In an effort to reach out to the new generation of colored stone miners, cutters, and dealers, the International Colored Gemstone Association, New York, has created a “Junior Membership” category for members of the colored stone community under 30. The change to the Association’s by-laws was proposed during the recent Congress 2003 in Jaipur, India.

“Membership in ICA is not inexpensive, as befits an important and prestigious international association,” says ICA President Joseph Menzie, president of Joseph M. Menzie Inc., New York. “But many young people starting out in business don’t have the money to spare to join industry organizations that could benefit them greatly in terms of education and networking. For this reason, the ICA Board felt that the Association should extend itself to help young people in the industry by waiving the initiation fee of $500 and halving the usual annual dues of $600.

“But,” he adds, “we’re not being entirely altruistic; ICA expects in turn to receive from these young men and women an infusion not just of new blood, but of new ideas and a fresh outlook.”

Junior Members, under the recently amended ICA by-laws, are defined as persons under the age of 30 as of Dec. 31 who meet normal ICA membership requirements. For persons who meet the age requirements, membership the entrance fee shall be waived, and dues will be half of normal ICA dues. Once reaching the age of 30, these junior members will have to pay normal due requirements.

JCK