Waldman Diamond Company

WDC Group wins Carlyle & Co.'s "Vendor of the Year" Award
November 2000

NEW YORK, USA - On October 16, Kenneth A. Friedman, president of Waldman Diamonds Complete, the finished jewelry division of Waldman Diamond Company (WDC) Group, received the prestigious "Vendor of the Year" Award by Carlyle & Co., the Greensboro, North Carolina-based jewelry retail chain. Friedman accepted the award on behalf of the Waldman Diamond Company (WDC) Group, a diamond manufacturing company with offices in Israel, New York, Tokyo and London.

Carlyle, a retailer that takes pride in industry roots that go back as far as the 19th century, currently operates 39 high-end jewelry stores, predominantly on the U.S. East Coast. The award ceremony took place during the annual meeting of Carlyle's stores and sales managers.

"This year was the second time in a row WDC was honored," said Theresa Lavalle, senior diamond buyer at Carlyle & Co. "In 1999, WDC received Carlyle's Superior People Providing Superior Service" Award. As a major vendor to Carlyle, Friedman—and Waldman Diamond Company as a whole—have proven time and again that they were most responsive, ready to go the extra mile. Thus they have created a strong partnership, helping Carlyle to meet and exceed its goals. Kenny's personal drive and his direct involvement deserve special mention," she added. Carlyle chairman Russell Cohen bestowed the 'Vendor of the Year" award on Friedman.

Carlyle's awards ceremony is part of a motivation seminar the company holds each year for its core sales and marketing staff. This time, the event was held in Norfolk, Virginia.

"Towards the fall and the Christmas season, we're doing our utmost to get store sales people and management pumped up for the season. The seminars also serve as an opportunity to offer an educational program and to update our people on the latest developments in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry business," Lavalle noted. 'Obviously, meeting with successful suppliers is also part of the program."

WDC's Friedman was clearly elated. "It's great to know that on behalf of WDC, I have received such a strong vote of confidence and trust by the Carlyle buying staff. This honor also strengthens my confidence in our product lines, in particular the exciting and innovative new product line Waldman Diamonds Complete is about to launch and introduce to the trade press next month. This new product to be released in two weeks will revolutionize the Engagement Ring business in the U.S.," Friedman stated.

"Finally, this success would not have been achieved without the dedication and devotion of our vice president of operations, the production manager as well as the account managers. This award recognizes their hard work and efforts, too," Friedman noted.