Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) has a long and distinguished history in celebrating the lives and good fellowship of its members. At the 96th America’s Beauty Show 2019, held March 30 – April 1, 2019, the nearly 18,000-member association presented several awards and honorary scholarships, and remembered those who served their association with honor during the annual CC President’s VIP Reception.

The 2019 Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award was presented by CC President Karen Gordon to industry leader Frank Gambuzza. First a hairdresser, then salon owner-turned businessman, educator and immediate past president of Intercoiffure America/Canada, Gambuzza’s involvement and responsibilities positively affected that organization and the careers of many hairdressers and salon owners. Gambuzza and his wife Belinda own The Visage Group in Knoxville, TN, which has grown into a nationally recognized beauty company. 

The award was presented by Jerry Gordon’s wife, salon partner and the current president of Cosmetologists Chicago, Karen Gordon. “Four years ago, Cosmetologists Chicago inaugurated this very special award honoring Jerry," noted Gordon. As a long-time friend and mentor to Frank, I know he would be thrilled to endorse our selection for this year’s award.” Gambuzza proudly accepted a Baccarat crystal Ferrari horse in honor of Jerry’s passion for racing and fine cars.

Previous recipients are Frank Gironda, another CC president and past owner of the Chicago-based Frank Gironda Salon & Day Spas; Candy Shaw of Jamison Shaw Hairdressers, in Atlanta; and Eric Fisher of Eric Fisher Salons, in Wichita, Kansas.

The Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service was initiated in 2017 to celebrate the contributions of the late Fred A. Piattoni who served not only as past president, but also as CC Executive Director throughout his lengthy career in cosmetology. Paul Dykstra, current CEO of America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago and mentee of Fred Piattoni presented this year’s award to Dr. Farouk Shami founder and chairman of Farouk Systems Inc. (CHI, BioSilk, Esquire Grooming) at the CC President’s Reception and on Sunday, March 31, at the Gala Dinner preceding the Beauty Changes Lives Experience at The Geraghty in downtown Chicago. Lisa Marie Garcia, President of Innovations, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Shami who was out of the country.  Previous recipients of the Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service include Pat Parenty, former President of L’Oreal Professional Products Division and Mr. Hidetaka Yoshikawa, Chairman and CEO of Takara Belmont.

The 2019Lisa C. Newman Scholarship was awarded to­­­­­­­ Andrea Nierhoff, vitality and anti-aging specialist at Nu Skin Enterprises and master hair designer and colorist at Shear Pandemonia in Chicago. It is presented annually to a CC member for advanced training in any cosmetology discipline – hair, nails, skin or salon business.  The award honors the memory of Lisa C. Newman who led CC’s marketing efforts for more than 25 years.

The 2019 Margaret Vinci Heldt Creativity in Hairdressing Scholarship was presented to Karla Hernandez, stylist and colorist at Zano Salon & Spa in Batavia, IL. Named after CC’s Margaret Vinci Heldt, the creator of the iconic “Beehive” hairstyle that swept the fashion world in the ‘50s and ‘60s, this scholarship honors Ms. Heldt’s contribution to the association and her lifelong commitment to help others through education. The funds are designated for advanced education in the art of hairstyling.  

In attendance at the special Friday night awards reception were the CC Board of Directors and other leaders of Cosmetologists Chicago, members of the media, industry VIPs and the show’s largest exhibitors.

About Cosmetologists Chicago: The association has worked for more than 100 years to help salon owners, students and professional members meet the demands of our extraordinary industry. Cosmetologists Chicago also offers members and guests exciting opportunities for continuing education for licensure renewal—a major benefit of membership. Check out CC’s FIRST MONDAYS lineup and mark your calendar for upcoming CE Workshops in hair, business, esthetics and nails.

About America’s Beauty Show® America’s Beauty Show (ABS) is owned and produced by Cosmetologists Chicago® (CC). Professional cosmetologists, nail technicians, stylists and colorists from all over the world attend ABS every year to experience superior education and innovation in all aspects of beauty, as well as gain inspiration to take back to their salons. ABS is the financial driver of legislative protection for licensure & regulation, funds scholarships for advanced education, and boosts awareness of the excellence of professional beauty services. With more than 90,000 admissions including salon professionals and owners, aspiring students and teachers, headliners and educators, leading product manufacturers and distributor personnel showing their latest products and distributors, America’s Beauty Show is a great destination for serious beauty professionals. www.americasbeautyshow.com