PHILADELPHIA--Westinghouse Lighting has relocated its Asian headquarters to the centrally located downtown Chang’an of Dongguan City, China, as part of its global restructuring.
Now in an expanded, modern office building, the new location will enable the company to support international product development, order fulfillment and supply chain goals. This follows the
recent relocation of its California distribution center from Santa Fe Springs to Chino.

DALLAS–Nathan Frampton, president of Fanimation, has been selected as a leader for the American Lighting Association’s 2010 Medallion Membership Campaign, for which he will recruit lighting showrooms, industry vendors, manufacturers and manufacturer reps throughout the U.S. and Canada. Frampton is very active with the ALA, and has been president of Fanimation since 2007.

LAS VEGAS–The winter edition of the Las Vegas Market is up and running.
The market, which takes place at the World Market Center here, runs from today until Friday, Feb. 5. Among the social events planned for today are a ribbon cutting at the Midwest/CBK showroom, C-999; parties at Global Views, room A-454, AICO featuring Jane Seymour in C-1601, AF Lighting in A-406, Sphinx/Oriental Weavers in B-580; and Kalco Lighting in A-950.

CARY, N.C.–Lighting manufacturer Generation Brands has emerged out of Chapter 11, which it filed less than two months ago.
Under its completed restructuring, the company has eliminated more than $150 million of its debt, as well as received a new $20 million equity investment from an affiliate of Quad-C Management, Generation Brands’ principal stockholder. With the new outlay of money, Generation Brands will have approximately $40 million in liquidity and no debt maturities until 2014.

DALLAS–The Dallas Market Center has announced its Best of Show awards for the Total Home & Gift Market, which ran from Jan. 13 to 19.
Judged during the show by leading industry and visual/design experts, the awards recognize booth or showroom displays that are creative, fresh and innovative.

DALLAS-Manufacturers showing new products at the Dallas International Lighting Market, which officially opened yesterday, said that the industry is exhibiting signs of improvement—though it still has a long way to go.
“People feel like they can go further out on the ledge than before,” said Jeff Dross, senior product manager, Kichler. “The mood is more upbeat and people feel like we’ve gotten over the worst of it.”

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.

WAITSFIELD, Vt.–The Verilux HappyLight 6000 Sunshine Supplement Light System was featured on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” during the program’s annual holiday series, “12 Days of Giveaways.”

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.

NEW YORK–The New York Design Center, the showroom building at 200 Lexington Avenue, is holding its first-ever building-wide event tomorrow, showcasing hundreds of new product introductions from nearly 100 participating showrooms.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution honoring the High Point Market on its 100th anniversary.

AT THE LAS VEGAS MARKET–Las Vegas Market organizers said attendance and optimism were “off the charts” for the opening day of September Market.
They added that registration numbers are higher than they’ve been during the last five consecutive markets, and international manufacturers have nearly doubled since the previous market.

NEW YORK–HFN is collecting new product information and high-resolution images for its editorial show coverage of High Point Market next month. Please send materials by Monday, Sept. 21, for possible inclusion. Contact Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com, for area rugs, and Warren Shoulberg, wshoulberg@hfnmag.com, for furniture.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–To help people better understand LED technology and its latest energy-efficient fixtures, WAC Lighting has released a Responsible LED Lighting training video, a seven-minute piece that features its InvisiLED tape light systems and a broad range of LEDme products. Focusing on WAC Lighting’s Responsible Lighting solutions, the video discusses sustainable LED applications to meet both residential and commercial needs.

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–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.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–WAC Lighting has named Shelly Wang president. Wang will oversee operations at WAC Lighting North America and W2 Architectural Lighting. She will also coordinate sales, marketing and development in conjunction with the firm’s manufacturing campus in China.
Wang succeeds her father Tony Wang, who is now chairman and chief executive officer.

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.

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.

LAS VEGAS–Today’s lighting industry will be at the heart of a discussion given on Nov. 7, by Eleanor McKay, chief executive officer, Niermann Weeks, at the World Market Center. McKay’s “Lighting Today: Lighting in the Post-Incandescent World” presentation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. during the monthly First Friday event. Her talk will include how the U.S. energy law has changed, with the incandescent bulb on its way out in 2012.
The lecture will take place in the Las Vegas Design Center seminar room, #C-316, of World Market Center’s Building C.

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.

NEW YORK–High Point Market exhibitors are invited to submit new product photography and press releases to HFN for its High Point Market show coverage. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 29.

NEW YORK–High Point Market exhibitors are invited to submit new product photography and press releases to HFN for its High Point Market show coverage. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 29.

NEW YORK–Kartell, the Italian manufacturer of design-oriented plastic furniture and lighting, has named Emanuele Corvo as managing director, Kartell U.S.
Corvo will oversee the company’s operations for the United States and Canada, where it has more than 150 retailers and distribution outlets.
Prior to joining Kartell, Corvo was general manager and vice president of sales for Calligaris USA, the Italian furniture company.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va.–Uttermost has added an additional 100,000 square feet of space to its Virginia facility, for a total of almost 600,000 square feet under one roof. With racking up to five levels high, the company said that this new addition will provide almost 10,000 additional pallet positions for inventory storage.
“This space is very much needed to help accommodate the growth in our new accent furniture category, as well as growth in our other categories,” said Mac Cooper, president and chief executive officer.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.–Office Depot has launched an exclusive brand of compact fluorescent light bulbs in all its stores and on its Web site.
The launch is part of the environmentally preferable “Office Depot Green” product line, introduced on Earth Day.
Recognizing that CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs, the energy-saving bulbs are the most economically and environmentally beneficial products customers can buy, Office Depot said in a statement.

WEST HAVERSTRAW, N.Y.–Lighting industry veteran Stuart Goldstein has formed a new lighting company, Park Madison Lighting LLC, to target volume retailers with decorative lamps and fixtures.
The company shipped its first direct-import order this month, and plans to offer both direct import as well as warehoused programs, out of its distribution center here.

NEW YORK–The Conran Shop has named Emmanuel Plat president of The Conran Shop New York. Having been at The Conran Shop since 1992, Plat has served as vice president of the New York store since 2004.
It is a new position at the company.
“With my new role as president, I’m thrilled to take this opportunity to expand our trade,” said Plat. “With our new Conran Contract business, growing e-commerce business and innovative product collections, now is the best time to lead as one of the best independent home furnishings retail businesses in the world.”

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.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Beginning April 2009, the High Point Market will shift to a Saturday to Thursday pattern, and shorten the biannual market by one day to six days (April 25-30), the High Point Market Authority board of directors unanimously voted today.

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.

MEMPHIS–Hunter Fan is overhauling its 122-year-old brand with significant changes.
Hunter’s Web site, packaging and in-store marketing materials will reflect new color, logo and messaging. The Web site launches today, while the packaging rolls out nationally this summer.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market Authority has again secured subblocks of hotel rooms at discounted rates for the 2008 fall market, which will take place from Oct. 20 to 26.
The market authority urges attendees to book early, as the discounted rates are available until July 31 or until they sell out.
Fall market attendees can book the rooms through the High Point Market Web site. Some restrictions and minimum-night stays apply. For questions, contact Dawn Smith at (800) 874-6492.

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.

ST. LOUIS–Lighting One, the cooperative buying group owned by CCA Global Partners, said that Triarch International—a Miami-based, family-owned company—has joined the group as a supplier partner.
“Lighting One continually researches new suppliers to ensure that our members have the best possible product selection and earnings opportunities,” said Gregg Garofalo, senior vice president of Lighting One. “Triarch seems to be an excellent fit.”

WALL, N.J.–Waterford Lighting has appointed Dennis Sussman national sales manager, said Kevin O’Malley, vice president of the lighting division, to whom Sussman reports. Sussman is responsible for developing distribution and overseeing the sales force. Sussman succeeds Angelo Aufiero, who left the company.
Sussman is an industry veteran, having served for many years in executive positions at Crystal Clear Lighting until that company went out of business a year and a half ago.

NEW YORK–Murray Feiss Lighting has appointed Jack Morrison director of international operations.
In this newly created position, Morrison will work closely with the Murray Feiss Import, MRP, quality control and design departments. The staff of the company’s China office will report to him on all issues related to Murray Feiss Lighting.
Morrison has been with Murray Feiss for about a year in a similar capacity, but has many years experience working in the Far East, most notably in China, the company said. He reports to Greg Vandia, president of Murray Feiss Lighting.

NEW YORK–Murray Feiss Lighting has appointed Michael Jody Crow to the newly created position of creative development director.
Crow joined Murray Feiss in October 2001 as director of visual merchandising. In his new post, Crow will be responsible for managing all staff and activities within the marketing and graphics departments, showroom setup and display, and will direct the preparation of materials for the design department relating to trends and design forecasts. Crow will relocate from Virginia Beach, Va., to the New York area.
He reports to Greg Vandia, president.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market, which has been designated a U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program event for the spring edition next month, has been awarded the same status for the spring market in 2009.
The High Point Market Authority released a letter from the U.S. Department of Commerce that applauds the “Market exhibitors’ great export potential.” The International Buyer Program is designed to connect U.S. companies with foreign customers and to raise global awareness of a designated event.

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.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Martha Stewart will give a speech and answer questions about home decorating and design inspiration at an invitation-only event during the High Point Market next month.

CHICAGO–Accessories Resource Team continues its WebED interactive Web presentations tomorrow with the first of three in a series called, “Hiring and Retaining a Great Team.”
The monthly, live Webinars are open to all interested parties, last one hour, and are available to view through a Web browser and listen to over the phone. Attendees are invited to submit questions live to the lecturer during the Q&A portion of the program.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va.–Uttermost has set up an Indonesian office and staff to expand its offerings in lighting, decorative accessories, wall decor and other product categories.
Mac Cooper, president of Uttermost, said, “The resources available [in Indonesia] are incredible—reclaimed teak, aged terra cotta, cast aluminum, carved wood, cracked coconut shell, penshell and much more.”

LAS VEGAS–Bob Maricich, president and chief executive officer of World Market Center, sent a letter to exhibitors of the Las Vegas Market yesterday, touting the milestones achieved at the January market and pledging his commitment to drive new buyers to the market. The letter follows a petition that was circulated among WMC tenants to urge show management to lower rents, common area charges and other fees:
Dear Las Vegas Market Tenants and Exhibiting Companies:

DALLAS–Market Center Management Co. has signed a multiyear 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.
MCMC is the management company of wholesale trade centers around the world, including the Dallas Market Center.

ST LOUIS–Lighting One has set the dates for its regional membership meetings this spring.
The meetings will be held April 23 in Orlando, Fla.; April 30 in Chicago; May 7 in Denver; May 14 in New York; May 21 in Seattle; and June 4 in Minneapolis. Members may attend any meeting that best meets their schedules.

HERNANDO, Miss.–Stylecraft Home Decor has signed a deal to produce lamps and decorative accessories under the Cabana Joe’s name and will unveil a full collection at the April High Point Market, officials told HFN.
At the High Point Market in October, Stylecraft unveiled the first Cabana Joe’s wall decor line, which met with a strong response, prompting executives to pursue the other categories when they came available, said Charlie McCaffrey, Stylecraft president. Pacific Coast Lighting most recently had the Cabana Joe’s license for lamps and accessories.

DALLAS–The 19th annual ARTS Awards were presented to outstanding lighting and accessories designers, manufacturers, retailers and sales representatives during a gala event at the January Total Home & Gift Market on Saturday night.
More than 700 guests attended the awards program, co-hosted by Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team.
Special recognition was given to Arlette Baker of Carl’s Furniture in Boca Raton, Fla., inducted into ART’s Academy of Achievement.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center said it has signed an exclusive agreement with The Gift and Home Channel as its official marketing partner.
GHC claims to be the world’s first Internet television channel and online community dedicated to the independent gift and home retailer. New video segments to air on GHC will be filmed during Dallas’ Total Home & Gift markets that are held four times a year. During the upcoming Total Home & Gift Market, GHC will be filming Friday, Jan. 18, through Monday, Jan. 21, in Market Hall.

SKOKIE, Ill.–Encompass Lighting Group, a division of Generation Brands, said it has acquired the Chicago-based marketing and design firm, Mind2Create for an undisclosed sum.
Encompass Lighting Group, makers of Tech Lighting, 2thousand degrees, Wilmette Lighting, tiella and LBL Lighting, has been a major client of M2C for more than six years. M2C also served other leading consumer brands ranging from commercial lighting, high-end residential and commercial real estate to health care.

NEW YORK–Jan Vingerhoets, formerly executive vice president of Alessi USA, has left the company to join lighting company Artemide. He had been at Alessi for 11 years, and served as executive vice president since 2005.
Who or if Vingerhoets is succeeding someone at Artemide was not available at press time. Alessio Alessi, co-chief executive officer of Alessi, said that a new person has been hired to fill the position, though declined to give specifics at this time.

NEW YORK–Murray Feiss Import LLC has made two executive appointments. Greg Vandia, who has served as vice president of sales and marketing for Murray Feiss Lighting since 1990, was named president of Murray Feiss Lighting, while Harold Wolfson, who has served as senior vice president of Royce Lighting since 1991, was appointed president of Royce.
Both report to Tracy Bilbrough, president and chief executive officer of Generation Brands, the holding company for both units.