Steven Singer named Philadelphia's small business person of the year

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 12/22/2005 12:43:00 PM

Philadelphia jeweler Steven Singer of Steven Singer Jewelers was selected as the Small Business Person of the Year for 2005. It's the first time a jeweler has been chosen to receive the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s highest accolade.

Singer has become a fixture in the city's Jeweler's Row (America's oldest diamond district (established in 1851) and one of the nation's largest), making a name for himself with his aggressive "I Hate Steven Singer" marketing campaign. He is founder and past vice president of the Jeweler’s Row Association and is the only first generation jeweler in the district..

Singer first opened his business in 1980 on the corner of 8th and Walnut Streets. Five years ago, he renovated and moved into a larger historic building on a corner across the street from his original location.

"I didn’t tell anyone but my wife after I learned I was nominated, because I was sure I wouldn’t win," Singer said. "When they called with the news I was stunned and elated."

Steven Singer Jewelers was one of nine Philadelphia regional businesses honored at a ceremony recently held at the Hyatt Regency in Philadelphia.

Now in its 23rd year, the Chamber’s Small Business Excellence award recognizes businesses with fewer than a hundred employees, who exemplify vitality, creativity, stability, and impact. The honorees are chosen by a Small Business Excellence Award Committee and are additionally judged on non-revenue generating qualities such as their civic involvement and customer service.