The members of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) installed a new board and appointed new directors during the DMIA's General Membership meeting on March 5th. Ronald (Ronnie) VanderLinden was elected president, stepping in the shoes of Ronald (Ronny) Friedman who served as DMIA president for the past nine years.

Friedman thanked the DMIA members for the support and trust he received during his nine year term. "I've thoroughly enjoyed serving as DMIA president," he said "However, it is time to pass on the baton and I am certain Ronnie VanderLinden will do a great job." Newly elected president Ronnie VanderLinden said it had been a privilege to work side by side with Ronny Friedman during the past years. "It is my intention to serve the DMIA members the best I can and continue the board's efforts to generate as much as possible added value for the membership at large," he stated.

Addressing Ronny Friedman, he said: "Be assured we will be calling up on you, also now you that you're immediate past president. We're not letting you slip away that easily. We'll be needing your input and contribution."