(PRESS RELEASE) ANTWERP — A lively meeting of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) Young Diamantaires (YD) group led the first day of meetings of the 39th World Diamond Congress. This was the first meeting of the YD held in the framework of a World Diamond Congress.
The video meeting was attended by over one hundred YD members from around the world. It was hosted by President of the Australia Diamond Dealers Club and WFDB Executive Committee member Rami Baron, who was the initiator of the Young Diamantaires group, and was addressed by WFDB Acting President Yoram Dvash.
The YD group was founded four years ago and has since grown to encompass hundreds of members from all parts of the world. The meeting yesterday was attended by over 100 members, many of whom spoke about their interest in becoming more active in the WFDB institutions and to increase their influence in its institutions.
The Young Diamantaires members are extremely active, working through committees and on social media. They recently launched a fundraising campaign on Go Fund Me to build a library and kitchen at the Renaissance High School in Messina, South Africa, which they visited last September.
Yoram Dvash expressed his appreciation for the energies and good work of the Young Diamantaires group. He said, “You are the next generation of diamond leaders, and the WFDB greatly values your contribution to the world diamond industry. I hope to work with you more closely in the future. I want to congratulate Rami on the initiative of creating the Young Diamantaires group.”
Rami Baron said, “This meeting is a culmination of four years, gently guiding an inspirational group of Young Diamantaires who have a demonstrated a passion to improve their industry and assist those who are less fortunate. The WFDB, under the leadership of Yoram Dvash, has shown through this inaugural meeting that they are keen to hear the ideas and goals of this next generation and are willing to give them their support.”
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The World Diamond Congress continued September 14 – 15, 2020.
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.
