ICA President Appoints New Ambassadors

Following his election as the new President of the International Colored Gemstone Association, Joseph Menzie completed and approved the list of ICA ambassadors to the ICA member countries for the period 2003-2005.

The responsibilities of the an ambassador is to serve as the official spokesperson for ICA in his country, representing the international community of lCA members to local trade organizations, ministries of industry and commerce, and mining authorities.

The ICA ambassador is also encouraged to take a seat on local trade committees and boards related to the gemstone and jewelry industry, and to represent his fellow ICA members and serve as their spokespersons at meetings and other functions.

“The Ambassador's job is something of a two-way role," said ICA director Jean Claude Michelou. "On the one hand it is his or her task to gather jewelry trend reports from the ICA members in his country; as well as collect relevant gemstone mining information and general gem and jewelry news."

For the first time two ambassadors would be appointed to the US due to its membership size and spread.

Menzie appointed Michelou of Colombia as the director in charge of the ambassadors' activities. Australian ambassador Damien Cody was appointed the ambassadors' liaison to the ICA board and executive committee.