During the Jewelers of America Affiliate Leadership Conference held Jan. 25-27 in San Diego, “Gold Ring” awards were presented to affiliates that increased membership in 2001. Honored at the Gold Ring level (7% membership increase) were the Jewelers Associations of Maine, New Mexico, Vermont, New York State, and Maryland-Delaware-Washington, D.C. Honored at the Platinum level (for enrolling the most new members) was the New York State Jewelers Association. Each of the affiliates received a cash award as well as recognition from JA; in addition, the New York State Jewelers Association won an educational seminar presented by Platinum Guild International-USA. A special award also was presented to the New Mexico Jewelers Association for outstanding membership initiatives in 2001.

During the Leadership Conference, JA affiliate leaders attended educational presentations on topics such as newsletter production, utilizing new USPS programs, attracting and retaining members, and using surveys as a program development tool. JA director of education David Peters presented an overview of JA’s new “Careers in Jewelry” initiative, an industrywide program designed to attract and retain qualified, high-caliber individuals to the jewelry industry. In addition, many affiliate leaders took advantage of the opportunity to take the JA Sales Professional and Management Professional Certification tests.

For information on JA membership, call (800) 223-0673.