We pride ourselves in our involvement in the community. From planting a simple garden to telling the story about "us". Not only are these important to marketing, but on the whole. We, Chris and myself, would like to teach our children the importance of giving back to a community that has been supportive of our business endeavors. Professional Recognition Earned BFA in Metalsmithing from the State University of New York, College at New Paltz, 1990 Student Leadership Honor for Fine Arts Programming, State University of New York, College at New Paltz, 1990 Vision Award for "Excellent Marks in the Category of Workmanship" from the American Pearl Company, 2001 Vision Award for "Excellent Marks in the Category of Beauty for ‘Dew‘ in an American Pearl Design Competition" from the American Pearl Company, 1999 Colored Stone Grading, GIA, 2003 Diamond Grading, GIA, 2000 Diamonds, GIA, 1999 Community Recognition Most Valuable Player – In Recognition and Appreciation of Service to the Rotary Club, Derby-Shelton, CT, 2003-2004 Certificate of Excellence in Obtaining Donations for the Annual Derby-Shelton Rotary Auction, 2003 Certificate of Outstanding Achievement in Recognition of Donation Results of over $1,000 for the Annual Derby-Shelton Rotary Auction, 2003 Certificate of Appreciation – In appreciation of Service for "School to Career" Participation for Shelton School System, 2001 Certificate of Appreciation – In appreciation of Participation in the City Beautification Project, Adopt-A-Garden Program, City of Shelton, 2001 The Golden Trowel Award – 1st Place, Adopt-A-Garden Program, City of Shelton, 2002 The Golden Trowel Award – 2nd Place, Adopt-A-Garden Program, City of Shelton, 2001 Feature Articles Since Kate Marks opened Marks of Design, LLC in early 1999, she has been a featured subject of numerous newspaper articles. For more information, click on the links below. Business New Haven (April 3, 2000) Shelton Business News (May 2000) The Huntington Herald (February 4, 2004) New Haven Register (Valley Register Edition - Friday, April 30, 2004 - excerpt)