WJA held its 28th annual Awards
By http://www.nationaljeweler.com
The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) held its 28th annual Awards for Excellence Gala Monday night at Chelsea Piers, recognizing innovative and successful leaders in the industry in a number of categories.
Matthew Stuller, CEO of Stuller, Inc., here with wife Cece, was inducted into the WJA’s Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization’s Awards for Excellence during the JA New York Show.
Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award for, among other achievements, leading her company to its highest ever annual EBITDA performance. She has also overseen the creation of an international network of DTC operations, resulting in joint venture companies being established in Botswana and Namibia and a wholly owned entity in South Africa.
Matthew Stuller, CEO of Stuller, Inc., was inducted into the WJA’s Hall of Fame and awarded the 2011 Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award. Stuller built the company into a manufacturing facility producing 340,000 jewelry-related products that can be shipped anywhere in the United States overnight. Maintaining two other fine jewelry manufacturing plants, Stuller also utilizes sourcing offices in Israel, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Helzberg Diamonds, a retail and online jewelry store focused on customer service, received the Corporate Award for Excellence. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has over 230 stores nationwide.
Katey Brunini Marotta of K. Brunini Jewels was given the Award for Excellence in design, fine jewelry and watches. She launched her jewelry design company in 1998, working with platinum, gold and sterling silver.
Joanne Slawitsky of Kassoy was recognized with the Award for Excellence as a manufacturer/dealer/supplier for fine jewelry/gemstones/metals/watches. The president of Kassoy, Slawitsky’s leadership expanded product lines to fill the needs of a wider range of jewelers with constant emphasis on improving customers’ productivity.
Debbie Sloan of Cartier was given the Award for Excellence in retail, 15 stores or more. Having been with Cartier for more than 25 years, Sloan is responsible for all aspects of the high jewelry business in North America.
Maria Piano of Shreve & Co. received the Award for Excellence in retail, less than 15 stores. She is credited with setting new goals and strategies for the company, as well as acquiring new associates.
Diane Irvine of Blue Nile, Inc., was given the Award for Excellence for retail, non-traditional. Irvine, CEO of Blue Nile, focuses on the company’s strategic growth plan as well as its retail operations, and was responsible for its financial management during the market downturn.
Dawn McGuire of Sterling received the Award for Excellence in sales and merchandising. Responsible for the merchandising of more than 1,100 stores, she also launched “Open Hearts by Jane Seymour” “Love’s Embrace,” two highly successful lines.
Michelle Orman of Last Word Communications was recognized with the Award for Excellence for marketing and communications. With a deep understanding of branding and driving interest in fashion and culture, Orman has an innovative approach to communications.
Jennifer Heebner of JCK Magazine was given the Award for Excellence in media. Heebner has been covering the fine jewelry industry for 13 years, and writes the Style 360 blog on the JCK site, posting photos, jewelry designer interviews and topical jewelry news.
Yancy Weinrich of JCK received the Award for Excellence in special services. Currently serving as industry vice president for JCK events, she is credited with being a catalyst in the reinvention of JCK events.
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