American Gem Trade Association

Lawrence Assumes AGTA Presidency

Dallas, TX – October 5, 2007 – During a Board of Director's conference call, AGTA President Rick Krementz offered his resignation as President of the Association. First Vice Chairman Barbara Lawrence, President of Boston Gems and Findings, Inc., assumed the President's post and will hold it through the remainder of Krementz's term, February 2009. Krementz will remain on the Board as Past President.In accepting the top volunteer leadership position, Lawrence said, "AGTA appreciates all of the contributions that Rick has made and the knowledge he has shared with the Board throughout his presidency. AGTA will continue to listen to our members, create an environment where we serve the best interest of our membership as a whole and remain an advocate for those matters that protect our industry and promotes commerce in the gemstone marketplace. We have some challenges before us, but I have confidence in our ability to meet and exceed those challenges as well as create and capitalize on opportunities for our industry."

The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as "The Authority In Color" and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas and the world-renowned Gemological Testing Center in New York, New York.

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