March 3, 2009 – DALLAS, TX: The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced that a new constitution and set of by-laws has been voted on and approved by the membership.

“There was a need to streamline the constitution and establish a set of by-laws to help the organization run more efficiently,” said Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “With these governing documents in place, the AGTA will be a more dynamic entity, better equipped to react in this ever-changing business environment.”

Since 1981, when the AGTA was formed, the Association has been governed by a constitution that didn’t address key operational issues. Through the diligent work of the Constitution Committee, lead by Chair Glenn Lehrer and Past President Barbara Lawrence, the revised documents were presented to AGTA members for a vote in January. The new constitution and by-laws passed by a wide margin.

In essence, the AGTA Constitution remains the governing document for the Association and its principals, and can only be changed by a majority vote of the voting Membership. The AGTA By-Laws are an operating document for the administration of the Association and is an evolving set of procedures that can be changed by a vote of the Board of Directors.

The AGTA is an Association of natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry professionals, dedicated to promoting the natural colored gemstone trade. The Association pursues this mission through the combined use of educational programs, industry events and publicity to both the trade and consumer. We are The Authority in Color.