Press Releases

IJO Cancels February Conference

The group is seeking to avoid the risks of COVID-19.

Published

3 years ago

December 17, 2020

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) After much thought and deliberation, the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has made the decision to cancel its Spring Conference scheduled for Feb. 26 through March 2, 2021, at the Marriott World Center in Orlando. With the current environment and status of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers felt that taking any risks and putting any members and/or staff in danger could not be justified.

“It has been reported that the next few months will be the toughest in the battle against COVID-19,” stated IJO President and CEO Jeff Roberts, “and I feel it is our responsibility to take every precaution necessary.”

All at IJO are optimistic that with the delivery of a vaccine to the public this situation will vastly improve and allow life to return somewhat to normal. They feel that by this summer they will be able to have their conference in Kansas City Aug. 13-17 as planned.

Roberts added, “We are deeply saddened and so sorry to our members who were looking forward to Orlando but at this time it is the prudent move. We will be holding a virtual Conference in February with the date and details to follow.”

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”