WJA announces 'Awards for Excellence' nominees

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 7/13/2005 2:00:00 AM

Women's Jewelry Association has released the nominees for its "Awards for Excellence," to be presented at a gala dinner on July 31.

The 2005 nominees are:

Design, Fine Jewelry & Watches: Judith Ripka, designer, Judith Ripka Companies; Lisa Jenks, designer, Lisa Jenks Ltd.; Tammy Kohl, designer, Takohl Design Ltd.

Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier for Fine Jewelry & Watches: Rachel Wertheimer, executive vice president, JewelAmerica; Elsa Martinez-Phillips, president & co-owner, Roberto Martinez; Gena Alulis, CEO & co-founder, Superfit; Marie Bodman, president, Breitling USA

Retail (more than 15 stores): Debbie Harvey, merchandise manager, Shane Co.; Catherine Coquillard, vice president Jewelry Merchandising, QVC; Nancy Skinner, senior vice president of Zale Corp. and president of Zales Outlet

Retail (less than 15 stores): Kathy Corey, owner, Day's Jewelers; Robin Levinson, co-owner, Levinson Jewelers; Laura Stanley, Stanley Jewelers

Sales & Marketing: Marcee Feinberg, vice president marketing, Lazare Kaplan; Susan Rothman, co-founder and principle, Hearts On Fire; Lorraine Garvey, vice president Stahl Design USA; Carol Brodie, global director of communications, Harry Winston

Editorial/Reporting/Publishing: Carrie Soucy, editor, JCK Luxury International; Tania Riddell, accessories editor, Modern Bride; Antoinette Maitlins, gemologist, author & lecturer

Special Services & Education: Sue Fritz, vice president of marketing, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company; Dione Kenyon, president, Jewelers Board of Trade; Mary Moses, merchandising director, Independent Jewelers Organization; Nirupa Bhatt, marketing manager, Rio Tinto

The evening will include the presentation of the 2005 Hall of Fame Award. This year's recipient is Phyllis Bergman, president of Mercury Ring and past WJA president.

WJA also will present William E. Boyajian, president of the Gemological Institute of America, with the The Ben Kaiser Award for his dedication to the advancement of women.

The "Awards for Excellence" Gala Dinner will be held at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. Tickets for the event are $250 for members; $300 for non-members. Tickets and information are available online at www.womensjewelry.org or by calling WJA Headquarters at 973-575-7190.