ELKRIDGE, Md. - Lyon, Conklin & Co. Inc. (Lyon, Conklin), a Trane dealer, celebrated its 150th anniversary with a momentous event. The celebration was held at the Scottish Rite Temple in Baltimore, a historical building constructed with Lyon, Conklin materials in the early 1920s.

The evening kicked off with over 500 of Lyon, Conklin’s most prestigious customers being welcomed by a 40-foot banner and a royal red carpet leading to the entrance. All guests were then invited to sign an anniversary board, which is now on display at the corporate office in Elkridge, Md. Complimentary professional portraits of attendees were also offered.

Décor included custom Lyon, Conklin placements and chocolate bars, original design sheet metal centerpieces, and personalized signs for the various food stations.

David Brown, general manager of Lyon, Conklin and master of ceremonies called the business meeting to order with words from the company’s founding father, William Latimer Lyon. Awards were presented to the top 25 customers based on sales volume and to 12 of Lyon, Conklin’s most loyal customers for their business partnership over the greatest number of years. Tenured associates with more than 20 years of service were invited to the stage for recognition and a group photo.

Brown was caught by surprise when he was awarded a Governor’s Citation in appreciation of Lyon, Conklin’s generous support to the Maryland community for 150 years. March 26, 2011 was also proclaimed “Lyon, Conklin Day in Howard County, Maryland” by Howard County Executive, Ken Ulman. Both plaques now reside in Lyon, Conklin’s lobby.

One of the highlights of the evening was a custom 150th anniversary cake made and delivered by Carlo’s Bakery, of the television show “Cake Boss” on TLC. The cake featured a replica of an original Lyon, Conklin warehouse and delivery truck next to a current office-warehouse and delivery truck with a Trane air conditioning unit as the focal point.

The evening concluded with a private concert performed by Eddie Money. The performance was held in a 1,000-person theater complete with red velvet seating and a dance floor

For more information, visit www.lyonconklin.com.

Publication date: 07/11/2011