Established in 1931, the nonprofit Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's foremost authority in gemology.

Kate Marks, owner of Marks of Design, LLC is a GIA Alumni with many diamond and color gemstone credentials. For more information on Kate's background go to the Achievements and Articles page of this web site.

As a jeweler member of one of the largest and oldest buying groups in the industry, The Retail Jewelers Organization, we gain the buying power necessary to demand the best prices from our manufacturers. This savings is passed on to you, our end consumer. As a member of this elite group of jewelers, we are also committed to excellence in all aspects of our business: financial credibility, community involvement, and costumer service.

What does this mean to you, the customer? Marks of Design, LLC is able to bring you good quality pieces at exceptional prices.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.

The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: First: the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; Second: high ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society; Third: the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life; and Fourth: the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Kate Marks is on the Board of Directors of the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club of Connecticut, and is currently serving as Sargent at Arms.

The mission of Birmingham Group Health Services of Ansonia, Connecticut is to provide quality services which focus on the recovery and well-being of individuals and health of the community. These outcome-based, cost-effective services include mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities.

In addition to being a corporator for The Umbrella, Kate Marks has been a lane sponsor and participant in the Bowl-to-Benefit The Umbrella for many years. The Umbrella is a divison of the Birmingham Group which offers services for victims of domestic violence and their children including temporary shelter, counseling, and support groups just to name a few. She has also been a coordinator for the Back-To-School "Adopt A Child" program for The Umbrella which provides assistance to children who have been affected by domestic violence to prepare them for the school year with outfits, backpacks and school supplies.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to provide, in a safe environment, programs that inspire, educate, guide and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

For the last few years, Kate Marks has acted as a sponsor, participant, and chairperson in the John "Red" Larsen Golf Classic which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Shelton, CT.

Organized In 1983, the Shelton Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), is a non-profit corporation that focuses on the balanced development of Shelton. The SEDC provides direct links to all local government and business leaders, as well as coordinating between city and civic organizations. It provides a leadership role in emerging public/private and statewide partnerships. The SEDC provides access to a professional staff with extensive experience in economic development, real estate, construction, finance and government.