Though the industry has changed a great deal since Southern Jewelry Travelers Association’s inception 50 years ago, the group’s goals are still the same. Founding fathers of the SJTA started the group to “create and foster the interests of its members and to urge closer relationships of all jewelry salesmen covering the Southeast, and to aid, promote, and foster worthy enterprises of any and every kind for the benefit of its members.” The catalyst for creating the association was its members’ desire to start a trade show of their own, says SJTA executive director Carol Young. Over the years, SJTA opened its doors to manufacturers, salespeople, and jewelers outside of the Southeast region to accommodate nationwide interest in the group and its show. SJTA now has 703 members.