Bill Text: NY J02533 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Meyda Lighting
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-05-21 - ADOPTED [J02533 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J02533-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2533 BY: Senator GRIFFO 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 décor; 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.