(PRESS RELEASE) ANTWERP, BELGIUM – The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has announced that the 2018 World Diamond Congress, the biannual meeting of the WFDB and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), will take place in Mumbai, India, Oct. 23-25.
WFDB President Ernie Blom said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm the dates for the World Diamond Congress. I would also like to express, on behalf of the WFDB, our gratitude to our colleagues at the Bharat Diamond Bourse who kindly agreed to host the 2018 Congress.
“This is a very important meeting where we will be discussing a wide range of issues facing the diamond industry worldwide. The Congress serves as a critical forum for WFDB Presidents and members of their delegations to take part in debates and discussions on the major subjects of the day, enabling us to receive input from the diamond trade from every corner of the world.
“I would ask industry members to leave their busy schedules free for these dates to be able to attend this important Congress, and I look forward to meeting colleagues and holding discussions on all of today’s most important diamond industry topics.”
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.
