, contact Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com.

DALLAS-Dallas Market Center has unveiled new, expanded and/or relocated showrooms for the upcoming International Lighting Market.

MIAMI–Evolution Lighting, an affiliate of Boyne Capital Partners, has acquired the assets of Catalina Lighting through a section 363 asset sale under Chapter 11. The company is now Evolution Lighting, doing business as Catalina.

Boyne is a private equity firm that acquires companies generating between $2 million and $10 million of cash flow, and focuses on the consumer product, healthcare, niche manufacturing and financial services industries, according to a statement from the company.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas has named Ron Radin as business development for lighting, reporting to Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer, World Market Center Las Vegas.

The lighting category has been growing for the market, and now has almost 75 companies representing this category.

ZIONSVILLEe, Ind.-Jay Boughner has been named to the new position of controller at Fanimation, the manufacturer and marketer of ceiling fans. Boughner will oversee the financial departments, as well as work with the customer service and order entry departments.

Previously, Boughner was vice president, finance, and corporate controller for Long Electric Company, and supervisor of finance for Education Financial Services.

AUSTIN, Texas–Home furnishings company Four Hands made its third brand expansion in the past 12 months, with the purchase of Architects and Heroes, a lighting company known for its counter-balanced pulley lights.

Architects and Heroes, based here, has shown its brand in the Four Hands’ High Point, AmericasMart Atlanta and Las Vegas’ World Market Center showrooms for the last few years. Its founder, Palmer Earley, will join Four Hands to develop and expand the company’s lighting category.

MIAMI–Lighting manufacturer Catalina Lighting has filed for bankruptcy protection, according to a report from Bloomberg News. Filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court here, the company listed assets of as much as $10 million and debt up to $50 million.
A. Corydon Meyer, chief executive officer of Catalina, was quoted as saying that the recession had hit Catalina “particularly hard.”
Catalina did not return calls at presstime.

DALLAS–Fanimation presented its annual sales awards at last month’s Dallas International Lighting Market.
Sales rep agency of the year was awarded to Richard Alan and Associates, which represents Fanimation in Louisiana and Mississippi. Carlos Leon and
Associates, which covers Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, received the Step Up to the Plate award for exceeding sales goals.
Both the Rookie of the Year and E-Commerce Agency of the Year awards were presented to Josh Walter of Light Agency of Southern California. Jon McMahan

FRESNO, Calif.–Yosemite Home Decor will expand into portable lamps at this week’s Las Vegas Market, at its showroom, C-1035.
With an initial group of about 20 contemporary designs, the table lamps will be made of steel and come in either a polished nickel or rose gold finish. Shades will be of linen or silk, and will range from 30 inches in height for the table lamps to 67 inches for the floor lamps.

By Andrea Lillo
A brighter attitude accompanied the slew of new product introductions at the recently completed Dallas International Lighting Market. Though most attendees seemed hesitant to admit that business may be starting to revive, they agreed that mood was more positive than in the past.

LAS VEGAS­ -- Kathy Ireland will host a meet and greet at the Pacific Coast Lighting showroom during the World Market Center’s Las Vegas Market on Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. until noon.
The vendor’s showroom in Building C, number 1001, will feature its Kathy Ireland Home lighting collection.
The Las Vegas Market is scheduled for Feb. 1-5.

TULSA, Okla.–Home accessories and lighting company IMAX Worldwide Imports has added a Live Chat feature to its Web site, so customers who want to contact the company instantly can do so if they need assistance with sales, customer service or support. The feature is available during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday. Customers can even print and save chat transcripts for future reference.

NESQUEHONING, Pa.–E.L.K. Lighting has recently expanded its warehousing capacity with the purchase of 36 acres in Tamaqua, Pa. The campus includes an automated 132,000-square-foot distribution facility, which provides 15,000 pallet positions to accommodate additional product category growth. With the new acquisition, the company now has more than 400,000 square feet of domestic warehousing capacity.

WESTBURY, N.Y.–Lighting manufacturer Crystorama will debut two collections next month from jewelry and chandelier designer Dorian Webb. One will be floral and romantic in feel, using colored crystals and iron, while the other will have a lot of color and intricate design, said Brad Kleinberg, president of Crystorama.
“Both collections are for a young, savvy customer who likes color,” Kleinberg said. “These are not your grandmother’s chandeliers.”

PHILADELPHIA–Westinghouse Lighting has relocated its California distribution center to Chino from its prior facility in Santa Fe Springs, which the company said will cut its leasing expenses by 41 percent in the first year.
The new energy-efficient, 137,523-square-foot building expands the storage capacity by 30 percent and will help increase flow rate as well as improve inbound/outbound material flow, according to the company.

NEW YORK–The New York chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association and Acuity Brand Lighting will present the seminar “Seeing the Green Light” next Tuesday, Dec. 8.

WOOLRICH, Pa.—Woolrich has launched a comprehensive digital catalog accessible at woolrichhome.com/catalog.

NEW YORK- The deadline is Friday, Dec. 11, for sending in new product information and high-resolution images for possible inclusion in HFN’s coverage of the January markets ‹ Atlanta International Area Rug Market, Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, Heimtexil, Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (including the lighting market), New York Home Textiles Market and New York International Gift Fair.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.-To help celebrate its 25th anniversary, WAC Lighting has launched its The Hunt promotion, a scavenger hunt that will encourage participants to search for WAC Lighting items and learn about new products as well as test their knowledge of the company.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–In conjunction with this week’s market, the High Point Market Authority has released its Fall Fashion Report for 2009.
Available for download at highpointmarket.org, the report presents insights from interior and product designers, color specialists and trend forecasters. Among the trends detailed in the report are subtle and soothing colors in a time of economic uncertainty, the search for value as people become more deliberate in their spending habits, a focus on comfort and recognizable design, and neutral colors.

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif.–Julie Hayes has been named key account and sales force manager for Nova. In this newly created position, Hayes will report to Daniel Edelist, chief executive officer, and will help move the company’s strategy forward to go beyond its lighting roots to incorporate a more complete lifestyle assortment of home accents and furnishings.

MOONACHIE, N.J.–Several pink-colored light sources from Sylvania and Bulbrite will have a portion of their proceeds go to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ten percent of Sylvania’s pink DOT-it lights’ suggested retail price will be donated by Sylvania to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, while Bulbrite will give 10 percent of the proceeds of all of its pink-colored light sources for October to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–Lighting manufacturer Kenroy Home has completed its acquisition of lighting company TruHome USA. TruHome’s Bart Levine has become vice president/specialty retail, reporting to Bob Pape, president and chief executive officer, Kenroy.
TruHome USA, founded four years ago, focuses on specialty retailers. Levine will continue to oversee the sales, marketing and product planning and direction for that channel for Kenroy.

WAITSFIELD, Vt.–Lighting company Verilux has appointed Jim Carr vice president of sales, a new position. Reporting to Nicholas Harmon, president, Carr will oversee the company’s growing organization of sales representatives.
“Jim’s sales expertise and strong relationships with national chain and mass merchant retailers will be instrumental in helping us continue to grow our business,” Harmon said.

CHATSWORTH, Calif.–Pacific Coast Lighting released its first collection dedicated solely to energy efficiency at the Las Vegas Market this week. In the process of becoming Energy Star approved, the portable lighting group also targets a younger consumer with its contemporary designs.
“This is not a run-of-the-mill line where we stuck a fluorescent bulb in it,” said Rick Spicer, vice president of sales and marketing, adding that it’s an original line designed for energy efficiency.

LAS VEGAS–On the eve of the fourth quarter, the Las Vegas Market opened up this morning with both attendees and exhibitors hoping that it would show signs that business was on the rebound. All year long retailers have been hesitant to buy, and manufacturers will look to entice buyers with a market chock full of new product this week.

NESQUEHONING, Pa.–In celebration of its Dimond division launch, E.L.K. Lighting will be giving away diamonds at the upcoming Las Vegas and High Point markets. One customer will win a diamond swing charm from Tiffany & Co., while buyers who place a qualifying order at either market—showroom WMC #A-347 in Las Vegas and Interhall #609 at the IHFC at High Point—will receive a special diamond necklace.

CEILING FAN: MEYDA LIGHTING
We know, you’re looking at the picture and you’re wondering where’s the ceiling fan. Well, that’s the beauty of the new Chandel-Air series from Meyda Lighting, a long-time lighting and fan resource known for its custom work, as well as Tiffany-style lighting.
This time, Meyda encases the fan in one of several different decorative shells, giving all the advantages of a chandelier mated to the functionality of a conventional ceiling fan.
You won’t believe there’s a fan up there ... until you feel the breeze. meyda.com

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.-WAC Lighting is celebrating its years in business with a newly released 25th anniversary special limited edition hard-cover coffee book. Featuring 300 pages of accent, task, ambient and decorative lighting for the industry, the special edition catalog also highlights WAC Lighting’s Responsible Lighting brand standard, which promotes using energy efficient technology while conserving natural resources.

LAS VEGAS–The World Market Center Las Vegas is asking retailers to become a part of its new “Is It Home Yet?” promotional campaign and its first event, National Home Furnishings Month in September.
The comprehensive, multi-million dollar campaign will include advertising in major home furnishings publications, out-of-home (billboard) and an online plan on MSN, including sponsorship of the Room Design section that will generate an estimated 150 million impressions.

LAS VEGAS–Attendees and exhibitors at next month’s Las Vegas Market are invited to participate in a Texas Hold’em poker tournament to benefit Walk Now for Autism Speaks.
Doug Krinsky, sales manager for Restonic and the parent of a child with autism, will serve as co-host. The tournament will be held at Binion’s Poker Tournament Room on Tuesday, Sept. 15, beginning at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $125 and registration begins at 6 p.m.

NEW YORK—HFN is preparing its coverage of September’s Las Vegas Market, and has extended the deadline for new-product materials to Wednesday, Aug. 19.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of September’s Las Vegas Market.

YORKVILLE, N.Y.-Custom and decorative lighting designer and manufacturer Meyda Lighting has named Gardena, Calif.-based California Lighting + Components as its new sales agency in Southern California. Owned and managed by Debra Kelly, California Lighting + Components will market the entire Meyda line, as well as its custom capabilities, to lighting distributors, specifiers, designs and other industry professionals throughout the region.

DALLAS–Freedom Gates, a company that offers high-style pet gates, won The Next Big Thing, which concluded at last week’s Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, the Dallas Market Center announced.
The contest, a national product search, debuted in January, and this time people voted by texting their choices for one of three finalists—Freedom Gates, EZ Off BBQ Tools, and BibBaby—all of which exhibited at the recent market. More than 1,000 votes were received, DMC said.

RIVERSIDE, N.J.–Sea Gull Lighting has been recognized with the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award for the third consecutive year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Sea Gull will be granted the award during ceremonies to be held in Washington on March 31.
A charter member of the Energy Star program since 1992, Sea Gull Lighting currently markets more than 500 Energy Star lighting fixtures and ceiling fans.

By Barbara Thau
The lighting departments at a Home Depot and Lowe’s store in Manhattan and Brooklyn, respectively, offered a breath of assortment, with a handful of private brands dominating each merchant’s mix.
Each unit offered a variety of styles, although Home Depot’s Chelsea store highlighted contemporary fare more prominently than Lowe’s.
At Lowe’s, an expansive ceiling fan area opened the lighting department, which sat adjacent to the paint area.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center will hold the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market between March 12 and 15 with a beefed up merchandise mix.
This upcoming market, the show will offer new gifts, decorative accessories, furniture and gourmet products.
”Now more than ever it is important for buyers to diversify and strengthen their merchandise mix,” said Cindy Morris, chief operating officer of Dallas Market Center, in a statement.

NEW YORK–The Window Covering Manufacturers Association has issued a call for entries to its Product Innovation Awards.
The awards honor manufacturers of window coverings for their design creativity, technical advancement and overall innovation. They are scheduled to be presented at a reception on May 13, to be held in conjunction with the International Window Coverings Expo in Atlanta. The deadline for entries is March 16, and the competition is open to all manufacturers and suppliers of window coverings in the United States and Canada.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.–Hunter Douglas has launched Hunter Green, a new program designed to highlight the energy-saving benefits of its products and the company’s other efforts to help conserve energy.
Hunter Green includes the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway campaign, which offers consumers rebates and strives to educate consumers about energy loss through their windows. Part of this promotion is the “We Make Green Beautiful” brochure, which communicates the green benefits of various Hunter Douglas products.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–High Point Market is turning to a pair of musical institutions for its spring Stars Under the Stars concert series and gala Centennial Celebration.
Blood Sweat & Tears will kick off the festivities on April 25th under the Main Event Tent adjacent to the Transportation Terminal on Commerce Avenue. The next evening, legendary ’70s R&B group The Spinners will take the stage armed with their long playlist of hits. On April 26, the Beatles tribute band 1964 plays songs made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo.

DALLAS—Now in its 20th year, the annual ARTS awards were announced at a gala event held during the recent Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. The evening included a special tribute to Murray Feiss, the chairman of Generation Brands and the recipient of the Academy of Achievement Award, as well as the presentation of ARTS awards in 25 categories including retail, manufacturing, and others. Winners in the manufacturing categories included Feizy Rugs for area rugs, The Phillips Collection for decorative accessories, Visual Comfort & Co.

NESQUEHONING, Pa.–E.L.K. Lighting and its Landmark Lighting division have announced the three winners of their first lighting design contest: Chad Weichers, The Lighting System Inc., who won first place and $1,000; William Picciotto, Emerson Electric Supply, who placed second and won $500; and Kelly Inglis, Robinson Lighting, who won third and $250. Some of the winning designs will be developed, the company said.
More than 75 designers entered the contest, the company added, and it will now become annual.

LAS VEGAS–The Living Green Pavilion will be situated in a new space, Room 220 in Building B, at the World Market Center for the upcoming Las Vegas Market.

DALLAS–Trammell Crow, the real-estate entrepreneur who founded the Dallas Market Center, has died. He was 94.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of February’s Las Vegas Market.
Exhibitors at the show are invited to submit information and high-resolution images of products that they plan to highlight at these shows. Furniture manufacturers should submit their information to Duke Ratliff, executive editor. Home textiles manufacturers should submit their information to David Gill, senior editor. Submissions for floor covering products should go to Jennifer Alexis, senior editor. Materials for new lighting products should be submitted to Andrea Lillo, senior editor.

FAIRFIELD, Iowa–Copperfield Chimney Supply has taken on the responsibilities of AF Lighting after the recent departure of former general manager Michael Clawson. Both Copperfield, a manufacturer and distributor of chimney and hearth wholesale products, and AF Lighting are divisions of parent company Interline Brands.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the New York International Gift Fair in January and February’s Las Vegas Market.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas has appointed trade-show industry veteran Phillip McKay to a new position created to oversee leasing in the gift, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories segments, said Robert Maricich, president and CEO, in a statement.
McKay, who joins World Market as its new senior vice president, will also be responsible for launching new product line categories, and the development of existing and future trade-show events at World Market Center. He will report to Maricich.

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif.–Lighting manufacturer Nova has launched its new Web site to better showcase its lifestyle line and is found at novalamps.com.
The site is divided into four sections: Nova, featuring lifestyle designs; Nova Art Studio, showcasing handmade, contemporary wall, freestanding and illuminated art; Jon Gilmore Designs, a line of hand-brushed aluminum wall decor and furniture; and American Lamp Company, a group of floor and table lamps ranging from traditional to Southwestern designs.

NEW YORK–Showcasing the design style of the Lombardy region of Italy, Living the Italian House in Soho will recreate five spaces using items from 35 innovative design companies at an event that launches Oct. 27 and runs through Dec. 20.
Created by Promos, a specialized division of the Milan Chamber of Commerce, and Regione Lombardia, the house will include more than 150 products from such companies as Luceplan, Bizzari and Bodema.

LAS VEGAS–In what amounts to a direct conflict with the High Point Market, World Market Center Las Vegas just announced this afternoon that it will shift to a fall and winter schedule for its market weeks in 2009, instead of the summer and winter rotation it has had since its start.
The winter 2009 dates, Feb. 9 to 13, had previously been announced, but the big news is the second show, which will now be held Sept. 14 to 17, instead of the last week of July. Each Vegas show will be reduced by one day to a four-day schedule as well.

The finalists for the 20th annual ARTS Awards, the premier awards program for the home decorative accessories industry, have been named.
This year’s gala will take place on Jan. 17 during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (Jan. 14–20, 2009).
“Congratulations to the finalists for this year’s ARTS Awards,” said Bill Winsor, president and chief executive officer, Dallas Market Center. “It’s an honor to celebrate these outstanding manufacturers, retailers, product designers, and sales reps during the 20th anniversary of the ARTS Awards.”

Pacific Market Center Hosts Independent Retailer Event
SEATTLE–As part of a new initiative to support independent retailers and buyers, Pacific Market Center, together with its showrooms and local downtown associations, is hosting a VIP: Vibrant Independent Proprietor event for independent businesses.
The interactive event takes place Sept. 22 and 23; hosts independent retailers and businesses in the region; and includes educational sessions, giveaways and networking opportunities.

KINGSTON, N.Y.–Nancy Meyer, the former senior editor of furniture, lighting and home decor for HFN, has been named editor of New York House, a monthly magazine covering residential real estate, construction, design and green living in New York.
Meyer will oversee repositioning New York House for growth in green and sustainable home building, design and furnishings, as well as enhancing its home furnishings coverage.
She reports to Jonathan Schein, publisher of New York House and president and chief executive officer of ScheinMedia.

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Design Center at the World Market Center has named Randy Wells vice president.
In this newly created position, Wells is responsible for the management of the design center—a professional design and hospitality resource comprising 70 showrooms that feature fine furniture, fabric, lighting, floral products, accessories, rugs and wall decor. Wells reports directly to Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer of the World Market Center.

NEW YORK–Sidney Medoff, former owner and president of Metropolitan Lighting Fixture Co. Inc., died July 27. He was 92.
Medoff was active in the lighting industry for more than 50 years. He graduated from what is now Rutgers University with an advanced degree in law. He practiced law for a short time, interrupted by World War II where he served as a first lieutenant in Army Intelligence.
In 1943, he married Debra Simpson and joined her family in the lighting business in 1947 as owner and president of Metropolitan Lighting in New York City.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has appointed its 2008 Total Home & Gift Retail Advisory Board, selected by DMC management and exhibitors, to provide feedback on the gift and home decor industry and how markets can better serve retailers.
The Retail Advisory Board is comprised of 10 members who represent a variety of gift and home decor stores located throughout the United States. Members serve terms of up to two years.
The 2008 Total Home & Gift Retail Advisory Board members are:

AT THE MARKET–The Las Vegas Summer Market opens today, highlighted by the opening of Building C, the 2.1 million-square-foot addition to the home furnishings campus.
Nearly 1,500 companies are exhibiting in the more than 5 million squre feet of showrooms in the three buildings.
A new destination at the show is the Lodge Living area, a 25,000-square-foot glass-enclosed showroom in Building C with products inspired by outdoor living such as offerings from Woolrich.

By Nancy Meyer
Lighting vendors said they have high hopes about this week’s Las Vegas Market, due in large part to the addition of the third showroom building and all the buzz surrounding it.
Rock legend Rod Stewart is headlining the grand-opening party on Monday night, and many designers and celebrities from Larry Laslo to Kathy Ireland, Dick Idol, Candice Olson and Donald Trump, among others, will be making appearances throughout the week.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.–Schonbek is strengthening its strategic marketing function with the addition of two positions.
David White has joined the crystal lighting manufacturer as vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for all sales, marketing and product development activities. He reports to Daniel Cohen, a member of the executive board of parent company Swarovski Crystal.

NEW YORK–This is the last call for Las Vegas Market exhibitors to send product photos and releases to be considered for HFN’s special market coverage in our daily show issues and the national issue that get distributed at market.
Please send by the end of the day today. After that, we cannot promise that any materials received after the deadline will get in.

ATLANTA–The Home Depot has launched a free, in-store, consumer compact fluorescent light bulb recycling program at all 1,973 locations.
Consumers can bring in any expired, unbroken CFL bulbs to the returns desk to be handled by an environmental management company that will then coordinate CFL packaging, transportation and recycling to maximize safety and ensure environmental compliance, the retailer said in a statement.

NEW YORK–Las Vegas Market exhibitors are invited to submit new product photography and press releases to HFN for its Viva Las Vegas special section and daily show issues.
The deadline is Monday, June 30, to be considered for inclusion.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.–Thomas Lighting, a division of Philips, will relocate its residential lighting headquarters to its existing, company-owned distribution facility in Elgin, Ill.
This move, slated to be complete in January, will allow Thomas to take advantage of organizational synergies and lower operating costs.

All stories by Nancy Meyer
Attendance at this week’s Dallas Total Home & Gift Market is expected to be light, but vendors are hopeful that quality time spent with buyers will translate to sales and improved relationships.
In such a tough business climate, buyers might not be coming so much to buy as to work with company officials on driving more foot traffic through the stores.

DALLAS–The judging panel has been named for the 20th annual ARTS Awards, which recognizes excellence in design, manufacturing, retailing and sales representation in the decorative accessories industry.
The 20th Annual ARTS Awards, co-hosted by the Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team, the trade association representing the decorative accessory industry, will be presented during a gala event on Jan. 17, 2009. The ARTS Awards are held each January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market.

ALBERTVILLE, Ala.–Paragon has shored up its management team with the creation of five vice president posts and several recent management appointments at the family-owned wall decor company.
Kathy Opolka, who has served since 2001 in various sales positions, has been appointed vice president of business development, a new post. Opolka continues to be responsible for sales management in all market segments of the company, as well as the company’s 120 sales representatives.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–W.A.C. Lighting has named Matthew Wakeham marketing director.
In this new position, Wakeham will work closely with Sean Tham, vice president of marketing, to whom he reports, to manage the marketing department. He will also help oversee the firm’s advertising and public relations programs, direct mail and Internet marketing efforts.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has named Jane R. Robertson to the newly created post of executive vice president of marketing.
Most recently senior vice president of marketing, Robertson will continue to lead the marketing department, including communications, special events, retail development and international development. With her new executive title, Robertson will join the Dallas Market Center Executive Committee.

NEW YORK–The Conran Shop in New York is extending its iconic take on contemporary home furnishings to the city’s commercial and residential markets with Conran Contract, a new division.
Conran Contract will target a broad swath of businesses, from corporate offices to restaurants, hotels, museums and airports, as well as residential buildings, to be its furniture and lighting resource. Other home goods could later follow suit.

ST. LOUIS–Lighting One said it has signed a partnership agreement with supplier Thomas Lighting Residential to join the buying cooperative and provide members with exclusive products.
“We are excited about the decorative elements that Thomas will provide and are anxious to create uniquely designed Select product for the membership. Additionally, with the green movement as it is, Thomas will be a great partner to our Green Select program with its series on Energy Star products,” said Gregg Garofalo, Lighting One’s senior vice president, in a statement.

ST. LOUIS–Lighting One has finalized plans for its upcoming annual convention to be held Nov. 6 to 8 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., near Orlando.
The cooperative buying group is working on the agenda for the convention, which will begin with its annual awards banquet. Pre-convention activities will include education day classes and new-member orientation.
The exhibit hall buying time will be split among two days—Friday and Saturday. Another group of education day topics will be covered on Saturday following the final exhibits.

UTICA, N.Y.–Big and green, that’s what a local theater asked for when it commissioned Meyda Tiffany to make a new chandelier for its domed grand foyer.
Both requests were honored. Meyda spent nearly a year designing, engineering and constructing a 35-foot-wide, 17-foot-tall chandelier that weighs 7,000 pounds and is powered by 328 light-emitting diodes. The enormous fixture, believed to be the largest LED chandelier in the world, was installed earlier this month at the Stanley Center for the Arts here.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–When times are tough, many vendors pull back on product development, but that wasn’t the rule at this market, which runs through Sunday.

NEW YORK–The New York chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association will team up with 7 W New York to host the Fashion Institute of Technology’s presentation of its Home Products Development Senior Project.

JONESBORO, Ark.–Jimmy D. (“Jimmy Doyle”) Hunt, founder and former principal owner of Jimco Lamp Co., died at his home on March 21, after an extended illness. He was 72.
Hunt founded Jimco in 1963 and built the company from a small domestic assembly operation to one that designs, sources and distributes lamps, shades and accessories through most of the major channels of distribution in America, and to many customers across the world.

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif.–Designers Fountain Lighting has appointed Jeff Lehman as vice president of sales and marketing, a new post at the decorative lighting company.
Lehman brings nearly 30 years of experience in the lighting and ceiling fan industries to his new role, having held roles of increasing responsibilities at several companies. He served most recently as vice president of sales for Golden Lighting, and prior to that, national sales manager for Minka Lavery. Lehman will report to Greg St. John, senior vice president for Designers Fountain’s parent corporation.

CLEVELAND–Notwithstanding the current downturn in housing construction, U.S. demand for lighting fixtures is expected to grow an average of 3.5 percent yearly through 2012, resulting in a market of $21.6 billion.
The Freedonia Group, a research firm that announced its study this week, attributed the projected growth to construction in housing, highways and streets. “A stronger outlook for the construction markets will drive gains,” a Freedonia statement said, “especially the increased construction of housing and transportation infrastructure.”

CASTLETON, Vt.–Lighting manufacturer Hubbardton Forge said it made the largest profit-sharing distribution in its 34-year history.
Intended to recognize each employee’s contribution to the company’s success in 2007, the individual profit sharing bonuses, paid in a combination of cash and 401(k) contributions, averaged greater than 20 percent of each employee’s annual base compensation, according to George Chandler, president.

NEW YORK–High Point Market exhibitors should send new product photography and press releases to HFN editors for coverage in our April Market issue. We’re accepting product submissions now—please don’t send them any later than Thursday, March 13.

NEW YORK–High Point Market exhibitors should send new product photography and press releases to HFN editors for coverage in our April Market issue. We’re accepting product submissions now—please don’t send them any later than Thursday, March 13.

NEW YORK–Murray Feiss Lighting, a Generation Brands company, has relaunched its Web site with new features aimed at driving business to its dealers.

NEW YORK–Paolo Cravedi has resigned as managing director for Kartell U.S.
No successor has yet been named for Cravedi, who took the post last July. Cravedi previously served as managing director for De’Longhi America.
Kartell, based in Italy, is an award-winning maker and retailer of forward-designed plastic furniture, lighting and other furnishings.

CLEVELAND–Kichler Lighting has appointed Steve Falk, Russ Klingel and David Rohde as regional sales managers in the southern region of the United States, northeast region and central region respectively.

NEW YORK–Winners of the inaugural George Kovacs Lighting Competition, featuring the work of Pratt Institute of Design students, will be chosen and announced on Feb. 28 at a reception here.
The competition, which will exhibit the modern aesthetic exemplified by the late George Kovacs, is sponsored by the New York Design Center; The Minka Group, manufacturer and distributor of George Kovacs Lighting; and Kovacs-Wesner Design Group.

DALLAS–Market Center Management Company has signed a multi-year agreement to help develop and manage the LatinAmerican Trade Mart, a new wholesale trade center in Bogota, Colombia.
The 2.5 million-square-foot trade complex is scheduled to open in 2011 as the largest wholesale mart in South America. It will be the first wholesale marketplace on the continent to serve both international and domestic markets, according to a release.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its High Point Market coverage, and invites all exhibitors to submit new product photography and press releases to us by March 3.

MEMPHIS–Hunter Fan Co. has hired Jim Gallman as vice president of brand marketing, a new post in which he will be responsible for a consistent brand message across all of Hunter’s product lines.
Gallman is former director of global marketing for Lexmark International’s consumer printer division, where he worked for eight years. Prior to that, he held a brand marketing post at Spectrum Brands.
He reports to Chuck Smith, chief executive officer of Hunter Fan Co.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center will attempt to set a world record for the largest kazoo band, at the grand opening of its KidsWorld temporary show at 9 a.m. Friday during the Total Home & Gift Market here.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has named Ivonne Kinser as vice president of international development, responsible for the International Marketing Department including promotion of international attendance at markets and procurement of international business partners to exhibit at Dallas Market Center.
Kinser reports to Jane Robertson, senior vice president of marketing, and succeeds Victor de Pineres, who left the company.

CORONA, Calif.–Minka Group has appointed Brad Dobson to the post of national sales manager for the Ambience and Metropolitan Lighting lines, responsible for the furniture channel. He succeeds Tom Kubek, who has stepped down for medical reasons, and reports to Tim Flannery, vice president of sales and marketing. Dobson has served as a factory sales representative covering Southern California, and prior to that served as Western regional sales manager for Lite Source.

NEW YORK–Las Vegas Market exhibitors need to submit new product photography and press releases to HFN for its Viva Las Vegas special section and daily show issues by tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 10.

MIAMI–Catalina Lighting has virtually closed its decorative Aziano Lighting program for lighting showrooms and has given up its Dallas Market Center showroom in order to focus on its roots in the mass market.
“We have focused the Aziano line to the top-five customers, and this allowed us to cut the SKUs and expenses by 90 percent,” said Cory Meyer, chief executive officer of Catalina. “This just was not a business we could focus properly,” he said.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va.–Uttermost has added two additional designers, Matthew Williams and David Frisch, to support the company’s growth. Williams and Frisch began at Uttermost on a freelance basis in May 2007, and their initial product introductions will debut at the January markets.

COPPELL, Texas–Ceiling fan and lighting specialist Craftmade International, said it has signed a deal with Woodard LLC and CC Industries to acquire substantially all of the assets of Woodard, a Chicago-based outdoor furniture maker.
Craftmade said it will buy all plant, property and assets for $19.3 million plus warrants to buy 200,000 shares of common stock. Woodard has a 306,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owosso, Mich.

NEW YORK-Martha Stewart's Blueprint magazine will discontinue publishing on a stand-alone basis following the January/February issue.

The magazine will morph into special interest issues within the home category targeting brides-to-be in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, according to Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

Bluelines, the Blueprint blog, will continue as the company expects to grow Blueprint's digital content across its Web sites.

Blueprint launched in 2006.

By Nancy Meyer
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.-- Swarovski U.S. Holding's purchase late last month of Schonbek Worldwide Lighting creates a powerful combination of brands and products in the premium crystal market.
The move gives Swarovski, a crystal component supplier to Schonbek, entree into the high-end decorative lighting business with finished goods that it can target toward new markets. These include contract and hospitality businesses and other luxury projects domestically and abroad.