At its 103rd Annual Meeting on Nov. 8, MJSA members welcomed a new chairman and elected several members to the Board of Directors. The event, which was held in the Rotunda Room at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, also featured a keynote address by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), and a tribute to outgoing MJSA chairman Michael Akkaoui.

Alan Bell of The Bell Group, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was elected as the new chairman of the board. During his speech at the meeting, Bell mentioned that “having a chair from the West is a reflection of the changing face of our industry.” Other officers elected included Richard Powers of Stern Metals, Attleboro, Massachusetts, who was elected first vice chair; Dave Meleski of Aurafin/Oro America, Burbank, California, who was elected second vice chair; Ed DeCristofaro of LDC, Inc., Providence, who was elected secretary; and Joseph Sisto of Leach & Garner/General Findings, North Attleboro, Massachusetts, who was elected treasurer.
Newly elected to the board of directors was Anna Martin of ABN AMRO International Diamond & Jewelry Group, New York City. Re-elected to the board were Richard Frederick of Keystone Findings, Telford Pennsylvania and Torrance Hoover of Hoover & Strong, Richmond, Virginia. Directors to fulfill unexpired terms are Berge Abajian of Bergio, Fairfield, New Jersey and Pat Patten of The Jewelry Group Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee.

Senator Reed provided the keynote address where he spoke of the vital role manufacturing plays in the American economy and high standard of living. He spoke of the need for a tougher trade policy based on fair trade and the need to focus on aspects such as tariffs, intellectual property protections, and currency valuation. “Everyone must play by the same rules,” said Reed.

Following was MJSA President/CEO Frank Dallahan’s highlight of the success of MJSA’s re-branding efforts. “The MJSA brand provides a consistent look to all that we do now,” said Dallahan. He also noted the end of Michael Akkaoui’s term as chairman. “Michael Akkaoui is an admirable leader,” said Dallahan. “He was an exceptional mentor and his service as MJSA’s chairman is greatly appreciated.”

Sponsors for MJSA’s 103rd Annual Meeting were TransFirst, FedEx, National Chain Group, Creative Services Inc., and Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.

MJSA would like to thank the following 2006 Annual Meeting sponsors: