MJSA Press Room

Participants receive expert advice from U.S. Commercial Specialist for Canada Lucy Latka.

PROVIDENCE, RI– Continuing with its efforts to assist U.S. jewelry manufacturers and suppliers attempting to enter into the Canadian jewelry market, the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) Education Foundation recently hosted an informational roundtable with U.S. Commercial Specialist Lucy Latka of the U.S. Embassy in Canada. Attending the roundtable with Ms. Latka was Keith Yatsuhashi, an international trade specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce–Rhode Island Division, and Katherine Tufts, associate director for international trade at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. Each assisted MJSA members with questions about exporting to Canada.

The three arrived at MJSA headquarters on Tuesday, June 24, 2003, where they also met with MJSA President/CEO James F. Marquart, Director of Education Mary Walek, and Director of Trade Shows and Special Events Paula Esposito. They discussed a long-term relationship between MJSA members and the U.S. Embassy in Canada as well as reviewed the current status of the Canadian jewelry market.

During the roundtable, attention turned to opportunities offered in Canada, the largest market for U.S. jewelry products. Attending MJSA member companies had the opportunity to review export assistance programs offered by the U.S. Embassy in Canada, collect information on various promotional opportunities at Canadian trade shows, and discuss detailed concerns about entering the country’s marketplace.

According to Pat Fontana of C&J Jewelry in Providence, the event was a very timely presentation. “It definitely generated insight into the Canadian jewelry market and fit perfectly with what we are trying to accomplish. The amount of knowledge regarding opportunities at Canadian trade shows was also very useful to our current efforts. Overall, it was time well spent,” said Fontana.

Latka presented the nine U.S. Commercial Services programs offered by the U.S. Embassy in Canada. These flexible programs provide everything from interpreter services to market research, as well as consulting for U.S. companies contemplating a move into the Canadian market.

After the general roundtable, pre-arranged one-on-one appointments were held with individuals from various companies to discuss the most effective methods for how their specific products can enter Canada’s jewelry market.

For more information regarding MJSA and it cost-saving benefits, please call a MJSA Membership Services Representative at 1-800-444-MJSA, or visit our Web site at www.mjsainc.com.

-END-

MJSA is a national jewelry trade association representing 1,500 members. MJSA’s mission is to unite and empower our members to advance the jewelry manufacturing industry. To learn more about MJSA and its trade publication, AJM Magazine, visit www.mjsainc.com and www.ajm-magazine.com.