Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) has a long and distinguished history in celebrating the lives and good fellowship of its members.
At the 2023 America’s Beauty Show (ABS), held April 15-17, 2023, the association presented awards on behalf of and in tribute to iconic leaders who served their beloved association and industry with honor. Two special awards were presented by CC leaders Saturday, April 15, 2023.
The Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award
The 2023 Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award was presented by Jerry Gordon’s wife, salon partner and Immediate Past President of Cosmetologists Chicago, Karen Gordon, to industry leader David Wagner, owner of Juut Salonspas in Minnesota, Arizona, and California.
“Cosmetologists Chicago inaugurated this very special award in 2015, honoring Jerry and his passion for elevating and advocating for salons through sound business principles,” said Karen Gordon. “As a friend and industry colleague of David Wagner, I know Jerry would be thrilled to endorse him as our CC Board’s selection for this year’s Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award.” 
Industry leader David Wagner, owner of Juut Salonspas in Minnesota, Arizona, and California, accepts the Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award at America's Beauty Show 2023.Courtesy of America's Beauty Show
David is proud to serve his salon communities by encouraging individuality, authenticity, diversity, and real beauty. In addition to his role as owner and Daymaker at Juut, David is a best-selling author.
Wagner proudly accepted a Baccarat crystal Ferrari horse in honor of Jerry’s passion for racing and fine cars during the 2023 ABS Press Event and Special Awards Ceremony.
Previous recipients of the Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award include Frank Gironda, another CC past president and past owner of Chicagoland’s Frank Gironda Salon & Day Spas; Candy Shaw of Jamison Shaw Salons, Atlanta, GA; Eric Fisher of Eric Fisher Salons, Wichita, KS; Frank Gambuzza, owner of Salon Visage, Knoxbille, TN; Ginger Boyle, Planet Salon, Los Angeles, CA; and Jeff South, Intrigue Salon, Mariatta, GA.
Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service
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. The 2023 Fred Piattoni Award was given to Frank Cacciato, presented by Frank P. Fulco, CEO of Cosmetologists Chicago and America’s Beauty Show.
“This award is meant to celebrate an individual who has worked tirelessly in support of licensed beauty professionals throughout the country,” said Fulco. “Cacciato’s contributions to our industry and to our CC and ABS community reflect his beauty industry passion and loyalty.” 
Frank Cacciato accepts the Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service at America's Beauty Show 2023.Courtesy of America's Beauty Show
Cacciato proudly accepted a Waterford crystal statue in honor of Fred’s passion for the professional beauty industry, during the 2023 ABS Press Event and Special Awards Ceremony.
Previous recipients of the Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service include Pat Parenty, former President of L’Oreal Professional Products Division; Mr. Hidetaka Yoshikawa, Chairman and CEO of Takara Belmont; and Dr. Farouk Shami, founder and chairman of Farouk Systems Inc. (CHI, BioSilk, Esquire Grooming); Robert Reed, president and founder of ERGO; and John Amico, Sr., founder of John Amico School of Hair Design.
In attendance at the special Awards presentation were CC Past Presidents, the CC Board of Directors, industry VIPs, special guests, the show’s largest exhibitors and members of the media.
“We are proud of our tradition of honoring success and stewardship in this salon industry we love so much and are committed to looking ahead to what’s next in our industry while celebrating our rich history,” said CC President Robert Passage, CEO, Chairman and Global Ambassador for Pivot Point International.
