Jewelers of America has approved the Diamond Council of America’s (DCA) Diamond and Colored Gemstone Courses for JA’s 2004 Scholarship Program. This allows JA members to apply to the scholarship program for funding of their associates’ enrollment in both DCA courses.

JA invests thousands of dollars annually in its national scholarship program. Its goal in endowing this program is to help members defer the cost of training and education and to encourage professionalism and competence within its membership.

DCA courses combine product knowledge and training with a realistic eye toward sales. The courses not only teach the facts, but help the student move the information to the counter to improve their personal sales.

DCA’s Diamond & Colored Gemstone Courses bring learning to life for the front-line sales associate. The courses are designed so that the student learns and applies new information from the outset. As bits of knowledge are presented, the course describes how to use them in sales and everyday store operations. Through practice modules and exercises, the student develops skills along with knowledge.

In addition, the Nashville, Tenn.-based organization approved all nominees to the 2004-2005 board of directors of the Diamond Council.

The DCA Board is a volunteer group of industry leaders, educators, executives, and retailers who will serve terms of varying lengths. Board members are as follows:* Bruce Kenny, chairman, Sterling Jewelers Inc.
* Randy McCullough, chairman elect, Samuels Jewelers
* Mitch Maggart, secretary/treasurer, Helzberg Diamonds
* David Rocha, vice president, Jewelers of America
* Steve Robbins, vice president, Robbins Brothers
* Jeffrey Zimmer, vice president, Reeds Jewelers
* Lynn Diamond, director, Diamond Promotion Service
* Herb Ledbetter, director, Windsor Jewelers
* Kate Peterson, director, Performance Concepts
* Bob Weber, director, King’s Jewelry
* Josh Weinman, director, DesignWorks Jewelry Group Ltd.
* Alan Zimmer, director, Reeds Jewelers Inc.
* Gerald Robbins, past president, Robbins Diamonds

And finally, DCA welcomed Zale Corp. as a new member.

“DCA is honored that Zale has found that our courses meet the needs of their associates, and commend them for their willingness to make such a meaningful commitment to education and training,” Terry W. Chandler, DCA president/CEO, said.

Mary L. Forte, Zale president and CEO, added, “Zale understands the importance of serious training and education for the success of our associates. Training and development is an integral part of our long-term strategy to further strengthen our business. We are excited to be a member of the Diamond Council of America, whose courses will assist us in reaching this goal.”

The Diamond Council of America is a not-for-profit education organization that has been training retail and industry associates since 1944.

JCK