MJSA Press Room

LINCOLN, RI-   More than 150 industry members gathered recently for the 100th Annual Meeting of Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA), where they celebrated the association's century of service to the jewelry industry, looked toward to another successful century to come, and enjoyed an evening of networking and camaraderie.

The meeting, which took place Nov. 13 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, Rhode Island, began with a welcoming address by the MJSA chairman of the board, Curtis Ley of B.A. Ballou in Providence, RI.

"MJSA is a stellar national organization that provides many practical and beneficial programs. Representation before government, education, promotion of members' products   and services, and cost saving-benefits are just a few ways MJSA helps advance the industry. The association has relied on the commitment of its members for the past 100 years and with your help we will make these next 100 even more successful," said Ley.  

Ley went on to introduce the featured speaker for the event,   Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri, who presented MJSA with a citation recognizing its 100 years of advancing the jewelry industry. In addition, attendees walked through a special MJSA Hallway of History, featuring many historical photographs and items from the industry, dating from the early 1900's to the present--including order sheets, print advertising, and images of   fashion trends.

In his annual report to attendees, MJSA President/CEO James F. Marquart recapped the association's numerous successes over the past year, including significant increases in membership and participation in cost-saving benefit programs. "The growth we experienced over the past year is a testimony that we are in fact 'Stronger Together,''' commented Marquart. "This will provide us with the foundation for an even more successful future."

Marquart also highlighted several of MJSA's plans as the association enters its second century of service. This includes continued involvement in fighting for an equal global trade policy and the elimination of all non-tariff trade barriers; the ongoing "Safe and Secure" compliance program helping both retailers and manufacturers implement safe working conditions and abide by local safety codes;   the expansion of trade show venues and pavilions to help increase the promotion of member products; and serving as a bridge between retailers and manufacturers to create new opportunities for growth and profitability for both sectors of the industry. Exemplifying this latter commitment, MJSA voted in Sue Gove, COO/Executive VP of Zale Corp. of Irving, Texas--to the MJSA Board of Directors.

Joining Gove were two new directors: Richard Frederick of Keystone Findings in Telford, Pennsylvania, and Tory Hoover of Hoover & Strong in Richmond, Virginia.

Voted in as MJSA officers were First Vice Chair Michael Akkaoui of Tanury Industries in Lincoln, Rhode Island; Second Vice Chair Robert J. Wueste of Samuel Aaron International in Long Island City, New York; Secretary Pat Patten of The Patten Group LLC in Redondo Beach, California; and Treasurer Rich Powers of Stern Metals in Providence.

In addition, two outgoing board members were honored: Michael Paolercio of Michael Anthony Jewelers in Mt. Vernon, New York, and Matthew Stuller of Stuller Settings Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Peter Fuller, of Fuller Box Co., North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was elected as the new chairman of the MJSA Education Foundation. He replaces Howard Schachter, who was presented with a special plaque in recognition of his service to the foundation. Schachter, who became the Foundation's first chairman in 1997, will continue to serve as chairman emeritus.

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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.