Peace and Quiet

I just returned from my seventh JCK Show + Merchandise Review Committee (MRC) meeting in Las Vegas, and everything went off without a hitch. The MRC is one of the hardest working committees in RJO and we walked more than 20 miles during the course of the show to find the hottest trends, the best fits for RJO, and the time to visit with some of our longstanding, dedicated vendor partners. In the airport, with the sound of travelers trying to hit a final jackpot in the background, I was ending a little chat with an RJO member who was headed to a different gate. Her parting words to me were, “I’m just looking forward to a little peace and quiet.” I shook my head in agreement, and that was that. Or so I thought. Her words didn’t leave me immediately, though. I recalled the occasional times over the years when I’ve heard members tell me things were too quiet in the market or in their stores, and I’m certain those instances were not accompanied by peace. It struck me that RJO’s efforts for members is to make sure you get both—peace and (good) quiet—as often as possible. There is an energy running through RJO at all times, capitalizing on the good things we all do together as an organization—staff, retailers, and vendors—that provides guidance, comfort, and sales for jewelers. From centralized billing, educational opportunities, buying trips to Europe, and so much more, our goal is to provide peace of mind, so you can focus on the quieter and more joyful moments of retail sales. Such as bringing a customer’s heirloom back to life, or

RJO Board News

helping select a gift to mark an important milestone in a life, or even welcoming a member of the next generation to the store staff.

Our upcoming Buying Show in Philadelphia serves as an excellent example of how all of this comes together at RJO. Our talented staff and industry-leading Show schedule will make sure you’re able to make the best use of your time: to connect and re-connect with colleagues; to reflect, relax, and refresh; and to confidently prepare for your months ahead.

We’re always looking for ways to better serve you, and some new offerings include extending the excitement of the Buying Show a little further, with MondayFunday activities. Also, we are partnering with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to offer two valuable seminars about diamonds and diamond coatings. You can read more about this on page 4. Additionally, more information will be coming soon about this Fall’s Next Gen Experience. (Hint: Mark your calendars for October 7-9.)

Be sure to join us in celebrating RJO’s first time in Philadelphia by registering for the Show today. I look forward to seeing you all there.

I wish you much deserved peace and (good) quiet until then,

Sarah Streb RJO CEO

THE RJO BOARD of Directors election was held at the beginning of this month. We truly thank all of the candidates who showed their commitment to this organization by running for a seat on the Board. Full results are shown below. Congratulations to these three elected:

Erika Godfrey (incumbent)

Bill Becker (incumbent)

Hawthorne Jewelry Beckers Jewelers

Doug Meadows

David Douglas Diamonds

Jeff Krekeler

Krekeler Jewelers

Nancy Marchell (incumbent)

Signature Jewelers

Amber Heiser

Cone Jewelers

Sandra R. Brown

Tena’s Fine Diamonds & Jewelry

Allison Leitzel Williams

Leitzel’s Jewelry

Christine Dahlkemper

Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection

Tracy Lewis

Glennpeter Jewelers Diamond Centres

Henry Feldman

Henry’s Fine Jewelry

Dawn Kessaris

Diamonds by Dawn

Chad Benter VanDenover Jewelry Inc.

S E R V I C E S

Centralized Billing

Patronage Dividend

RJO Website (rjomembers.com)

Buying Shows (Summer/Winter)

In the Loupe – RJO’s newsletter

RJO Exclusive on Facebook

Educational Seminars (at the Buying Shows)

Member-to-Member

Incentive Program (Recruitment Program)

Organized Buying Trips to Antwerp and IdarOberstein

RJO Directory

Travel Vouchers at Shows (offered at varying times)

Free Hotel Room Incentive (at the Buying Shows)

RJO Informational Email

Blasts

Purchase Vouchers (at the Buying Shows)

RJO Membership Certificate

RJO Next Gen and RJO Succession Experiences

JewelConnect, RJOmeet.me, and RJOCustomHatch

Scholarship Opportunities (from the RJO Foundation)