Allen Kessler, founder of Kessler Jewelers in Burbank, Calif., has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Robert B. Westover Distinguished Service Award by the California Jewelers Association.

The CJA will celebrate its 75th anniversary and present the coveted award at the CJA Black & Diamond Gala Dinner being held in his honor on Aug. 17 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel during the West Coast Jewelry Show.

“Allen has upheld the highest tradition of ethical business practices, earning the respect of other jewelers and providing fair and trusted services to his customers, as well as a distinguished example to his four children and six grandchildren,” said CJA president Lexi Kern Hirst. “He is the eighth jeweler to receive this award, given to him in recognition of his unselfish work on behalf of the Association and the jewelry industry.”

Kessler learned the business from his father, who founded the first Kessler Jewelers in Hollydale, Calif., and worked for Kay Jewelers until he opened his own store in Burbank in 1967.

Kessler served as president of CJA from 1993-94 and has held the post of CJA treasurer since 1997. He also served as chairman of the 1993 Western Jewelers Conference and as president of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California from 1992-93.

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Eunice “Uni” Light, for more than 56 years. He served his country as an officer in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in the 1950’s and has been active in community, religious and business activities throughout his distinguished career.

For more information on the event, please contact the CJA office at (213) 623-6722; email info@californiajewelers.org; or visit the CJA Web site and RSVP online.

JCK