New York Lighting Rep Firm Sees Uptick In Commercial Construction Starts: Plans For Expansion With Increased Office Space And Four Strategic Hires!

Online, July 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - New York, NY June 30, 2010 - After several years of setbacks in construction starts due to the collapse of the world financial markets, requests from area lighting designers, architects and engineers for lighting specification support are stronger this past quarter than in the same months last year. "This is more than just the beginning of a slow industry comeback, it's a sign of a brighter commercial building growth period ahead for New York City and outlying areas," said Continental Lighting Systems President Randy Deutsch." After a two year slump in commercial building starts, and the resulting setback for lighting manufacturer's sales rep agencies, we're now seeing the backlog of projects has created opportunity for expansion in the market, and we're taking aggressive steps to accommodate our clients. We've brought on very talented individuals, we're expanding our offices, and we're updating our brand to reflect our positive outlook on the future."

According to Reed Construction Data's news release dated June 17, individual month of May starts were 16.3% higher than in April, and the value of starts is expected to be steady in the coming months and then begin to rise at the end of the year, even accounting for seasonal gains.

When Mr. Deutsch determined it was time to make the move, he turned to Jean Jacques, Vice President of Sales. "With the economic environment for construction improving, and given that the sharp rise in the commercial vacancy rate is finally slowing, firms have to anticipate when to commit for growth or risk being understaffed and underpowered when their clients need us most. With our recent actions, and by hiring the best individuals in the industry, we stand ready," asserts Mr. Jacques.

Here are their most recent hires:

Jayne Whitman
With a passion for sustainable lighting solutions, Jayne brings over 20 years of sales experience to Continental Lighting Systems. "Our prior experience with Ms. Whitman's passion for smart energy solutions while she represented an LED lighting startup told us that she is one of those rare individuals that any manufacturer would be proud to have representing their lighting line," said Jean Jacques, Vice President of Sales. Jayne is a Westchester community leader and volunteer promoting environmental awareness. Ms. Whitman is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio with a B.S. in Business.

Amer Maleh, LEED AP
For the past six years before moving to Continental Lighting Systems, Amer worked as a lighting designer and project manager at L'Observatoire International, an award winning architectural lighting firm based in New York City. As a designer he has worked on a wide range of projects both domestic and international from high-end restaurants to a 4.5 million square foot commercial project. According to Jean, "Our clients will be excited to know that Amer's previous experience includes working in a consulting engineering firm as well as interior and product design firm. His knowledge of LEED building practices will also be a real asset as the lighting industry moves towards more sustainable lighting practices. When they work with the agency, they'll know we have the personnel in place to handle extremely complex lighting issues." Amer holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering along with a Masters degrees in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute and Architectural Lighting Design from Parsons

Travis Sawer
With strong credentials from the New York City based lighting design firm of Bliss Fasman, Travis recently joined the Continental team as controls specialist. "When a New York rep firm brings on a talented theatrical lighting designer experienced with creating exciting transitional visual effects, as well as programming and trouble shooting of sophisticated theatrical control systems, clients can be reassured that we're the right agency to trust with their upcoming specification," Jean Jacques extols. Travis holds a B.F.A. Design for Theatre from New York University - Tisch School of the Arts

Jerry Cullen
With a depth of experience in areas including energy efficient systems, exterior landscape lighting, and lighting showroom management, Jerry Cullen's knowledge of the distribution, sales quotations and specification will add to the depth of the Continental Lighting team. When reflecting on his decision to bring Jerry on board, Mr. Jacques said: "With over 26 years in the lighting industry, we will be relying on Jerry's broad knowledge of the industry, as well as his personal relationships with most everyone in the industry. After all, this industry, once the technical issues of the project have been addressed, has always relied on people relating to people. He's a great addition to an already strong team"

About Continental Lighting Systems, Inc.
Founded in 1976, our agency serves the New York lighting community by representing over 38 premier manufacturers of specification grade lighting equipment. With a commitment to being the best in the region, our firm has grown to almost 30 talented individuals. The sales group includes former architects, lighting designers, distributors, and manufacturers. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and service and look to bring added value to our clients, whether they be lighting designers, architects, engineers, municipal agencies, contractors, distributors or end users.

Contact Information:
Contact Person
Jean Jacques
928 Broadway, Suite 1010
New York, NY 10010
T: (212) 254-4400
F: (212) 529-5772
Email: [email protected]
http://www.clsi-light.com
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