JCK magazine’s September issue featured our exclusive annual “state of the industry” report. The bottom line? In an industry where manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers face new and emerging challenges, it is our strong relationships that will bring us together to meet these challenges, create new solutions, and prosper in new ways.

I’ve just returned from the West, where I witnessed the power of relationships at both Howard Hauben’s resurrected West Coast Jewelry Show and The JCK Show’s pavilion in the accessories hall of the nation’s largest fashion industry convention, MAGIC.

Traffic levels at both shows were typical for first-time efforts. Some exhibitors were thrilled with new accounts opened, while others wished for more buyers. Yet, the majority of exhibitors at both events said they plan to return.

Why? It’s the relationships that Howard and JCK’s Dave Bonaparte have established. The industry trusts these execs to iron out the kinks, embrace constructive criticism, and set the stage for success for all.

I certainly appreciate the relationships I’ve made in my short time in this business. Knowing I have support of so many people is amazing.

In the next few months, I’ll be making some exciting new relationships in Vicenza, Italy; Hong Kong; Bangkok, Thailand; Mumbai, India; and Tel Aviv, Israel. I cannot wait.