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Industry News: School For Diamond Diggers’ Children Opens; Dione Kenyon To Retire From JBT; More August 26, 2015 (0 comments)
DEF’s Mobile School For Diamond Diggers’ Children Opens
Kankala, Democratic Republic of Congo—A mobile school for children of artisanal diamond diggers, sponsored by the Diamond Empowerment Fund has been opened in the Kankala mining community of the Kasai-Occidental in the DRC. The Diamond Development Initiative was the driver of the project, and funding for the school came from DEF, the international non-profit organization supporting education initiatives in diamond producing countries and communities where the industry does business.
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Dione Kenyon Set To Retire From JBT
Warwick, RI—Dione Kenyon, president of the Jewelers Board of Trade, has announced plans to retire sometime next year. The exact timeframe is dependent on transitioning her replacement, in 2016.
According to a statement from JBT, next year Kenyon will have completed 14 years as JBT president and 25 years of service to JBT, beginning as a board director and, in total, 40 years of leadership positions in credit, finance and marketing primarily in the diamond and jewelry industry.
Under Kenyon’s leadership, JBT has not only expanded its role from simple credit monitoring to a repository of valuable research and data to analyze industry trends. One of first jewelry-industry leaders to embrace technology, Kenyon modernized JBT’s credit reporting and rating systems and transformed into a 24/7 on-line information platform. She also introduced a mobile version of the renowned Red Book, in line with how businesspeople work today.
Kenyon has also served on the board of many other industry organizations, including GIA, JVC, WJA, the 24 Karat Club of The City of New York, and was the first woman president of the Boston Jewelers Club.
Dione Kenyon
Kenyon said, “It has been a privilege to lead JBT these past 14 years. I am fortunate and thankful to have worked with and learned from such talented colleagues over this time, including a highly dedicated staff, a strong and supportive board, our membership, and fellow industry leaders. JBT has completed its most recent strategic plan; one that has extended JBT’s mission deeper into providing not only the credit information and services the industry needs, but mining, and analyzing our industry data to members in a broader way, to add value and deliver insight for making good business decisions in a changing world. The timing seems right to make the transition to new leadership that can build on this vision and continue the important work that JBT has been engaged in for over 130 years. I remain highly committed to the mission and success of JBT, and pledge my support to ensure a smooth transition to my successor.”
Richard Weisenfeld, chairman of the JBT board added, “We thank Dione for her contributions to JBT and to our industry for the majority of her career. Her passion and vision are evidenced in the strength of the organization she and the JBT staff have built, the depth and quality of services provided, and the reputation JBT has gained as a critical information source for tracking key industry metrics, as well as for specific credit data on over 30,000 companies. We wish Dione and family all the best as she moves on to the next chapter in her life. “
The JBT board has appointed search and transition committees to guide the organization through this leadership transition. For information, contact Brenda Gamba, JBT, (401) 467-0055 ext. 3703; bgamba@jewelersboard.com.
Monét Fischer Joins Edge Retail Academy
Las Vegas, NV—The Edge Retail Academy has added sales specialist Monét Fischer to its consulting team. With more than 20 years’ experience in the retail jewelry industry, Fischer will fill the newly created role of Edge Pulse sales consultant. Edge Pulse is a new live feed addition to The Edge Point-Of-Sale system, which updates a store’s key performance indicators on a secure online site, allowing storeowners or managers to view the indicators remotely. The Edge Pulse enhancement allows important sales and store information to be viewed in real time from a smartphone or tablet. Sales can be tracked and compared over a period of time for a store or an individual. It also shows what products are trending around the industry.
Fischer will coordinate the free 60-day Edge Pulse Challenge, which includes one-to-one training and setting up the sales associate module, as well as a guided tour of Edge Pulse tools and benefits. It also includes ongoing Edge Pulse training and management support to existing clients to ensure they are using the program and optimizing its benefits.
“We’re thrilled to have Fischer on our growing team,” said David Brown, co-founder and president of Edge Retail Academy. “Not only does she have an extensive background in the retail jewelry industry, she has seen it from many different perspectives. She’s the perfect choice to head up Edge Pulse Sales because she knows not just what retailers want from a system like ours, but also what they need.”
Prior to joining Edge Retail Academy, Fischer worked for Zales, Helzberg Diamonds, and Neiman Marcus, among others. She also owns and operates Tulsa Jewelry Appraisals LLC of Tulsa, OK. She is a G.G., and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from Missouri Southern State University. Fischer is also a former sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Summer International Diamond Week Opens
Ramat Gan, Israel—The summer edition of International Diamond Week in Israel (IDWI) opens August 30, ahead of the Hong Kong and other Asian jewelry shows in September. IDWI runs August 30-September 2. Approved buyers are offered three free nights in the IDWI's venue hotels, said Moti Fluk, chairman of the IDWI organizing commitee. But he cautions that current registration numbers are higher than before, and accommodations can run out.
Some 300 firms will be exhibiting polished goods on the trading floor of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE). While the majority will be Israeli, there will also be dealers from Belgium, India and the USA offering diamonds for sale.