(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Jewelry artist, sculptor and visionary Alex Soldier was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2018 UJA Federation Awards in New York City. Held at the top of St. Regis hotel on Fifth Avenue, the UJA Awards was a sold out event that recognized community leaders for their extraordinary talents and philanthropic endeavors. Set in a spectacular ballroom overlooking Manhattan, the evening was hosted by actress, writer and leading female entrepreneur Sonya Kreizman.
“This amazing artist doesn’t need any introduction since he’s well known around the world as one of the most innovative designers of our time,” she said in her opening remarks.
Recognized as self-taught and self-made innovator and inventor who revolutionized jewelry industry by introducing novel techniques and vision, Soldier took the stage with a standing ovation to accept his Lifetime Achievement award.
“I would like to thank UJA Federation for this honor and recognition of my work. Thank you everyone for coming tonight to celebrate this special evening with me — an evening of art, beauty and philanthropy. Your remarkable support inspires me to create more beautiful pieces for you to wear and share with the world. Please enjoy this magical evening and always remember to give back and make our world a better place for everyone to be happy and free,” Soldier said in his acceptance speech. The celebration continued well past bedtime as guests danced the night away to the popular tunes and toasted to UJA Federation and its century-long cause of making a difference in the lives of millions in New York and around the world.
Alex Soldier receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the UJA Co-Founder Lily Wajnberg at the UJA Awards ceremony held at St. Regis hotel in New York City.
Alex Soldier attends UJA Awards with his daughter Maria and Sonya Kreizman, actress and host.
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Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
