‘We can’t afford to lose’ these businesses.
(Press Release) CINCINNATI — The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) is raising money to be help watchmakers and clockmakers in Houston and surrounding areas who were affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Hurricane Harvey dumped as much as 50 inches of rain on areas of the Texas Gulf Coast. It is too early to predict total losses but estimates say it could be as high as $75 billion, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 homes destroyed in the Houston area and 33 counties in Texas declared federal disaster areas.
AWCI is still assessing damage to watch- and clock-related businesses but we are poised to help with whatever needs we find. You can donate to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund for Watchmakers and Clockmakers by visiting www.awci.com/harvey.
All funds will be given out directly to independent watch and clock repair businesses, regardless of affiliation; 100 percent of donations will be used to aid individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey.
You can help us identify watchmakers and clockmakers in need by visiting www.awci.com/harvey.
“The devastation we have seen in Houston is unprecedented and tragic,” says AWCI Executive Director Jordan Ficklin. “Operating an independent repair business is difficult enough without the challenge of a natural disaster. We knew immediately we had to do something to help those affected return to their businesses. There are not enough horologists as it stands. We can’t afford to lose a single one.”
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After 139 Years, A Family Legacy Finds Its Perfect Exit With Wilkerson.
When third-generation jeweler Sam Sipe and his wife Laura decided to close Indianapolis’ historic J.C. Sipe Jewelers, they turned to Wilkerson to handle their retirement sale. “The conditions were right,” Sam explains of their decision to close the 139-year-old business. Wilkerson managed the entire going-out-of-business sale process, from marketing strategy to sales floor operations. “Our goal was to convert our paid inventory into retirement funds,” notes Sam. “The results exceeded expectations.” The Sipes’ advice for jewelers considering retirement? “Contact Wilkerson,” Laura says. “They’ll help you transition into retirement with confidence and financial security.”