Retailer of Year, scholarship recipients, new members honored at elegant black tie event
(ATLANTA) – The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States (SEUS) hosted their 36th annual black-tie banquet at the elegant Atlanta Country Club on August 7th. The elite event was well attended by more than 190 leaders from all walks of the jewelry industry enjoying an evening of networking and recognition.
The evening began with the President’s Reception attended by the 24 Karat Club officers and board of directors, new members and the evenings’ honorees. All members and guests then enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to start the evening.
A moving presentation of the Colors, presented by Staff Sergeant Brian Barry of the United States Army, was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. 24 Karat Club board member Randy Lindsey presented the invocation.
Club President Steve MacLeod welcomed members and guests as he recognized sponsors, board members, past club presidents and former Jeweler of the Year recipients in attendance.
New additions to the 24 Karat Club were then introduced. The stellar group of new members included: Judy Carter (Judy Carter & Associates), John Falotico (Camelot Bridal), Kevin Reilly (Platinum Guild International), Adam Staub (Galatea Jewelry by Artist) and A.J. Tosyali (Benchmark).
24 Karat Club SEUS was pleased to announce the recipient of a new 24 Karat Club/Sterling Reputation Scholarship. This scholarship, generously sponsored by club member Steve Berkowitz, president of Sterling Reputation, was presented to Steve Lange, representing the jewelry and watch programs at BishopStateCommunity College.
The Club’s prestigious Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship was presented to Gael Ngounda of Bradley T. Harris Jewelers (Atlanta, GA). In his acceptance speech, Ngounda detailed his appreciation for the opportunity given to him by his boss, Mr. Bradley Harris and the 24 Karat Club.
The awards presentation concluded when board member Randy Lindsey introduced Ingrid Strange, the 2010 recipient of the coveted Jeweler of the Year Award. Strange, the owner of Ingrid’s Jewelers in Daleville, Alabama, shared her emotional childhood memories of American military personnel relating it back to her success.
The presentation of awards and scholarships was followed by dinner and dancing to the tunes of Band X. By all accounts the evening was a huge success with fun and camaraderie enjoyed by all who attended.
The club would like to thank the following sponsors: Sterling Reputation, Diamond Council of America, Stuller Inc., Southeastern Findings/Namano, Southern Jewelry News, Shah Diamonds, SJTA/The Atlanta Jewelry Show, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Star Gems Inc., Time Delay Corporation and p3 Mediaworks.
24 Karat Club 2010 Jeweler of the Year Ingrid Strange (Ingrid’s Jewelers, Daleville, AL) with Club President Steve MacLeod and Board member Kathy Beall.
24 Karat Club 2010 new members with their guests, Club President Steve MacLeod (far right) and immediate Past President Mike Fallaize (2nd from right). New members include (l-r wearing medallions): Judy Carter, Judy Carter & Associates; John Falotico, Camelot Bridal; Kevin Reilly, Platinum Guild International; Adam Staub, Galatea Jewelry by Artist; and A.J. Tosyali, Benchmark.
(l-r) Sterling Reputation President Steve Berkowitz with Steve Lange of Bishop State Community College, recipient of the inaugural 24 Karat Club/Sterling Reputation Scholarship.
Gael Ngounda of Bradley T. Harris Jewelers, Atlanta, GA, was the recipient of the 24 Karat Club’s 2010 Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship.
The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States is a prestigious organization of industry professionals representing the leading members from the jewelry supplier sector. Members are considered and recognized because of their industry accomplishments, personal and civic contributions and their commitment to the betterment of the jewelry industry. For more information about the 24 Karat Club SEUS please visit www.The24KaratClub.org.
