ALLISON LYNN LEITZEL EARNS GIA'S GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST DIPLOMA

(July 2007) Allison Lynn Leitzel has completed a comprehensive, five-course program in diamond grading and gemstone identification and evaluation from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), an independent nonprofit organization recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology, and was awarded the Institute's prestigious Graduate Gemologist diploma. This diploma has long been regarded as the jewelry industry's highest academic credential. Graduates pursue careers as diamond buyers, appraisers, retailers or senior professionals.

"The Graduate Gemologist designation is instantly recognized by gem and jewelry professionals as a hallmark of accomplishment, credibility, and distinction without parallel in the industry," said GIA Vice President of Education Brook Ellis.

GIA, established in 1931, has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System" which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.

CEYLON R. LEITZEL HONORED AS JEWELER OF THE YEAR 2006 FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED SECOND TIME...THIRD TIME FOR THE LEITZEL FAMILY

(MYERSTOWN, PA) The title of Jeweler of the Year is a coveted one among Pennsylvania's more than 700 jewelers. According to Karen Fanelli, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association (PJA), the selection process extends beyond superior service and professionalism to an individual's involvement within the community. Ceylon R. Leitzel, President of Leitzel's Jewelry in Myerstown, was honored by receiving this distinguished award in 2002. This year, he did not expect to reenact the ceremony for a second time.

Leitzel was summoned to center stage during the 100th anniversary convention of the PJA in Harrisburg on September 9, where he became the first Pennsylvania jeweler to win the prestigious award twice. As a second generation jeweler, Leitzel has followed in his family's footsteps in more ways than one. His father, the late Marvin F. Leitzel who founded Leitzel's Jewelry in 1949, was presented with the same award in 1999. A third generation of the family is now represented by Allison Leitzel, Ceylon and Karen Leitzel's daughter.

The presentation was made by Leitzel's brother and the PJA's 2005 recipient. During the emotional ceremony, Leitzel took time to pay tribute to his late father and thank family and employees in attendance. He also dedicated the award to Karen Leitzel, his wife of twenty-nine years.

"Growing up in the jewelry business, the profession just comes naturally," Leitzel commented. "Each generation of the family has made its own contributions toward our success. These awards have served to reinforce our belief that we must give back to the community that has been so good to us for well over half a century."

Leitzel is a graduate of the former Bowman Technical School of Lancaster, where he earned diplomas in Jewelry Repair and Stone Setting, and Clocking Making and Repairing. He also received diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America in diamond grading and evaluation, pearl grading, and counter sketching, with honors. In additon to his active membership in the PJA, Leitzel is a lifetime member of the American Watch and Clock Institute, as well as a member of Jewelers of America, who designated him as a Certified Management Professional. The community involvement for which Leitzel was recognized by the PJA includes membership in the Myerstown-ELCO Rotary Club, American Lung Association, several organizations in the Mt. Gretna area, and he is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

LEITZEL'S JEWELRY WINS GOLD LANCE EAGLE AWARD

In February, Leitzel's Jewelry became the recipient of the 2003 Gold Lance Extraordinary Achievement Award. The award was presented to 8 out of 4,000 jewelers across the nation who had outstanding sales and customer service in 2003. Leitzel's Jewelry offers top-notch customer service and they consistently give back to the community. Leitzel's Jewelry is continuously looking for innovative ways to advertise and promote class rings. The ease of working with their friendly sales staff keeps people coming back to Leitzel's year after year.

The Gold Lance Extraordinary Achievement Award is awarded annually to top performing Gold Lance accounts across the United States. The award is presented to jewelers who exceed customer expectations and perform outstanding business practices within their community. The 2003 recipients achieving the honor for their performance received a limited edition bronze eagle mounted on a marble base to celebrate and symbolize their achievement.

Leitzel's Jewelry has also been recognized by Gold Lance Class Rings for their excellence in sales and customer service in the years 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.

MYERSTOWN JEWELER, CEYLON R. LEITZEL, EARNS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION FROM NATIONAL TRADE ASSOCATION

Jewelers of America (JA) has awarded Ceylon R. Leitzel of Leitzel's Jewelry in Myerstown, PA the JA Certified Management Professional (CMP) designation ~ the first level of the JA Management Professional Certification program.

The Management Professional Certification Program sets uniform standards for testing a professional jewelry store manager's abilities. The program evaluates the facts, processes, procedures, terms and concepts that jewelry store managers encounter in their daily work, and to be certified, the candidate must demonstrate proficiency in each skill to an acceptable national standard. The program formally recognizes an individual's standing in the field of jewelry store management, increases their confidence in their ability, and communicates their skill level to present and potential employers, colleagues and customers. The program is exclusively available to employees of JA's more than 10,000 members.

"Being a JA Certified Management Professional is an important designation," says JA President and CEO Matthew Runci. "There is a fundamental difference between a JA Certified Management Professional and someone who just happens to make, sell, or repair jewelry. Ceylon Leitzel's successful completion of the JA Certification exam attests to Leitzel's proficiency as a manager, lets consumers know that Leitzel is qualified to handle their jewelry needs, and demonstrates Leitzel's Jewelry's commitment to providing superior service."

For more information about JA Certified Management Professional Ceylon R. Leitzel, contact Leitzel's Jewelry directly at 717-866-4274.