SIC 2007 Life Achievement
Award Ceremony
By Adam Radzik
Consultant to Professional Firms

May 20, 2007, South Orange, N.J. -- Sunday, May 20, was an important day in the world of professionals who serve the public interest. It was the day that the SIC 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John L. Kraft for his invaluable and unique contribution to the world of bonds in the state of New Jersey.

Adam Radzik, president of Sales Improvement Consultants, shared with the assemblage that he had developed specific criteria for the award, which were that the individual must have served the business community with distinction, integrity and originality; must have been a pioneer in the chosen field; must have provided education and guidance to colleagues; must have raised the standards of quality in the profession; and must have earned widespread respect as a recognized authority in his/her field.

Radzik said that Jack Kraft had more than met the criteria for the award, and that he had chosen Kraft to be the recipient for the award some 18 months prior, and only informed him two months before the actual ceremony. Radzik then introduced Jim Lebenthal, the most recognized name in bond sales, as the presenter. Radzik pointed out that Lebenthal was the winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award himself and an Academy Award nominee.

Lebenthal, a gifted speaker with a vibrant personality, spoke about heroes of old and heroes of today and identified Kraft as a modern-day hero and a man deserving of much praise, respect and regard. He pointed out how many improvements were made possible by bonds and the various ways society has benefited by their existence.

Kraft was called to the stage, presented the award by a smiling Lebenthal, and given a rousing and sustained applause. Kraft thanked his long-term partner, his delightful wife, Joy, and said they had always been a team act and that without her active help he could not have accomplished his objectives. At the end of the evening, Joy Kraft thanked Radzik for recognizing her husband and added, "And by the way, Jack deserved the award. He has made a wonderful contribution."

The photograph shows, from left, Adam Radzik, consultant to professionals, Jim Lebenthal, award presenter, and John L. Kraft, recipient of the SIC 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The evening included the Gita Radzik Schlussel Memorial Concert, which this year featured the very talented opera soprano Laura Zupa D'Avella, who was accompanied by Albert Stanziano. Their repertoire included "O Mio Babbino Caro" by Puccini, "Somewhere My Love" by Bernstein and "I Could Have Danced All Night" by Lowe. D'Avella and Stanziano received a standing ovation. She is shown during the recital. (photo)

Adam Radzik was asked if he has already chosen the recipient of the SIC 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. He nodded but predictably refused to divulge the name of next year’s honoree. Radzik said that the SIC 2007 Rising Star Award will be presented in December 2007.

• WHEREAS, John L. Kraft esq., a highly esteemed resident of Waretown, Ocean County, was honored and saluted on May 20, 2007 By Sales Improvemnet Inc. , as the 2007 Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and
• Whereas, the General assembly of the State of New Jersey is pleased to join in commending John L. Kraft who is respected as the Garden State's first bond attorney; and
• WHEREAS, A graduate of Yale Law School and Georgetown University, John L. Kraft, who is a veteran of the United States Air Force, has served with distinction as bond counsel for eighteen of the state's counties , for hundreds of municipalities, school ditricts and authorities, and for the Economic Development Authority and Turnpike Authority; and,
• WHEREAS, An array of honors and awards witness to the outstanding accomplishments of John L. Kraft, including the Dick Hughes and Fred G. Stickel awards, and attests tothe high regard in which he is held by his peers and colleagues; and'
• WHEREAS, Within all the sheres of his lifeand work, John L. Kraft, has established a model to emulate and set a standard of excellence toward which others might strive; and,
• WHEREAS, John L. Kraft has been upheld in his life's endeavors by his wife, Joy, and his six children, and he is especially proud of his seven grandchildren; and,
• WHEREAS, It is both proper and fitting for the members of this House to pause in their deliberations to praise the extraordinary work of John L. Kraft and to commend him as a man of outstanding character and exceptonal determination; now, therefore, Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: That this House hereby honors and congratulates John L. Kraft, joins Sales Improvement Consultants Inc. in paying tribute to his meritorious record of service, leadership, and commitment , and extends to him sincere best wishes.

Signed - Joseph Roberts Jr. - Speaker of the General Assembly and Dana M. Burley - Clerk of the General Assembly