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Contact:
Sue Fritz - 800 336-5642 ext. 2380; sfritz@jminsure.com
WJA Awards Gala Rocks the Big Apple
July 2009 - The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) rocked New York City with its 26th Annual Awards for Excellence on July 27 at Pier 60. An upbeat crowd of 550 attendees raised funds for the WJA scholarships and grants program and celebrated the accomplishments of award recipients and nominees.
WJA unveiled its new Hall of Fame Corporate Award for Excellence, presenting it to the Gemological Institute of America. In accepting the award, GIA President and CEO Donna Baker said, “The Institute is a longtime proponent of WJA and its mission, and we are proud of the women who have contributed to the Institute's many achievements throughout its history.” She reflected on the similar missions and goals of GIA and WJA and congratulated GIA’s many women graduates who hail from all over the world.
Matt Runci, president and CEO of Jewelers of America, received the WJA Hall of Fame Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award. Runci was introduced by retailer John Green and Steven Kaiser, son of the award’s namesake and last year’s recipient. Green noted Runci’s many accomplishments on behalf of the jewelry industry and his commitment to giving back to the industry. Runci said the award was especially meaningful as he reflected on his first job -- teaching at a women’s college -- and his good fortune to know and work with Ben Kaiser, whom he described as a gracious mentor.
Diane von Furstenberg, renowned fashion designer, accepted the WJA Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, saying her mission is to “empower women via fashion, mentoring, and philanthropy.” Calling her collaboration with H. Stern “amazing,” von Furstenberg said she has always wanted to design jewelry. In accepting the award, she said, “Thank you for accepting me into this industry.”
Each year, WJA solicits its membership for nominees who excel in various areas of the jewelry industry. The recipients for the 2009 Awards for Excellence were:
· Gena Alulis, Cliq by Superfit, King of Prussia, PA (Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier Category)
· Kathy Corey, Day’s Jewelers, Waterville, ME (Retail Category - fewer than 15 stores)
· Brandee Dallow, Julius Klein Group, Scarsdale, New York (Marketing and Communications Category)
· Dione Kenyon, Jewelers Board of Trade, Warwick, R.I. (Special Services Category)
· Cheryl Kremkow, Modern Jeweler, New York City (Editorial/Reporting/Publishing Category)
· Ann Lagos, Ann King Design, Philadelphia, PA (Design: Fine Jewelry & Watches Category)
· Robin Lutin, JCK International Publishing Group, Los Angeles (Sales Category)
· Bea Spiech, Macy’s, New York City (Retail - More than 15 stores)
WJA president, Yancy Weinrich, applauded the winners, saying, “We are indebted to these women and to all of the nominees for serving as role models for all of us in the jewelry industry. We can learn from their successful careers and from their commitment to giving back to this industry and their communities. We are enriched by their examples and leadership.”
The evening’s successful silent auction raised approximately $30,000 for its scholarships and grants program.
The stunning sights and sounds of Phat Strad Electric String Quartet provided the evening’s entertainment.
Weinrich concluded, “We thank our WJA sponsors, the attendees, award nominees and recipients, the Awards for Excellence Committee, and our entire association membership. This gala celebrates the best of this industry.”
The Women’s Jewelry Association, founded in 1983, is the preeminent association of professional women in the jewelry, watch and related businesses. WJA, which operates through a national office headquartered in Chicago Ridge, IL, comprises a network of 13 regional chapters and an International Affiliate Chapter in India. Members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, scholarships, grants, design competitions, annual business conferences, and recognition programs, such as its annual Awards for Excellence gala. For more information on WJA and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.womensjewelry.org or call the national office at 708-361-6266.