Jewelers of America will host its first “J-Biz Town Hall” forums at the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association Atlanta Jewelry Show on Feb. 25, from 9:00-10:45a.m. JA will host a series of these forums at major industry events in 2007.

Moderated by Paul Holewa, managing editor of Instore magazine, the Town Hall Forums will discuss the challenges facing independent jewelers. These forums will include presentations from jewelry retailers and experts in the fields of finance, marketing, management, technology, and training.

The SJTA Atlanta Jewelry Show Town Hall will cover the following topics:

“Shrinking Margins and Profitability,” by John Singer, senior buyer, Charleston Alexander Diamond Importers, Falls Church, Va.

Reaching Out to Changing Markets and Demographics,” by Nick Failla, founder of Premier Consulting Innovations, Indianapolis, Ind. 

“Responsible Business Practices,” by Brian Leber, president of Leber Jeweler Inc., Western Springs, Ill.

The interactive sessions will include a question-and-answer period. All ideas and input gathered in these interactive sessions will be used to help JA develop programs, seminars, and resources that anticipate and meet the education and training needs of the industry in the 21st century.

Register to attend the debut Town Hall at the Atlanta Jewelry Show by visiting www.atlantajewelryshow.com/registration. For those who cannot attend the SJTA Atlanta Jewelry Show, upcoming Town Halls will be held during the following trade shows:

* Midwest Jewelry Expo, March 25;
* JCK Show ~ Las Vegas 2007, May 31; and
* JA New York Summer Show, July 29.

JCK