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![Ruben Bindra Headshot1 Ruben Bindra](https://agta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Ruben-Bindra-Headshot1.jpg)
Dallas, Texas, February 13, 2019 – The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced today the new officers of the AGTA Board of Directors.
Ruben Bindra, of B & B Fine Gems took office as President. Mr. Bindra, who served as AGTA President of AGTA from 2013 to 2015, was elected to the office by the membership in the annual election in September. The transition of newly elected directors takes place each February at the post-GemFair Tucson Show Board of Directors meeting.
Also taking office as Director were Jeff Mason, of Mason-Kay, Inc., Robert Bentley, of Robert Bentley Company, Inc. and Jaimeen Shah, of Prima Gems USA, LLC. The President and the Directors will serve three-year terms.
In the meeting, the Board of Directors also elected new officers for the Association. The newly elected officers, who will serve one-year terms, are as follows:
● First Vice President – Bruce Bridges, Bridges Tsavorite
● Second Vice President – Bill Heher, Rare Earth Mining Co., Inc.
● Secretary – Kimberly Collins, Kimberly Collins Gemstones
● Treasurer – Shekhar Shah, Real Gems Inc.
President Jeffrey Bilgore, of Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC, transitioned into the role of Past President, where he will serve in an advisory position on the Board.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an association of United States and Canadian trade professionals dedicated to promoting the long term stability and integrity of the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industries. The Association pursues its goals through the combined use of educational programs, publicity, industry events, government and industry relations, and printed materials for both the trade and consumer. The AGTA is well-known in the gemstone and jewelry industries for maintaining the highest ethical standards.
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