AGS Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Once again hundreds of jewelers, retailers and other industry organizers are gathered in a stress-free ambiance at the AGS annual conclave. This year the conclave is even more festive as the American Gem Society celebrates its 70th anniversary and planned numerous events to rejoice.

President Bill Farmer opened the American Gem Society’s 2004 Conclave officially at a luncheon sponsored by Hearts on Fire. While guests enjoyed their food, Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO introduced the AGS and AGS Laboratories conclave teams, calling the present staff on stage one by one.

In a brief speech, Susan Rothman co-founder of Hearts on Fire emphasized how important the people in a business are. She said it’s all a matter of finding the right individuals and combining an entrepreneur, a manager and a technician to make a business succeed.  Michael Gerber, Chairman of E-Myth Worldwide, keyed up the crowd during his thought-provoking speech about the small business revolution.

In the afternoon visitors attended lectures including: “Mystery Shopping” by Judi Hess of Customer Perspective; “Fashion Facets” by Carrie Soucy of JCK Magazine; and “9 Ways to Wreck a Sale” where David Richardson of Richardson Resource Group gave tips on how to read and treat customers in order to make a sale.

To close a successfully educational day, attendees enjoyed the welcome reception in Atlanta’s Hyatt Regency’s ballroom, which was filled with balloons to keep everyone in a jolly mood. Apparently with much success - people were literally kicking balloons around!