LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Mele
Companies on April 21, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and 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 commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Mele Companies, to be celebrated on
Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Hampton Inn, Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1896, at the age of 12, Emidio Mele immigrated to New York
City from his small town of Volturara Irpina in Italy; and
WHEREAS, Learning his craft from fine jewelry display case makers
Wolfsam and Sachs, Emidio Mule soon had the skills he needed to make a
name for himself; and
WHEREAS, In 1912, Emidio Mele embarked upon a new venture focused on
designing and building his own elegant jewelry displays for stores and
eventually jewelry boxes for home storage; and
WHEREAS, A true entrepreneur, Emidio Mele was the craftsman, salesman,
and deliveryman for his jewelry boxes; and
WHEREAS, With his attention to detail and design, it was not long
before Emidio Mele began to attract high-end customers for his jewelry
boxes from New York's historic Fifth Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The 1940s and 1950s ushered in a new generation of Mele fami-
ly to the trade; three brothers, Edward, Raymond and Joseph joined the
family business and brought new growth to Mele Companies; and
WHEREAS, The mid-20th Century brought much excitement to Mele Compa-
nies and its jewelry box line; the company introduced a jewelry box with
an automatic tray, a feature so successful that it is still offered
today; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, Macy's listed a Mele jewelry box as one of the "ten
best-selling holiday gifts" in an article featured in Life magazine; and
WHEREAS, In the mid 1950s Mele Companies introduced another new cate-
gory to its collection, musical jewelry boxes, with movement from Swit-
zerland; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after, Mele Companies developed an entire category
line with timeless popularity, children's musical jewelry boxes with a
revolving ballerina; and
WHEREAS, With an exquisite collection of wood jewelry boxes, musical
girl's jewelry boxes, lacquer boxes, furniture miniatures, and more,
Mele Companies came to be known as the foremost name in jewelry cases;
and
WHEREAS, Mele Companies grew significantly in the late 1950s, and
expanded to seven facilities throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, In order to be more efficient, Mele Companies later consol-
idated all of its operations to its upstate location in Utica, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Currently operated by third generation President, Raymond
Mele, Mele Companies continues to create beautiful jewelry boxes with
the same love, passion and craftsmanship that has made the company the
success it is today; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mele Companies continues to be the most desired name
in jewelry cases throughout the world, offering innovative and timeless
designs for years of happiness and sentimental memories; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and

State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Mele Companies on April 21, 2012;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymond Mele, President, Mele Companies.