Assembly Resolution No. 2191

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Meyda
Lighting

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Meyda Lighting, of Yorkville, New
York; and

WHEREAS, In Utica, New York, in 1974, Meyer and Ida Cohen
established Meyda Lighting, crafting stained glass windows, an idea that
was inspired by Ida's request for her husband to construct one to block
the view of their neighbor's vintage cars; the request came into
fruition due to the talent of the master craftsman and inventor coupled
with the business sense of a natural businesswoman; and

WHEREAS, Meyda, the combination of both spouses' names, quickly
changed and expanded through the decades; only one year after its
inception, Meyda Lighting opened its first retail outlet and summer
studio on the porch of the Cohens' home in Old Forge; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, operations were expanded by converting a one-stall
garage into a storefront, serving as a winter studio; after relocating
the business to the downtown district of Utica in 1979, the Cohens
manufactured stained glass lamps, windows, and dÚcor; and

WHEREAS, By the 1980s, Meyer and Ida Cohen's son, Robert, joined the
business which commenced the production and distribution of
Tiffany-style lamps and lighting fixtures; by 1985, the company required
a larger facility; and

WHEREAS, Expanding again in 1992, Meyda Lighting acquired the
Quality Bent Glass Company, and two years later, Meyda Tiffany relocated
its national headquarters and manufacturing facilities to Yorkville,
tripling in size to more than 60,000 square feet; and

WHEREAS, By the end of the 1990s, Meyda Lighting acquired a metal
art fabricator based in Utica, launching two new collections; at the
beginning of the new millennium, the Fused Glass Collection was added to
the company's growing array of creations; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Meyda Custom Lighting was launched, and the
world's largest freestanding LED chandelier was constructed for the
Stanley Theatre in Utica; the following year, the metal lighting program
was expanded with the acquisition of 2nd Ave Lighting, focusing on
bespoke lighting for commercial and residential projects; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginning until today, Meyda Lighting has
drastically expanded and changed; however, its commitment to the

community has always been part of the company's success; this lucrative
business has been quite benevolent to State University of New York's
Polytechnic students, providing its facilities for their use; and

WHEREAS, Over the past decade, Meyda Lighting has contributed more
than $1 million to local and national charities to support numerous
causes, including healthcare, education, and social welfare; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pride that Meyer and Ida Cohen, along with
their dedicated workers, celebrate this milestone 50th Anniversary and
anticipate many more years of success for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, The progression of Meyda Lighting is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its owners and employees, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the business and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and State economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy
the sparkling success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Meyda Lighting; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Meyda Lighting.