The American Gem Society (AGS) recently bestowed the Robert M. Shipley award upon William Sites, CGA, owner and President of Sites Jewelers in Clarksville, Tennessee. The award was presented at the annual AGS Conclave in Boston, on April 24. Sites was selected for the award owing to his expertise and commitment to his community, personal business, the jewellery industry, the American Gem Society, participation in local civic groups, service organisations, and industry charity boards. “I am deeply humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Robert M. Shipley award,” said Sites. “Robert M. Shipley is the embodiment of all I’ve tried to be in my own life and work. To join the ranks of the other esteemed professionals who have received this award is an honor beyond words.” %% Sites is a Certified Gemologist Appraiser since 1983, and has held many prominent positions through his career. He was on the AGS Board of Director, President of the Board from 2004 – 2006 during which the Fellows Awards and Diamond Quality Certificate were introduced. Currently, he serves on the board of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the AGS Laboratories Board of Managers. He was also inducted into the National Jeweler Retail Hall of Fame in 2006, and has held the position of Chamber of Commerce President, Rotary President, Clarksville Hospital Board President, and the Nashville City Club Vice, President of the Association of the United States Army in Ft. Campbell, KY. %% “Through his professional, community and industry work, Bill has demonstrated his professionalism and dedication to the ethical standards of the American Gem Society,” said Ruth Batson, Executive Director & CEO of the American Gem Society. He’s a great asset to the American Gem Society, and a tireless advocate for not only jewelry industry organisations, but for those in his community as well.”