(ATLANTA) – The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States (SEUS) hosted its 38th annual black-tie Banquet at the elegant Atlanta Country Club on August 11th. The elite event was well attended with over 200 leaders of the jewelry industry and their guests enjoying an evening of networking and recognition.
The night’s festivities began with the 24 Karat Club President’s Reception attended by Club officers and directors, new members and the evenings’ honorees. All members and guests then enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a pre-dinner cocktail party.
The singing of The Star Spangled Banner followed the Presentation of Colors, presented by the United States Armed Forces. 24 Karat Club member Judy Carter delivered the invocation.
Club President Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America, welcomed members and guests to the event and announced the 2012-2013 slate of officers and board members.
New additions to the 24 Karat Club were then introduced. The group of new members included: Eric Crow, Fable Designs; Bill Harrison, IDD; Doug Johnson, Gemvision; Joseph More, Elite Designs; Sandy Morrow, Ashi Diamonds, and Walter Pickens, Jr., Pickens, Inc.
Club member John Falotico presented the prestigious Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship to Temesa Cook of White’s Jewelers in Springfield, Tennessee. The Club also announced the recipients of two Sterling Reputation Scholarships sponsored by silver jewelry manufacturer Sterling Reputation. The Sterling Reputation Scholarships were awarded to Troy Atcheson of P & A Jewelry, Loganville, GA and Quentin Salerno of Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Birmingham, AL. The 24 Karat Club SEUS is proud to offer these scholarships to further the education and professionalism of our industry.
The awards presentation concluded with Club member Kathy Beall introducing Mr. Lucian Lee, the 2012 recipient of the coveted Jeweler of the Year Award. Lee, of Hale’s Jewelers in Greenville, South Carolina, delivered a gracious acceptance speech.
The presentation of awards and scholarships was followed by dinner and dancing to the tunes of Nation Rhythm. 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 for helping to make the elegant evening a huge success: Harmon Group, Sterling Reputation, Southeastern Findings/Namano, Stuller, Inc., Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Diamond Council of America, Fallaize Insurance Agency, Southern Jewelry News, SJTA/The Atlanta Jewelry Show, Platinum Guild International, Benchmark, Shah Diamonds and Time Delay Corporation.
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.
24K new members: 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States 2012 new members (l-r wearing medallions) and their presenters: Walter Pickens, Jr., Pickens, Inc.; Sandy Morrow, Ashi Diamonds; Joseph More, Elite Designs; Doug Johnson, Gemvision; Bill Harrison, IDD; and Eric Crow, Fable Designs.
24K J.O.Y.: (l-r) 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States President Terry Chandler congratulates the 24K Club Jeweler of the Year Lucian Lee of Hale’s Jewelers, Greenville, South Carolina.
24K Temesa: The 24 Karat Club SEUS 2012 Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship recipient Temesa Cook (center) of White’s Jewelers, Springfield, TN, with Club members Kathy Beall and John Falotico.
24 Karat Club Member Kevin Reilly, Director of Business Development for Platinum Guild International, checks in with news about the Platinum Innovation Awards to be held this year at JCK. Manufacturers and designers see a great deal of value in these competitions as they serve as a forum to showcase their creativity as well as build awareness for their company. For more information, visit their website: http://www.platinumguild.com/pi-awards-2012/call-for-entries.aspx
24 Karat Club Member Kevin Reilly has been promoted to Director of Business Development at Platinum Guild International. Kevin’s experience spans 20 years of brand building, marketing, sales and customer relationship management.
Many thanks to our wonderful banquet sponsors! It would not have been the same party without you!
| Company | Represented By |
|---|---|
| Stuller | Darrell Warren |
| Sterling Reputation | Steve Berkowitz |
| Southern Jewelry News | Bill Newnam |
| Diamond Council of America | Terry Chandler |
| Shah Diamonds | Michael Haider |
| The Atlanta Jewelry Show | Carol Young |
| Jewelers Mutual Insurance | Patrick Drummond |
| Fallaize Insurance | Mike Fallaize |
| Platinum Guild International | Kevin Reilly |
| Time Delay | Robert Loving |
| P3 Media Works | Curtis Gilbert |
| Southeastern Findings/Namano | Gene Callaway |