Marc Nanasi, Marc Altman, the St. Louis Guild, and two FBI special agents received awards

The American Gem Society (AGS) presented awards during its annual Conclave in Washington, D.C., which began April 13 and ends April 16.

Marc Nanasi received the Young Titleholder Award for his expemplary service to the Young Titleholder Committee and to AGS.

“We are delighted to present Marc Nanasi with our 2016 Young Titleholder of the Year Award,” said Lisa Bridge, cochair of the Young Titleholder’s steering committee. “Marc’s devotion to the Young Titleholders started from the beginning, and his enthusiasm and tenacity have contributed to the group’s growth and success.”

Marc Altman received the Sallie Morton Award for his “above and beyond” contributions to the AGS Guilds.

“From day one, Marc Altman has given the AGS Guilds so much time and attention by handling all their financial details and helping publicize almost 300 meetings,” said Laura Stanley, chair of the AGS Guilds. “Taking that pressure off a local guild has given them the time to devote to organizing the meetings.”

The St. Louis Guild received the Guild of the Year Award.

“Our Guild of the Year has set an example of not only having great programs, but also working with the GIA alumnae group in the local area,” said Stanley. “Having one year of success is nice, but sustaining interesting programs year after year takes a Herculean effort, and the St. Louis Guild has that. For four years, they have been an active, engaged guild, thanks to the team put together by president Anne Howitt.”

FBI special agents Jay Bartholomew and Eric Ives received the John J. Kennedy Award for law enforcement professionals who have gone above and beyond to help members of the jewelry industry.  

“Special agent Eric Ives and special agent Jay Bartholomew have helped organize and fund FBI speakers all around the country. Without them, we would never have been able to get so many inaugural guild meetings off to such a great start,” said Stanley. “An FBI special agent draws a big crowd and helps support interest in future meetings, too.”

JCK