A trip to Dallas, Texas has put a local company on the map.
Design Lighting was named the top international retailer at the 22nd annual ARTS Awards, which were held at the Dallas Market Center.
The awards are held by the Accessories Resource Team (ART), the trade association which represents the decorative accessory industry.
“To be recognized by your peers in this part of the industry, it is a very prestigious award,” said Design Lighting’s Bill DeHaas, who owns the company with his wife Caroline.
“Being recognized is a huge feather in our cap.”
The awards ceremony, which was held Jan. 29, is quite the extravagant event, the “Grammies” for the lighting and accessories industry, DeHaas said.
DeHaas, who is nearing 30 years experience, worked as an electrician before knee and back ailments forced him to find a new line of work.
Already familiar with light fixtures and how to install them, DeHaas switched to the sales side.
And in 2000, he opened his own business in Aldergrove before moving the operation to Langley in 2005 for five years.
And then last year, the company moved from a 7,500 square foot building to their new home, a 25,000 square foot showroom near the Surrey/Langley border (5499 192 St.).
One other local company was also honoured with an ARTS Award in Dallas.
Langley’s 18 Karat International Product Sourcing Inc. won in the category of decorative accessories.
