MJSA Press Room

For Immediate Release

Posted: January 20, 2004 Released by MJSA

For Additional Information Contact: Tim Grilo Public relations and Marketing Coordinator 1-800-444-MJSA, ext. 3022, Tgrilo@mjsainc.com

PROVIDENCE, RI--Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) recently elected three top industry executives to their Board of Directors, including the second MJSA board member to come from a top U.S. retailer.

Sue Gove, COO/executive vice president of Zale Corp. in Irving, Texas; Richard Frederick, president of Keystone Findings in Telford, Pennsylvania; and Tory Hoover, president of Hoover & Strong in Richmond, Virginia, were all voted in as directors. The election occurred during MJSA's 100th Annual Meeting on Nov. 13 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

"These three leaders will make an immediate impact for MJSA, its members, and the industry as a whole," said MJSA President/CEO James F. Marquart. "And the addition of a board member from the retail sector further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to serve as a bridge between manufacturers and retailers."

In addition, the following members of the Executive Committee were re-elected during the meeting: Chairman Curtis A. Ley, president of B.A. Ballou & Co. in East Providence, Rhode Island; First Vice Chair Michael Akkaoui, president of Tanury Industries in Lincoln, Rhode Island; Second Vice Chair Robert J. Wueste, president of Samuel Aaron International in Long Island City, New York; Secretary Pat Patten, CEO of The Patten Group LLC in Redondo Beach, California; and Treasurer Rich Powers, president of Stern Metals in Providence.

Two outgoing board members--Michael Paolercio, president of Michael Anthony Jewelers in Mt. Vernon, New York, and Matthew Stuller, CEO of Stuller Settings Inc. in Lafayette, Lousiana--were recognized for their service and commitment to MJSA.